Unfortunately, I knew I had to pursue another school to follow those desires and passions and to achieve my career goals. So, the research began and I felt the best opportunities and experiences would be in Florida. I chose to enroll at F.I.R.S.T, Florida Institute of Recording, Sound and Technology. In March I flew there for an interview. The moment I walked into the institute I knew this was right for me on so many levels. After my interview, hearing what the institute offered and seeing it in person the fire in my soul ignited. My gut feeling told me I made the right decision in the school, the move and more important my career goals. Leaving my family will not be easy since they are very important to me. They are my rock, my cushion, my backbone but the desire to want and need to pursue my destiny is just as important. This is where my dad comes in.

My dad, Joe (Giuseppi) Amato the bravest, most hard working and determined man I know. I am blessed to have a dad to have the desire, work ethic love and motivation he has. He was born in Carini, Italy in 1968. He came to America in 1976, at the age of 8. He started working shortly after arriving in America and stayed at that job for 14years. In 1983 his parents decided to move back to Italy. He chose to stay; he was only 15 years young. Yes, 15years old he was living on his own, paying his rent, bills and taking care of himself. He knew that if he missed a day of work he wouldn’t have enough money to pay rent and bills or even eat so he never missed a day. He worked in all kinds of weather sick or not, on weekends and holidays.

He had a tremendous work ethic and wasn’t afraid to better himself. In 1990, he went to work in a restaurant, for my grandfather, his father in law. Not too long after working there he became manager. He was responsible for everything that went on for that restaurant. Again, he never missed a day sick or not. In 1997 I was born and that is when my dad began to panic. All those years on his own he never panicked or was shaken up until now. His child had to have everything he didn’t and he didn’t want my mom to work anymore. So he studied and passed his CDL license and at night starting driving for the Daily News. But, he still was manager of the restaurant. He felt his family was not going to need for anything and what ever we needed hard work will allow us to get it. He was able to keep up the outstanding work in both jobs, so outstanding the Daily News offered him a full-time position with excellent benefits. My grandfather was proud of my dad on so many levels and knew the Daily News had gained an incredible person not only for his character but the robust dedicated and devoted employee my dad was.

How I cannot follow in my father's footsteps, those shoes even if they had no soles he gave his heart and soul in everything he did. He taught me there are no dreams too big, no work too hard, no excuses and no complaining. Follow your dreams, make your goals reality no matter how far or close. Take pride in all you do. So Florida is the next phase of my journey. So like my dad I will be on my own and alone in Florida making my way like he did.

Sadly, I saw my dad go through tough times when he got injured on the job. He was crushed in many ways. He didn’t think he was a leader any more, he got depressed and felt he couldn’t provide for me any longer. Work and Family were his passion, desire and life.

I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Kids’ Chance of New Jersey for awarding me this scholarship. Not only will it help me become the music recording artist and mogul I am destined to be, it will help my dad as well. Being a recipient is an honor and privilege, whatever the amount, it will be a tremendous burden off my dad and I.