Recently, Dartanyon shared his struggles and his ultimate inspiration in an assignment for his English course at Cuyahoga Community College. We were touched by his candor and determination to never give up. We hope in some small way it inspires you to Carry On.
Reading this passage made me think of the struggles that I had to face to get to where I am today. There were many obstacles that I had to face along the way, including discouraging authority figures and even family members who truly believed that at one point I wouldn’t amount to anything. The disability that I have made me somewhat of an outcast when I was a lot younger. Through it all it still made me the person I am today.
The people that believed that I wouldn’t amount to anything taught me a tough and very valuable lesson in life. In life people will say some of the most hurtful things, and some or even most of those people will be the closest ones to you. That’s why you have to stay true to who you are. You can’t let what anyone tell you that you can’t reach you goals or turn your dreams into reality. No one can dictate where you will end up in life that’s up for you to decide.
I honestly, for a time never thought I would that I would ever make it this far. There would be points in my life that I would ask myself, “Where do I go from here?” and, “What do I do now?” At one point I thought school would be the hardest part of growing up; however, it was actually the easiest. It was like a short escape from the life that I had; the life that I didn’t want, but looking back on it now, the trails and hardships that I faced made me much stronger.
Life was hard growing up, it’s hard even now; however, when I was growing up I learned that you won’t gain anything if you don’t put in hard work. Through all the pain and struggle, the love and memory of one person is what kept me in my right state if mind. That person is my mother. She passed when I was eight years old. For a while I used to think I would never make it without her, but I realized that her love and spirit lives on within me. Knowing that she wanted the best for me and wants me to never give up, or give in to life’s temptations and cruelty’s, that is what kept me strong.
I still had people along the way that would help me, but my mother was my main inspiration. That’s why I cannot fail. I won’t fail. I also learned that failure comes to those who let it, but greatness comes to those who want it. If you don’t have faith in who you are and what you believe in, and ready to give up when life gets hard then you will surely fail. Life is a vigorous journey with many twist and turns ups and downs, for some it comes easy, as for others like me it come terrifyingly hard. That why at times, you have to struggle to get to where you want to be in life.
This is a beautiful piece of writing. I watched your story on ESPN and like so many other people I have been deeply inspired by you and Leroy. I’m currently a second year law student in Arizona. I can say with all sincerity that you have the one thing that the legal profession so desperately needs; heart. Your passion, integrity, and determination will make you an incredible attorney. I will be proud to one day be able to call you my professional peer. Keep up the hard work and know that there are many people who draw strength from your courage and dedication.