Markell Harris '20 Recruiting Profile

Hello, I would like to introduce myself to you, my name is Markell Harris, and I’m a 17 year old senior from Wylie E. Groves High School. I would like to thank you in advance for taking time to read my essay. I want to give you the opportunity to really get to know who I am, where I come from, and where I'm headed in life. I remember my first year of high school. I was a little kid coming from a small middle school; into a totally different environment and change of pace. The first couple of weeks, I thought it was going to be a cake walk. I had a rude awakening, I found myself drowning in missing assignments and, unable to keep up with the pace of the classes.

I thought the homework and class work would be as easy as middle school work. During parent teacher conferences my teachers had nothing but, good things to say about me however; a few teachers suggested that, I might have ADD. I was in denial and to be truthful, I believe my parents were too. In the beginning of the 10th grade year my parents and counselor agreed it would be wise to see if; I qualified for specialized services. Honestly; I didn't think anything was wrong with me and, I didn't think that; I would qualify for any extra help besides maybe tutoring. The results came back and, I tested positive for ADD. My Counselor and the specialized services team helped put together an IEP for me to become more successful with my disability.

After receiving my IEP, I had a chance to sit down with my counselor and reflect on my 9th grade year. I started to feel defeated because; I envisioned college at a young age. I didn't think that; I would make it to college after, looking at my 9th grade final grades. My counselor encouraged me that it was not the end and, it wasn't over and there is still a way to get to college. However; it would require me to go to summer school, use all of my resources given to me through my IEP and, pass all of my classes moving forward.

Its funny here we are three years later and I'm writing an essay to help accomplish one of my short-term goals in life, graduate high school and head off to college. You will be able to see my growth year after year on my high school transcript, I have grown academically and I am only getting better every year.

I recently had my final IEP meeting and we talked about my plans for college. I was very excited to learn that; colleges offer support to people with ADD and other disabilities. This means, I have a fighting chance to be successful throughout my college journey! This is a very exciting and nerve wrecking time for me, it's the season of choosing colleges and worrying if; my past academic grades will hurt my future. My parents always taught me to have faith and know that; I can be anything that, I want to be in life. I have learned through my challenges ADD doesn't define who I am. I am a young man with personality and character.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Cordially,

Markell Harris