My childhood was full of challenges. I had a learning disability that made me feel like an outcast. I couldn't concentrate in class, no matter how much my teachers urged me. I quickly became a target for bullies. They harassed me in the hallways, threw food at me during lunch, and laughed at me. I even felt picked on by my teachers. I was once asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When I answered “An engineer,” the teacher turned his head to a colleague and chuckled. I couldn't understand why they were laughing. When I started middle school, chaos seemed to be all around me. The students were disrespectful towards their teachers and each other, but I was the main target. They called me all kinds of offensive names. Over time I became insecure and antisocial. Every morning became a chore and I constantly found myself making excuses why I didn't have to go to school. Back then I remembered my goal of becoming an engineer. My cousin inspired me to become a role model for students. I have considered him an icon my entire life and have seen his success in education...