Limitations by Jesse Terry, 8th Grade
Limitations are self imposed.
A couple of weeks ago a man from the military came to speak to us and his statement will forever be with me. "The only thing that can stop you, is you." PFL has taught me that there is only one way I will not reach my goals. There is only one way my dreams will not come true and that will be if I allow myself to be distracted by the negativity of the world. Therefore, the only one keeping me from becoming another statistic, another kid......standing on the corner saying "I could of, I should of, and if I had a second chance I would of." The only difference between them and me is the fact that I refuse to lose; because limitations are self imposed. I believe I speak for everyone here when I say PFL has not just helped me grow as a student but as a person too. PFL has also helped me grow stronger both mentally and physically especially from those long afternoons running the hill with Mr. Vic!
Education has always been my number one priority. Even before PFL I always wanted to do well in school. Before I was accepted into this program I wasn't the brightest or the best, but every day I would put in 110 percent, although sometimes even that wasn't good enough. So when I was recommended for this program I asked why? Now, looking back on my teacher's decision I believe it was because of my work ethic, my never quit attitude and with those I believe she saw potential: a kid with a dream of success; a kid with no limits.
During the course of this program PFL has given me all the tools and support I need to be successful in life. Here I have been surrounded by people who believe in me and I believe in them. All of my counselors over the years have been great mentors and role models and I look up to them and trust them with everything. In addition these people at PFL have taught me to believe in myself even when I feel no one else does.
Mr. Brent once wrote on the board "Too many times we give children the answers instead of providing them with the problem to solve." Here at PFL an answer was never given to me, but there was always someone to help me find a solution. All of the people at PFL have helped me overcome obstacles and break down walls that I know I would not have been able to do on my own. Here away from mom, away from dad, we are taught to be independent but dependent. - that when you fall there will always be someone to pick you up. I can say I have fallen many times but there has always been someone to lend a helping hand.
My experience here at PFL has truly been an honor I have made many friends over the years that I know will last a lifetime. I have been able to be guided by some of the greatest staff in the world. If I could take one thing away from this experience it is if you are going to dream, dream big: dream without limits; dream and never let anyone take your dream. Hold it close and never let it go, because we are the future. We are the future Bill Gates, Oprah Winfreys and Barak Obamas. We live in a world with no limits where possibilities are endless. We are unstoppable and the only way we can be stopped is if we limit ourselves........because limitations are self imposed.
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