I grew up in Vermont which contains 626k people, and within a town of 1200 (now 3200) people. Lived in 3 room trailer with a family addition. Grew up with my father making little less then 19k/year for a family of six, my father was a trailer park landlord. My parents had a torturous relationship, so much 2 of my 3 brothers were taken out of the home. I was the only adopted child, witness a lot. By the time i was 16 I emancipated my parents to divorce the divorce battle . At 16, I lived with my 23 year boyfriend and his friends, something a girl my age should not be doing. Emotionally rattled, mother estranged, I was determined to get out from the bandwidth of country life and at 17 moved to NYC. I hadn't know what college I wanted to go to, as I had no money, not like my parents were going to help...but Somehow I picked FIT. My 3 brothers financially helped me the best they could and I worked 2 jobs, took 21 credits per semester, worked my tail off! I applied for every grant, scholarship and internship I could. 24 years later here I am. A MBA graduate from Pepperdine, got into one of the most elite programs the school has to offer. I lived in NYC for 18 years before moving to California 7 years ago. I have been around the world in over 20 countries, and numerous cities. I have a story, not a lot of people believe. I was told in high school I didn't have what it took to succeed. I remember my Latin teacher disappointing me we a horrible letter of recommendation and my school counselor telling me to go to not think too big. I have hit rock bottom more then once, even more than twice. I believed in myself and I believe each child needs to believe they can do it. They need dreams! They must think big!