No retreat, No surrender

Hello, my name is John Aranda, and for most of my life, I've felt overlooked by everyone around me. Ever since I was a kid, it seemed like people were always bigger, stronger, and smarter than me. Whether it was in the classroom, on the field, or in everyday life, I often felt like I was starting from behind. But instead of letting that discourage me, it ignited a fire within. I realized early on that for everything I wanted in life, I would have to work twice as hard as anyone else—and that was exactly what I set out to do.

Growing up, life wasn’t easy. It threw its fair share of challenges my way, but rather than letting them define me, I chose to rise above. While others may have had a smoother path, I took pride in my resilience. I refused to be pushed around by circumstances or underestimated by those who didn’t believe in me. Every setback was a lesson, every obstacle an opportunity to prove to myself that I could make it, no matter how tough things got.

High school was particularly difficult for me. It wasn’t just about fitting in; academically, I often struggled. While others seemed to breeze through assignments and exams, I found myself spending hours studying, trying to keep up. Getting good grades didn’t come easily to me, but I never let that be an excuse. Instead of giving up, I worked harder, longer, and with more determination. It was during this time that I learned the true value of perseverance, and despite the odds, I not only graduated but managed to get into Cal Poly Pomona.

Now, I’m focused on the next chapter of my life. My goal is to be a leader within my community, to inspire others who may feel like the odds are stacked against them. I’m passionate about growth, both personally and academically, and I’m determined to keep pushing my limits. I’ve set my sights on transferring to USC, where I believe I can develop into the best version of myself. I know it won’t be easy, but that’s never stopped me before. I’m ready to embrace the challenges ahead and work towards becoming the best student, leader, and person I can be.