Grace322
Nov 2, 2010
Undergraduate / "Time to get up! We're going hiking!" - UC prompt #1: The Hike Ahead [2]
Prompt 1
Describe the world you come from and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
The Hike Ahead
"Time to get up! We're going hiking!"
My dad pounded on my door at eight on a Saturday morning. I slowly opened my eyes, moaned to myself, and slumped out of bed. "Someday I'll appreciate these days," I tried to convince myself, but as my dad knocked on my door again, those positive thoughts slowly faded.
My parents, two sisters, and I piled into our '94 minivan, equipped with hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. While we claimed to have "grown out" of family outings, we were secretly excited for what was in store. When we finally reached the site of that day's adventure, we decided to embark on the waterfall hike; a trail which appeared flat and manageable.
We began our descent down the hill and ended up next to a creek with a beautiful overhead canopy of trees that shaded us from the hot July sun. But after hiking along the creek for over two miles, we didn't seem to be nearing the waterfall. We finally found a sign indicating the waterfall to be another two miles ahead, so our choice was to turn back, or continue our trek to the waterfall. Despite my sore feet and my mom's aching back, we decided to complete the hike. When we finally reached the waterfall it was magnificent. The sunlight hit the drops of water, creating a glistening rainbow. I sat with my feet in the water thinking to myself that the early wake up call was worth it, and maybe Dad wasn't as ridiculous as I thought he was.
However, a hiker must finish where she started. The waterfall was not the end. We then had the daunting trek back up the mountain. I walked with caution along the trail, keeping an eye out for sunbathing snakes, potholes, and poison oak that could result in a bitter end to a lovely day. After four miles of uphill hiking, we finally reached the top of the mountain and treated ourselves to ice cream from the general store. Although my legs were sore and my back sunburned, the incredible waterfall and refreshing ice cream made the journey worthwhile.
It is days like these, that I am reminded of the tough hike I have ahead; college. Every great accomplishment strengthens me for the next challenge. Once I reached the waterfall, I still had an arduous hike back up the mountain, with obstacles along the way. I will not always have the unyielding support of my family when I am overcoming obstacles, or my parents to warn me of the snake hiding in the shade, but I will begin this new journey with confidence and enthusiasm. There will be potholes and poison oak along the way that will try to slow me down, but I will embrace the trials I face, because I know at the end of every formidable endeavor, lies a magnificent reward.
Prompt 1
Describe the world you come from and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
The Hike Ahead
"Time to get up! We're going hiking!"
My dad pounded on my door at eight on a Saturday morning. I slowly opened my eyes, moaned to myself, and slumped out of bed. "Someday I'll appreciate these days," I tried to convince myself, but as my dad knocked on my door again, those positive thoughts slowly faded.
My parents, two sisters, and I piled into our '94 minivan, equipped with hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. While we claimed to have "grown out" of family outings, we were secretly excited for what was in store. When we finally reached the site of that day's adventure, we decided to embark on the waterfall hike; a trail which appeared flat and manageable.
We began our descent down the hill and ended up next to a creek with a beautiful overhead canopy of trees that shaded us from the hot July sun. But after hiking along the creek for over two miles, we didn't seem to be nearing the waterfall. We finally found a sign indicating the waterfall to be another two miles ahead, so our choice was to turn back, or continue our trek to the waterfall. Despite my sore feet and my mom's aching back, we decided to complete the hike. When we finally reached the waterfall it was magnificent. The sunlight hit the drops of water, creating a glistening rainbow. I sat with my feet in the water thinking to myself that the early wake up call was worth it, and maybe Dad wasn't as ridiculous as I thought he was.
However, a hiker must finish where she started. The waterfall was not the end. We then had the daunting trek back up the mountain. I walked with caution along the trail, keeping an eye out for sunbathing snakes, potholes, and poison oak that could result in a bitter end to a lovely day. After four miles of uphill hiking, we finally reached the top of the mountain and treated ourselves to ice cream from the general store. Although my legs were sore and my back sunburned, the incredible waterfall and refreshing ice cream made the journey worthwhile.
It is days like these, that I am reminded of the tough hike I have ahead; college. Every great accomplishment strengthens me for the next challenge. Once I reached the waterfall, I still had an arduous hike back up the mountain, with obstacles along the way. I will not always have the unyielding support of my family when I am overcoming obstacles, or my parents to warn me of the snake hiding in the shade, but I will begin this new journey with confidence and enthusiasm. There will be potholes and poison oak along the way that will try to slow me down, but I will embrace the trials I face, because I know at the end of every formidable endeavor, lies a magnificent reward.