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Keep moving forward in life

Don’t let setbacks prevent you from achieving your great possibilities

By Vladimir Guerrier

3/5/2010 11:14:15 AM

I am a freshman at Northeastern University in Boston. I am lucky enough to be involved in the Torch Scholars Program (northeastern.edu/torch), through which I earned a scholarship for demonstrating perseverance as a first generation college student.

My advice to seniors in high school is to get as much help as possible. Find things to do in addition to schoolwork, because sports, clubs, and jobs can motivate you to do well in school. I knew that my coach would come down on me if I didn’t do well in classes.

I didn’t necessarily like high school, but I knew the importance of it. Now, in college, I am more focused and my priorities are straight. I know what is expected of me and what people are looking for me to do.

I am motivated by being a leader—someone who is a positive role model. When I’m not in class, I spend time mentoring high school seniors through a program called LEAD (Linking Education and Diversity) that helps students through the college application process.

Never let something hold you down. If something bad happens, then it happens. Do not be disappointed; move on with the best that you have, and just keep moving forward, even if it’s just small steps. Never take any steps backwards, even if you feel that you just want to give up. One day, those footsteps and hard work, the constant forward progress, will all pay off for you.

Vladimir Guerrier is a business/management information systems major at Northeastern University.  

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