Undergraduate / Austin, an autistic kid in the class, significant person - NYU Essay [2]

Prompt:
Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

Austin was not considered to be a "hero" or a "role model". He was just a little boy, who lived in a world different from ours. A world where he was trapped, unable to escape from the tortures of his own mind and body. Most people would look past Austin, like he was unworthy in their presence. For me, Austin influenced my life in more ways than he will ever know.

I meet Austin six months ago, when I just happened to stop by my mom's work. Not knowing that this one little autistic boy could change the way I looked at life. He was just going through his daily routine, looking around as if he was unaware of his surroundings and scared of the world around him. No one understood the way his mind worked and thought of him as an outsider. Not taking into consideration that he was just a little boy trying to find his way.

Although there were several other autistic kids in the class, Austin stood out to me the most. He had a personality that would light up any room and a pair of big blues eyes that would make anyone's heart melt. When Austin looked at me I could see the pain in his face, longing for someone to be able to understand him.

While observing the class one day, I noticed that Austin was sitting in the corner staring off into space, as if he was in another world. I then realized how lucky I actually am. Austin will always be trapped in his mind by autism, and will never be able to live a normal life. Every day I take so many things for granted that Austin will never be able to do. Such as, driving, writing, reading, and hanging out with friends. All these things I would overlook, but now I cherish every moment I am blessed with.

Seeing Austin sitting in the corner that day really gave me a new appreciation for life. Without even knowing it, Austin changed the way I looked at life and that will stay with me forever. He taught me not to take anything for granted, especially the little things, and to live everyday like it is your last because it can be ripped out from under you in a second. Although Austin was not looked at by society as a "hero" or a "role model", he was certainly a hero and a role model in my eyes.

Undergraduate / Values, physical strenght, well-being: FSU essay on the values of "Vires" [2]

Prompt: -The Latin words, "Vires, Artes, Mores" have been the guiding philosophy behind Florida State University. Vires signifies strength of all kinds - moral, physical, and intellectual; Artes alludes to the beauty of intellectual pursuits as exemplified in skill, craft, or art; and Mores refers to character, custom, or tradition. Describe how one or more of the values embodied in these concepts are reflected in your life.

Essay:
Everyone has different values in life, and these values differentiate a person from their peers. Without our own individual values, I believe that everyone would be the same and there would be no diversity. In my life, I believe that "Vires" is a Latin concept that is a big part of my everyday life and represents the person I have become.

Strength can come in many forms. To be morally strong is, in my opinion, and important quality to have. I have faith in my moral beliefs and I feel like I have the strength to uphold these beliefs. I know what is right and I am not afraid to take a stand for what I believe in. In my life I have dealt with things that others would only experience in their nightmares, and I feel like these experiences have made me a stronger person. I no longer let people be pushed around or watch someone being treated badly. I have a new understanding of what is right and wrong and I will always fight for what I believe is right.

Physical strength is also an important value to uphold, and in my life I like to believe I am physically strong. I like to work out and keep myself in good shape so I can take on any of life's obstacles. Being physically strong isn't just about "looking good"; it's about taking care of yourself and your wellbeing.

The strength I value most, however, is my intellectual strength. I fell that having strong intellect can get you the farthest in life. In my life, I use my intellect in everything, from school, to work, to hanging out with my friends. To have strong intellect means to have the mental capacity and the ability to reason, make plans, solve problems, and think abstractly. If you have intellectual strength, you can pretty much do anything in life and contribute greatly in society. With that, I feel that my intellectual strength is my most valued characteristic.

Although people may have different perceptions on values, I believe that most can appreciate FSU's philosophy, "Vires, Artes, Mores". For me, Vires is a predominant value in my life and will always be present within me.