jesse-85I flew out to St. Louis to speak at a National Conference – I can’t believe how much my life continues to change for the better because of college. Sights I’ve yet to see, people I’ve yet to meet, and experiences I’ve yet to experience. Watch the video below to see how it went!

I don’t really consider “my story” to be anything out of the ordinary because chances are, if you’re reading this, you might have experienced a lot of the things I’ve had to experience. Our stories may not seem spectacular to us but to the outside world, they have the potential to touch the hearts of the masses and inspire. For every one of us that makes it to college, that is one more person breaking the mold and beating the odds.

Who says we can’t be first-generation college students? Who says because our parents didn’t go, we can’t possibly make it? Be living proof that these statements are false. I shared my story at NACAC 2010 conference and I was humbled to hear people say that they were inspired. My story is no different than yours. In fact, your story has the potential to be even more amazing, depending on how you decide to write it. The only thing holding you back is yourself! Hard work, optimistic thinking, and remembering you have the RIGHT to go to college and better yourself and your family are the keys to writing a great story. Hear some words after the presentation at NACAC National Conference by watching the video!