Optional Essay

"The race is not given to the swift, nor is it given to the strong, but it is given to the one who endures to the end."

This quote that I live by has been the wind beneath my wings because it was expressed to me through the actions of many African American men who made grand impacts on my life.

One man in particular whom I never had the esteemed pleasure to meet, made one of the greatest lasting impressions on my life that has allowed me to know that I am able to do anything I put my mind to, no matter the circumstances or obstacles. The man I speak of has taught me through many obstacles encountered that "Character, not circumstances, makes the man." (Booker T. Washington) Through his many works, he has instilled in me that anything desired is attainable. The man I speak of with such conviction and magnitude is none other than Booker Taliaferro Washington.

Booker Taliaferro Washington was born in 1856 on the Burroughs tobacco farm, which he referred to as the plantation in spite of its small size. His mother was a cook and his father was a white man from a nearby farm. Washington felt that his life was the same as any other slave but this did not cause him to look down on himself or others. Booker T. Washington took his situation and made it a positive outlet for him. He did not allow circumstances, slavery, or the initial lack of a proper education to detour him from his dreams and aspirations. Washington's character carried him a long way throughout his life. He never let go of his dreams.

Although our circumstances of life are fairly different, he has still instilled in me to never allow my dreams to die and through character, effective change, and confidence all things are possible.

It is true that I am looked upon as a remarkable high school athlete but I do know that success cannot be attained by athleticism alone. One of my most inspirational moments is one that I take part in daily. I take the time to view a daily thought that has been rendered from prominent African American men of past history. Though there have been many, the ones that I have viewed by Booker T. Washington have seemingly been the most influential in my life.

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life...as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." (Booker T. Washington)