Dumb. Low self-esteem. No imagination. Would you believe that these words once described the person that is my inspiration? Can you imagine someone considered the dumbest student in class becoming a renowned brain surgeon? Yes, Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is my hero. My mom, inspired by Dr. Carson’s book, “Gifted Hands”,” began sharing his story with me and my brothers when we were in elementary school. I also watched his life story televised about three years ago. I grew up feeling like I personally knew “Ben Carson”. Having ADHD since the age of four and being labeled as a “bad” kid, I, too, had low self- esteem especially during my early years of school. I also struggled academically so I could really relate to young Ben Carson. Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson’s life story of his academic struggles and horrible temper has motivated me to reach my highest potential, to stay determined and work hard, and to share successes to inspire others. A typical day in class was havoc for my teachers; I could not sit still or stay focused no matter how hard I tried. Some of my teachers were more tolerant than others and those that weren’t, often sat me out in the hallway. Classmates talked about me and I understood why young Ben Carson had a hard time controlling his temper. Many times I would get so angry for being put out of class and watching my grades suffered. But the older I got, I learned how to better control myself and I often reflected on how Ben Carson made it despite his challenges and the taunting of his peers. I realized I could be whatever I aspired to be just like Ben Carson had chosen to be a doctor. His amazing rise to first in his class served as a major inspiration to me. Although I don’t possess straight A’s, I work hard and do my very best. I have often wished Dr. Carson could work on MY brain and remove the causes of ADHD. I struggle