Dario Cortez Ms.

Ingram English 1102

Whats it like to be you?

Whats it like to be me? Well its a bit complicated but Ill try to explain by starting from the beginning. I was born in a humble home in Newark, NJ. Raised by my father, Ruben, and my mother, Miriam, I thought I had a normal life. So I thought As a smart student in elementary school I got mocked for being the nworda nerd. As I reached the sixth grade, I had made a circle of good friends that accepted me for who I was and knew I shouldnt be drowned in negative words of others. I finally reached middle school and I decided to start new by pretending I was somebody else. I started great as I progress into the seventh grade but my grades started to go downhill. I learned I couldn't just focus on social aspects and impressing everyone all the time. This continued throughout middle school. Before I finished eighth grade my family decided to move to the town of Harrisburg in North Carolinaunfortunately. Although it was such a sad transition for me, I believe that it was necessary in my life. Sometimes we cant foresee see our future and just have to accept change. I embrace change because it forms you and you learn who you really are. I'm blessed to know that every event in my life was essential for the present me.

So far in life I have some confidence, average academic skills, and absolutely no direction in life. When I arrived in North Carolina, I faced a new oppositionracism. This challenge woke me up and I had to learn how to be proud of who I am and where I came from. Im proud to be Latino and everywhere I go I say it no matter what the expected comments and reactions would be. Im the type of person that embraces culture and, like David; I hope to pass my cultures torch to my children and so on. High school was also a whole other stage of my life that basically molded me into the person I am today. High school taught me to be myself and to be secure with who Im. This was hard for me before but I was tired of wearing masks and being somebody else everyone else wanted. I love myself and I wouldn't change me for the world! At this point in my life, I met so many people that influenced me to become helpful and positive. Im the type of person who loves to help everyone and just smiles during the storm. The biggest influence of my life isGod. I was born as a Christian but I was always lukewarm and never really cared much about religion. It was until my junior in highschool when God spoke to my life and filled me with conviction. I had ignored my Savior for the last time and I gave my life entirely to Him. Anywhere I am, I proclaim His word and His love. I am unashamed of the gospel and live to glorify Him in all that I do. I put all my faith and trust in my God and let him take control instead of me. As I walk on the path of life I strive to decrease ad let Jesus increase in me. Without Him, I surely would not be todays Dario Cortez.

As I come to a close, I cant ignore my familys teachings and lessons. My parents have taught me to be the best I can be. Nobody is perfect but you can achieve greatness if youre determined enough. Im a perfectionist an optimist and a hard worker and an honest man due to my parents. I am Dario Cortez and I am an end result after events, family, friends, and God have entered into my life. Poem from Senior year in highschool: Youre heaven's perfect lamb The Great I AM Descended from glory, to give us a sword Not literal, but the powerful Word Deceived by your own Judged and left alone Tortured by man But this was always the plan Carried your death bed But the victory you lead Died on the cross for our sins But still forgave us for our ignorance Now "Holy, Holy, Holy" is what the angels sing Praise and worship to the Eternal King Youre the path to salvation Lord of all creation What you did has no price Thank you Lord, Jesus Christ