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What Shaped Me Research Paper

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What Shaped Me to Become the Man that I Am Today?
Kofi Annan once said that, “if tolerance, respect, and equity permeate family life, they will translate into values that shape societies, nations and the world.” This quote summarizes who I am and what shaped me to become who I am today. In this essay, I will discuss how my family and the society that I grew up with influenced and molded me as a person.
Not everyone is born with a silver spoon, especially not in South Carolina where I was born. I was born and grew up in poverty and to a single mother and four other siblings. The early years of my life were surrounded by deprivation, hunger and violence. When I say poverty, I literally meant little or no access to basic necessities, much more to material goods. Being poor and the unfavorable one in my family, I can remember vividly diving into dumpsters for food. It …show more content…
Kennedy statement “ ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Though, growing up, the society that I grew up almost failed me, I still choose to make a difference to the same society by I enlisting into the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school. It was my chance to give back and to save other kids in my neighborhood by becoming a good role model to them. Despite being abused an abandoned as a child. I am a loving father, brother, son, mentor, and friend. Through God’s mercy I overcame many obstacles in life. My sons have a positive male role model in their lives that they can emulate. Reflecting on my past reminds me to never give up. Regardless how bleak the situation is, you can overcome it with persistence and patience. My family and friends that know my struggles would say that I am the epitome of success. This is only the beginning my work is not done yet. Today I teach, coach, and mentor troubled youth. The needs of others will always be placed above my own. I am better today than what I use to be, but not as great as I will

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