"The Future Depends on What You Do Today"

Hi everyone, My name is Carlina Selena Fortes Evora. I’m from a country named Cape Verde, from Sao Vicente Island. Cape Verde is a very tiny country off the west coast of Africa, with 10 separate islands. In Cape Verde, each island has its own variety. The islands’ origins are volcanic. My island is one of the driest and smallest islands in Cape Verde. Sao Vicente is considered the capital of the Lusofona culture. Cape Verde has tall mountains and very nice beaches.

Since I was born I grew up with my mom and my siblings. My mom and my biological dad separated when I was little, so I didn’t get to live with him that much. My dad immigrated to U.S.A when I was 5 years old, but I still lived with my mom. Then, my sisters immigrated to Portugal to start college. After that, my mom met my stepdad and I started living with both of them. He is a nice guy, who loves me and cares about me. I remember him bringing me to school every day and picking me up also. After school he used to help me with school work and homework. He also used to teach me some words in English. My stepdad and my mom are actually the ones who took care of me in Cape Verde. I don’t have enough good words to thank my stepdad for all the amazing things and advice he has given to me. He’s always been there for me when I needed him. He gives me advice every single day and he wants to see me get all kinds of good opportunities in life. I love him from the bottom of my heart.

After my dad decided to bring me to America for a better life and have more opportunities, I immigrated to America and I live here now with my dad. I started 4th grade here in the U.S.A. One of my main goals is to graduate from high school and be able to go to college and become a midwife. Another dream I have is to help the people that gave me such good advice and the people that helped me reach all my goals in my life. For example: my stepdad, my dad, and my mom. I’d like to provide them a comfortable life as a way to thank them for everything they have done to support me.

I’m also definitely joining my school’s ROTC program, and thinking of joining the National Guard, maybe even hopefully starting when I am still in high school, if that is allowed. This is something that I’m interested in and I like a lot. It makes me feel proud to be a part of a group that works to help the community, and it also helps keep students on the right path and disciplined, because some kids don’t always get that benefit.

I’m a very nice person that loves to help people. I like school and I also like studying. I believe that the only way to achieve my goals is through hard work and a lot of effort.