Mikalah Analise Gordon (born January 14, 1988)
is an American singer and eleventh-place finalist on the fourth season of American Idol. I just hung up the phone with my mother. Needing advice on how to write an inspirational and empowering story, I called the one person I always feel inspired by. Raising two children as a single mother, and going without, just so my brother and I could have everything, she is very empowering to me. Her advice today was, "The only limits are the limits you put on yourself." This conversation reminds me of the late night phone calls I'd make to her, crying because I was homesick and feeling very lost and confused. Sometimes she would cry, or say how much she wished we could be together, but she would always reiterate to stay strong, keep the faith, and follow my dream.

Four years ago, I went from failing high school algebra, to placing eleventh on the number one show in America . Truly, it was an overnight success. People always ask me how, at sixteen, I could be ready to take on such a huge opportunity. Honestly, I don’t think I was ready. Instant gratification comes with a heavy fee. I wasn't ready to deal with the whirlwind my life went through after American Idol. As if high school girls weren't mean enough, I wasn't ready for America to have such harsh judgments or misperceptions of the girl I was at sixteen. Again, at sixteen, I was also already very insecure, and uncomfortable in my own skin no matter how I came off to some, and I was merely trying to follow my dream. I also wasn't ready to pack up my ‘92 Volvo, kiss my mother and everything I ever knew goodbye, and move to Los Angeles , alone, at 17. Living out of suitcases, realizing you have to fight to survive, living up to everyone’s expectations, and trying to find myself emotionally, mentally, and personally, seemed too much to handle at times. I actually waitressed after American Idol, and customers would say, "Hey! You're Mikalah from American Idol! Can I have your autograph and a coke?" Talk about swallowing your pride!

I have had many ups and downs, many deaths and rebirths, and moments where I thought I was to afraid to try again and have to face any kind of rejection. Still, I persevered and found myself saying, "The only limits are the limits you put on yourself." This world is limitless, when you find yourself following your heart. You can be the one person to push you forward, or the one person who holds you back. You have that power, and when you find that, you realize nothing and no one matters. Today, at 21, my career may not be what the average person calls a huge success, but to me, it is a huge success. I followed my dream and learned many valuable life lessons that have made my life a success. So just when you think you're not ready, remember, you're never really ready until you try.

So, was I ready? Yes!