In Rochester, New York, an 11-year-old boy grew up differently from the rest. His mother battled narcotics as did his father. When he was 4, his mother left so he lived in a one-bedroom apartment with father and grandmother. He wasn't too happy. His grandmother, like a mother to him, soon became hospitalized. He was nervous and scared but hoped for the best. He didn’t like school, but his math assistant and English teacher took care of him. He felt loved being with them. One ordinary Friday he stayed after school with his teachers because they made him feel loved. Called down to the office, he walked into a main office meeting room containing all his teachers, counselor, and father gathered in a circle. He sat in an open seat. He looked to his left to his father who said, "Your grandmother passed away." His heart was broken. After a couple of days, his father gifted him a ring; it once had been his grandmother’s. It had a heart stone and he kept it by his side. Since then, things have changed and so has he: new family, passion and a new heart. Though still not healed from his grandmother's passing, he has found new ways to cope. He lifts weights and plays football. He had learned that the road isn’t going to always be easy, but he also isn’t one to give up. He accepts it and does what he needs to do to achieve this goal. He applies himself to the gym and football and continues to work hard.  Currently battling an ACL injury, he continues to push through every day and won’t let it stop him. His grandmother taught him to never give up, to keep fighting, and he always will

– nickwarda

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant