Write The Future - The Misty Copeland Story

B  When you talk about defying the odds there are certain characteristics that you need to do so. Some of these qualities would include leadership, resiliency, determination and a good work ethic. Misty Copeland is a ballet dancer, but ballet is a lot of rougher than it looks. The sport 
looks soft but countless energy really can put a toll on one’s body and mind. With all that said Misty Copeland continued to work hard and was promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theater. Misty became one of the first African American to receive this prestigious award and quickly became the biggest ballet dancer in the United States, by staring in 60 Minutes and even making the cover of Time Magazine where she was name top 100 most influential people in the world. But she actually separated herself from her peers in her early childhood without even 
realizing it.  Her early childhood was probably a lot different than most ballet dancers. Misty was born in Kansas City, Missouri but raised in Los Angeles, California. She didn’t get the chance to see her father from the ages 2 to 22. She was also raised in a motel with her 5 siblings and single mom. Misty would actually split time with her mother and the Bradley’s who saw potential in the teenager. Her mom didn’t want her to be around the Bradley’s but Misty did. This turned into a custody battle and it got really ugly and at one point Misty was even reported missing. The press 
actually had a field day with the drama of the young black girl that wants to do ballet. The Bradly’s and Misty’s mom fought over custody. The charges Misty’s mom made were dropped and the Bradley’s continue to have a huge impact on her life. After the struggle of sleeping on the floor in a motel to now being a superstar of the ballet world, 
Misty stays true to herself. To this day she never makes an excuse about anything. Misty once said, “The path to your success is not as fixed and inflexible as you think.” The mindset of a real champion.
By: Domonique Walker