They viewed me in a cruel and envious way
I kept being myself
They said I brag about my success
I was honored to share my accomplishments
They triggered my attachments to sports and favorite athletes
I practiced everyday with coaches by myself and won championships
They bad-mouthed my world travels
I felt motivated to keep blazing new trails
They said I only like movies that settle in the city that never sleeps
I was grateful for The Incredibles and Star Wars
They told me summer camp is not for me
I found a home away from home and matured
They called me obsessive when I expressed my love for NYC
I was the first one to apply to universities out of state
They disrespected my academic performance
I became the valedictorian of my high school graduating class
They disclosed that college in New York would never amount to anything for me
I am a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Pace University with a BA
Their negativity made me use
My determination
