How Have You Worked For Success?

If someone were to ask what you have done to achieve success in your life, what would you say?

For me, the answer is quite simple. I have paid my own way through college and stayed out of debt. To some that might seem like an easy thing to do, but in my experience it was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have done.

You may be wondering how I did it?

Lots of planning and hard work. I started working when I was 14 years young. Just like most teenagers in my small town, I did lawn care and cleaning for a bed and breakfast. I kept that job until I entered high school at 16. I no longer had time for a bunch of small jobs and decided to move on to a more official job position. Shortly after, I was hired on at a local grocery store. My days consisted of going to classes for eight hours, high school soccer practice for two and a half hours, work for three hours, and then homework for the small amount of time I had left. Some days I had to stay up till early morning to finish all my homework. I managed this lifestyle for four years. At every turn I was growing and making sure I kept good grades. In my senior year of high school, I started applying for scholarships and looking for valuable universities at lower costs. I wanted quality education, for obtainable prices. I applied to every scholarship that I qualified for and decided BYU-I was the place for me.

May not sound like a lot, but get this...

I went into my freshman year of college with two scholarships that almost fully covered all my expenses. By my sophomore year, I had three scholarships that fully covered all my expenses. No book fees, tuition, or housing expenses. Scholarships covered it all.

However that isn't the best part. Not for me at least.

The best part came from the experiences and growth I got working during the five to six years before I even started college. It allowed me to prepare what I call my, "safety cushion of hard work." It helped me pay for personal expenses like groceries, gas, dates, etc. It let me enjoy working hard on keeping my good grades. It let me go to college with two of my siblings. It opened countless doors, while showing me the doors I still have closed.

If you're thinking about what to do, start now. You got this!

#workhard #debtfree #accomplisments