Winston Churchill once said “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”.

The pessimist that once resided in me resisted the chances and opportunities that would have given me better odds in life. Through my mentor, Mr. Blount, I have changed my ways and made positive steps towards a bright future. I have graduated from high school, obtained a driver’s license, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Without the Alice Blount Academy, the optimist within me would never have come out. I would have missed my chance at the biggest opportunity of all: to have a successful, fulfilling life.