My name is Duan R., and I am an ECS Goal Getter. I have been a Mindset participant since 2022. When I first started, I set a goal to purchase a home for me and my children, to complete my semesters in school with all A's, and to graduate with my Bachelors. Once my goals were set, I knew I had to work hard to reach them. I held myself accountable and I’m proud to say I purchased my home a year ago! I’m still striving and moving forward with other goals I’ve set. The most recent goal was just achieved a week ago. I mentioned to my coach what I wanted to do, how I was going to execute it, and did the work myself. My children are extremely proud of me, as they were the ones who helped me endure, pushed, and motivated me. My father, I know, would have been proud of me if he was still here. When I first started my journey to go back to college, I lost my father, so my beginning was very difficult. Achieving my goals gave me confidence and boosted my self-esteem. I didn't think getting a degree was possible for me. The journey seemed long, and so many of my classmates gave up, saying it was too hard for them. So many days I was ready to quit, but I never did. I'm looking forward to my spring graduation ceremony and even contemplating obtaining my master's degree. My sons are looking at me and are inspired. I’m proud to be an inspiration to my family and I’m proud to be an ECS goal getter.