“Make sure you have your priorities in order. I didn’t make studying or class attendance a priority the first time I was in college, and my grades reflected that. I was worried about the wrong things in life. However, this time, I really viewed school as a second chance to rewrite part of my story. I have taken it very seriously, and I’m proud to say that it’s reflected in my grades this time, too. Since coming back to school, I have made 18 A’s and one B. My first semester in grad school I have a 4.0. I don’t say those things to brag, but if you were to look at my transcripts from my first college enrollment, you would have thought, ‘This kid just doesn’t have what it takes,’ or ‘He’ll never graduate.’ Don’t let negative voices or thoughts tell you who you’re going to be or what you can accomplish. And don’t let your past dictate your future.”