It is indeed true that the finer things in life are free, but what most people fail to notice is that the greatest things in life, however , comes with a huge amount of sacrifice, hardship, perseverance, hard work and determination. Everyone benefits from good things, after all, they're free and easy! However, not everyone enjoys the greater things life has to offer. I don't blame them, quite simply. It is extremely easy to be indolent. Why put elbow grease into one, when the other is easy? I'll tell you why. It is a story of hard work, sacrifice, devastation, confidence, despair, perseverance and determination. My name is Maria from Los Angeles Delaz and this is my story. I was an ordinary teenager, most people who know me say that I lived a very sheltered life, that I lived in a lavish glass bubble where the world was funky and elegant. My family was perfect, mom and dad were childhood sweethearts in Cuba. They lived next door to each other, went to school together, got married, had me, and moved to Madrid, Spain; where my mother's family was waiting for us with open arms. Four years later my sister Aida arrived and two years later my little brother Alfredo came into the world. We came to California with the great “American Dream” in mind. For us, higher education, stability in the field of work and freedom. Both of my parents worked from home and when high school came around for me, I was pulled out of LAUSD and started studying at home. We were a very close-knit family. Everyone knew what each other was doing, we ate all three meals together, watched the same shows, and even had a family night, where Monopoly was a family staple. Everything was sup... middle of paper...... what her heart told her was good for her. A Maria who lived her life to the fullest. A Maria who would soon help people and who would be proud to let everyone know that Western Washington University helped her achieve her happiness, achieve her life's dream. Why Western? Some people might answer because of the beautiful campus and beautiful setting. Others might say that because it's a close border with Canada and the ethnic variation between the US and Canada would be something I would love to experience. What is my answer? Because I know that Western Washington University is the key to my success. I know Western Washington will help me reach my full potential, I know I will achieve my dream of becoming a doctor, and I want Western to be the one to thank. I've been a diamond in the rough for too long, Western will polish me. It's my time to shine.