Product of my environment

"I am not a product of my environment...my environment is a product of me." ~Me

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, make them." ~ Unknown (I think it belongs to George Bernard Shaw)

I have not ever had a silver spoon in my mouth. I did not always have the newest, flyest, or trendiest clothes. I had many misfortunes and downfalls growing up. My school was not ranked one of the top schools in the country let alone the city. Don't get me wrong my life was not completely terrible. I had many fun times, friends, laughs, smiles, and wonderful memories. It's just that I've been in the trenches and I know it is a place that I do not ever want to revisit. I have used every ounce of negative situations and short comings to prepare me for my future which is now my present. I refuse to let statistics dictate my life to me or determine the path that I would travel down. I refused to listen to what others thought would be the limit to my success; if that was success at all. People tend to set limits for others for two reasons: 1. They do not want that person to surpass their own achievements and 2. Jealousy and Envy. As ridiculous as it may seem....think about it.
I decided a long time ago to just do what I needed to do, to make things better for me. It was not always easy to go against the grain but I have never really been a conformist. I did what others would not do for me which was believe in myself. I know that I am the only person who can stand in my way of achieving whatever the task is. I made my goals and my plans to achieve those goals. I was determined to guarantee that I would end up in a place better than where I started.
As for my past, I am thankful for all it has taught me. It has taught me to appreciate all things, and be humble. I appreciate my past because I know everything in life will not be easy. It is my foundation. I am thankful for the hand that I have dealt. I do know that my current environment is as a result of own determination, success, and belief in myself.

"Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if you have sufficient will you should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible." ~ Unknown (I think this one as well belongs to George Bernard Shaw)