My Story.
By: Julia Barys
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I have a dream, and I will stay determined, work hard, and do everything in my power to make my dream a reality.
Growing up, I had a lot of negativity in my life, and just recently, I experienced a success that I consider, a significant step towards my dream/goal for life.
During my elementary/middle school years, acheiving straight A's was never an easy task due to a mild learning disability. My disability lead to low quality test taking ability, which affected me a lot with the SATs. However, during high school, I acheived almost all A's in which I am very proud of. The SAT's of course was the only thing holding me back from getting into the school of my choice. The school of my choice is located near Los Angeles, CA, the home of the entertainment industry. Working in the entertainment industry is my goal/dream, and just going to school in the same area was something to strive for in itself.
With a mild disability in Reading Comprehension, the SAT Verbal Section was really to my disadvantage. I applied for extra timing numerous times, and got turned down each and every time. When I got a letter from the school, which was not a solid rejection, saying my SAT score did not reach the minimum for allowable admission, I began to lose hope.
I started crying, hating myself, my life, standardized tests, among other things. I called up my admissions counselor in tears when I received the letter and asked him nicely if there was anything else I could do to improve my application packet. My counselor was one of the most understanding, kind, and considerate people I have ever met. He gave me a second chance to improve my scores and gave me suggestions of how to really prepare for the SAT. So, I purchased an 8 inch thick SAT prep booklet, and drilled away for 3 hours each day, during the 2 week period I had before the test. The book really stressed me out and I thought I was gonna die, trying to retain all of that information.
Well, I finally took the test, and remained utterly nervous and scared for the 4 weeks prior to receiving my scores. I finally received my scores, and was ecstatic to see that I increased 50 points. My counselor told me that I needed a 50-60 point increase for consideration. I was so happy! My admissions counselor was very happy for me too, and sent my application packet to an appeal committee, convincing them that I really have the drive to go to their school and am determined to do well. My grades were stellar, which was a total plus. Just shows that a simple test score doesn't mean anything when it comes to measuring a person's intelligence and potential.
After 3 weeks of waiting around for a decision, my counselor called me and said "Congratulations Julia, you have been admitted." That literally made my year! I was so happy and excited, I wasn't in a bad mood about anything for a long time. I was so determined to make it into that school, I did anything to get there.
No matter how rough the seas may get, never give up. If all the doors are closed, open one. If opportunity runs out, make more. If the storms get rough, they blow away, not you. My advice to anyone with a dream is to always believe in yourself, believe in the universe and you will for sure see good results.
The path to any success, big or small, may get rough, and when it does, take charge, never settle for less than you are determined to get. The human being can do amazing things, and if the mind really dwells upon something, the body will react. Follow your dreams and never give up, because it's the losers that say success is only "luck".
For an update on me, I just finished my first semester at Chapman University in Orange County CA, having earned a 3.7 GPA. My major is Communications, however I am switching to Theater Performance. I am breaking into the modeling industry which I plan Television and Movies to follow. UCLA is in mind for transferring to as an undergraduate and/or future schooling. To everyone who took the time to read my story: God Bless every one of you, and may all of your lives shine like stars.
