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Isn't it crazy how grownups think that being a high school student is easy, with all those acronyms and responsibilities we have to worry about?

My parents never had the opportunity or privilege of even finishing high school, but they have always told my sisters and me that college is our ticket. They've helped us realize that education is the only way to make our dreams come true, and that no matter what obstacles exist, we must fight through them.

When I was younger, I thought going to college would be easy. As I have gotten older, I realize there is more to getting into college than just having good grades.

I got a bit scared, knowing it would be hard for my parents to help me through the "getting into college" experience, because they hadn't done it themselves. It would be new for both of us.

Luckily, I was able to get into a program offered at my school called AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. The mission of this program, available to students all over the country, is to ensure that its students succeed in the most rigorous curriculum, with leadership and organizational skills and much more. The best part about AVID is that it wasn't only for me, but it helped my parents as well. Now after more than two years of being in AVID, I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to be in the class.

Although, I have to take it as a second elective, AVID has pushed me to challenge myself and has taught me to be a leader in the community. I've learned to be a critical thinker and that organization and hard work is key to success. Without AVID, I'd be lost and honestly probably lack the drive for success in high school.

My parents have always been great role models but I credit AVID for making me a real student. Everyone deserves the opportunity to an education beyond high school. AVID granted me the opportunity.