Fifty-two chapters, thousands of girls, timeless friendships through sisterhood, one big family. I’ve always known that I wanted to move away from home for greater opportunities and experiences. Although my parents were very optimistic about my decisions and the route I chose, it was difficult to leave home. The five-hour flight alone, the lonesome nights without my family, the horrifying first day speeches and upperclassmen, having no car to get around, and maybe the possibility of not liking your dorm roommates.
The moment I walked into this new small town school; I felt strained. I went from PS 60 in Queens to some place called Cocalico Middle school. I walked into my first day hoping I’d be indifferent, but feelings don’t work that way. The first thing I noticed was the lack of diversity; I noticed this when I was at school and then when I went to the local grocery store. I observed everything, but tried not to make myself noticed.
As I sit in the basement of the Lilly Library, surrounded by friends who have become family in a few short months, covered in calculus and EQ notes, and listening to some Duke Ellington jazz music for my Music 101 class, I can’t help but reflect on what this year has meant to me and my development as a student, athlete, brother, friend, and person. I entered Wabash College not exactly sure what to expect; I knew it was going to be different, but I also knew that with change I wanted to keep an open mind that was ready to learn and grow. Freshman tutorial and especially enduring questions are two classes that have pushed my boundaries as a person, forcing me to question core beliefs and ideas that seemed previously engrained in my mind. Throughout
Hard work always pays off, one way or another. However, how is it fair for a student at the top of their class, but with no money for school, not allowed the chance given to an average student with available funds from parents? It may also be unjust for teenagers with extensive knowledge for numerous types of artwork to not be able to attain a scholarship in view of the mediocre grades they receive for core classes. For every person is special, whether they live in lavish, struggle through days, or are just a bit out of the ordinary. We walk the hallways of high school noticing how every other person has given something up.
The most noticeable way that Addison displays her appeal to emotions is by telling the audience stories of her own personal experiences with college. Addison does not draw out multiple, unnecessary stories in order to make her point, but rather briefly tells the audience about her college experience in such a way that the readers both see her as a trustworthy figure and read objectively. By describing her own personal experiences, the audience begins to relate closer to Addison as a person, which establishes a connection and contributes to her emotional appeal. When telling her own personal accounts, Addison focuses her story on her time at community college; explaining how the “College Experience” can be achieved as easily there as at a university. Addison also talks about the philosophical aspect of the college experience (Addison 686).
Through the experience of working as youth leader for freshman connection I have grown as a better leader. To help incoming freshman was incredible experience for me. I joined freshman connection to serve school and defiantly to get knowledge and team building skills out of it, so that it can help me make my college experience better. I think I have achieved all the goals that I wanted to through working as youth leader. Additionally, not only that but also to work on community service project on bullying has really allowed me to serve as teacher helper.
Returning to college has been an exciting and terrifying decision for me. My husband has encouraged me for 1-2 years, but my fear of failure overwhelmed me and kept me from pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree. I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to pursue. I’m now on this journey and ready for whatever it is that God has planned for me. I have worked hard encouraged my three kids as they transitioned their way through elementary school through middle school and on to high school and graduation.
As I boarded the plane to visit the last school on my college trip, I was tired. I had spent a week bouncing from motel to motel with my exhausted parents, and I didn’t think I’d find any more colleges that interested me. I thought that I’d seen it all. But seeing New Orleans on my way to campus revitalized me.
Walking leisurely down the hallway, I glance up at the newly hung bachelors degree I gained just last year. I take a moment to reminisce on the last four years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; the four greatest years of my life. Four years filled with new friendships from all around the world, knowledge I never thought to acquired, and hundreds of new experiences that made me into the person I am today. Knocking myself from the daydream after tripping over one of my last unpacked boxes, I stumbled into the kitchen to look at my planner for the month. I caught a glimpse of my next class at eight in the morning and instantly dreaded the idea of waking up so early.
I enjoyed and excelled at what I did, and refused to step outside my comfort zone, assuming that unfamiliarity was often a slippery slope to downfall. Every day was the same as the one before – no risks, no rewards. In March of my eighth grade year, I was offered admission to Miss Porter’s School, a private high school thirty minutes from home. I gladly accepted, ready to escape my provincial town of Glastonbury and start fresh in a new school.
However, we soon realized that the year was going to be a challenge. With SATs, the constant juggle between schoolwork and extracurricular activities, and daunting words like “college” and “future” looming heavy and near, we all felt like we were going under. When everything seemed to be crashing down on us, our junior retreat bolstered us. We witnessed the strength of our bonds, as we experienced moments of forgiveness, admittance of gratitude and love, and moving rekindling of friendships. I vividly remember chasing one another in a game of hide-and-seek gone rogue that quickly turned into a vicious game of tag.
She expresses her deep feelings of fear and the importance of making a lasting impression on the world. Keegan’s optimistic writing inspires students to reach for their goals. Likewise, graduation is arriving soon for high school students. As it approaches, students feel anxious and overwhelmed. There is an enormous amount of pressure put on students due to applications, senior courses, and choosing a college.
I’ve really learned that life is only what you make it. If it wasn’t for the frightening conversations, the throbbing headaches, and the gigantic D’s and F’s on my paper , I wouldn’t have wanted a change. My mind was set up to just pass the class, but I was determined to be so much more. I was going to beat the odds, and prove everyone wrong no matter how hard it may have
Tomorrow is my first day and I am completely a wreck, hoping for the best. This school could be better, but I am still unsure why they are making me switch. Life’s greatest mystery’s often lead to a grand adventure. I take a long, deep breath in, slowly walking through the metal doors, entering my new prison. I think to myself how unfair my parents are being to make me switch schools in my seventh year.
Personal Narrative Essay Believe it or not, sometimes a gracious action can bring a huge influence on a person. When I read the introduction that instructor Heller wrote, there is a sentence she wrote: “Sometimes the most influential moments in our lives are smaller moments, events that we may not recognize as influential until years after the experience.” For some reason, I related to it strongly. My story is about my high school experience. Also, I will share some significant moments in my life, and how these smaller moments changed my personality.
