In the world are a lot of people who have had their ups and downs. Some have had good moments, and on the flipside, they have endured bad moments. In the end, everybody has achieved different goals, or overcome many obstacles, in their lifetime. Even though I am just a teenager, I believe it’s safe to say that when overcoming your obstacles you can find the good moments in bad situations by being optimistic. From the time my parents enrolled me in school to now, the state of Florida has required that all pupils have to pass numerous tests to go on to the next grade level. I've gotten through the first day of school each school year, passed the FCAT, and graduated fifth grade.

It became more difficult entering middle school because it was a new setting. I was in sixth grade at and I wasn't sure how I would adjust to the changes academically. I was sure that it would be a “smooth ride”. One thing I wasn't unsure about was higher expectations of me from my teachers, but that wasn't my biggest concern. My concern was directed towards the Common End of Course Exam. Since I hadn't taken one before, I kept thinking I would flunk my exams. When my mother showed me my results, I saw that I had received all A’s on my exams.

Overcoming these goals academically helped me to become a better person. I also wanted to overcome obstacles in other areas of my life. I have played the piano for six years. Working my way up to the level I’m on now wasn't always easy or exciting, because it involved a lot of practicing. When the time came for my Federation and Guild Competitions, I received a superior plus and my hard work payed off. I am a high achiever. I always try to do the best I can or give my best effort. Many say “Specification is key,” but, I believe sometimes, “Perseverance is key”.

At times I admit, I feel like giving up or taking a break from doing something that’s expected of me like doing my work all the time. In the end, my hard work will pay off because all the knowledge I've gained in my life will follow me into my adulthood. Making good choices now, and setting goals in my life, will always be helpful because I’ll be a step closer to what I deserve in life.

Accomplishing or overcoming goals can be a piece of cake or be like a brick wall blocking you from what’s on the other side. If you keep working for what you want and believe in, it will reward you in more ways than you know. Every day that we live is a gift from God and what you make of it is in your hands. I believe it is always good to overcome an obstacle because like the French playright, Moliere said “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”