Steve_Pre_&_Faith

Steve Prefontaine, a famous Olympian, stated that, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." My life has not been the easiest. I am a sophomore at Montclair State University. Throughout the years, I do believe I have given my life or academics my best focus at the time. I have had many struggles in my life growing up and still face daily obstacles. However, with hard work, determination, and focus I know I will continue to persevere. I do not want to "sacrifice the gift" I know I posses. With my caring, compassionate personality along with my life experiences I believe I could contribute positively to your university. Life has not been uncomplicated for me. Like many people I have had to overcome many obstacles. However, I have endured pain that no one should. My father passed away when I was six and my mother quickly began to move on with our life and moved us to “The States.” My mother, sole guardian of my sisters and I, remarried by the time I was eight. My mother then gave birth to my three younger brothers. My mother's new husband was unfortunately to both my family and himself involved with drugs. Simultaneous to the birth of his first child; my stepfather began a roller coaster ride of extreme drug abuse. His drug abuse would last for many years and consequently have him locked away in state penitentiaries three times. For many years I witnessed my stepfather's drug abuse. I saw my family falling apart; my “new” father wasn’t there to guide me. As my freshman year of high school approached, my family life had not improved. My stepfather was once again in jail. My mother decided that we should move into my grandmother's house. My three younger brothers, my sisters, my mother, and I were crammed into one bedroom. My family's financial situation was not good. Although having a stack of bills to pay, my mother sent money to my stepfather throughout his duration in jail. My mother chose my stepfather over my siblings and I many times. I do not resent the choices my mother has made but they do sadden me. Due to the frustration and struggles of my life, I began to internalize the pain I endured. Although I plunged myself into my academics and extra curricular activities, I began to dislike myself more and more. The distraction I made with school, clubs, and sports would not last long. Sophomore year came around and I had formed a severe eating disorder and I too was involved with drugs. Losing about 20 pounds, I was down to an unrecognizable, 112-pound. I would end up in my first rehab facilities to overcome my drug addiction and distortion I had form of myself. With my life spinning out of control, I decided to seek professional help. I began to visit a psychotherapist that summer. Attending weekly therapy and bi-weekly support groups, my disorder began to subside. Summer flew by and junior year was here. I began that school year focused. Although repeating some courses from my sophomore year, I was in school and getting exceptionally good grades. Unfortunately, I relapsed and things began to spiral out of control. My stepfather being released from jail persuaded my mother to move our family out of my grandmother's house and into a three-bedroom apartment. Fighting occurred everyday. I remember the pain and bruises as it were yesterday. After arguing with my stepfather, mother, or sisters I felt disgusted with myself. My progression began to plateau and soon would regress.