Joseph Nguyen

I want you to imagine yourself in your safe haven. For some, they picture themselves at home with family and possibly a pet. For others, they might imagine themselves hanging out with friends in a basement, playing video games. Whatever the location may be, envision yourself enveloped in the warmth and coziness from those around you. Got that image implanted in your mind? Now, slash it entirely in half and step into a glimpse of a boy thrown into the real world all alone.

Flashback to August 1st, 2020, where students were sentenced to the system of virtual education. COVID-19 was on its journey to notoriety, and there was a constant debate between parents on whether or not it was ethical to send students to classrooms. The majority of school districts moved to a virtual setting, which in turn meant that students participated in their classes from the comfort of their bedrooms.That wasn't the case for me. During this time, I was just like any other high school student, eager to graduate and begin a new chapter in my life. However, my biggest enemy at the time was my relationship with my family. What once began as a subtle matter, morphed into a dreadful situation that resulted in me having to completely move out of my house as a senior in high school. Fortunately for myself, I received an offer from a semi professional soccer team in Ann Arbor, Michigan. So I packed my bags, and left with no regrets to chase the dream that I had throughout my entire childhood.

Living alone in Michigan for my entire senior year proved to be no easy task. Using the money I had saved up from tutoring kids and serving tables, I purchased a years worth of rent at a humble apartment within the distance of the University of Michigan. I spent my days completing my online school assignments since I was still a high school student. Once school ended, I would rush to my part-time job as a bartender and Korean barbecue server. Furthermore, once my shift ended at 9 I would make my way to soccer training to push forth towards my ultimate goal of making it into the English Premier League. This lifestyle was extremely tough on me. A high school student, forced into a situation where he had to fend for his own and completely provide for himself, without being ready for college yet. Yeah, pretty insane right? Fast forward two years, and I find myself starting my sophomore year at the University of Georgia without any regrets. All I do now, is take each day one by one with optimism and hope.