I was thirteen when I knew... Tracey Lynn Cooper

I was thirteen when I knew. After the first grade report came in, my "A's" gleaming gloriously, a testament to my perseverance and academic achievement, I decided to seek this "education thing" with all that is in me. There was no reason to go halfway, no excuse for the easy way out. In 8th grade I knew that a University was my ultimate goal, and not just any University, but one that would be as rewarding to attend as those "A's" were to see. This objective is clear when one regards my High School Career and each challenge I pursued throughout all four years: mental, emotional, physical, and social challenges; I invested in my own development as a student and person. I was thirteen when I knew I had to take advantage of every opportunity that would place me on the right path, toward the right college.

In pursuit of higher education, I immediately set my sights on my goal: attending a University. Knowing this would take preparation both academically and otherwise, I planned out the courses I would take for the rest of my years at Cathedral City High School. Freshman year I focused on balancing challenges, maintaining good school work-ethic while sharpening my mind and body with a new sport....