shaswot
Jan 3, 2011
Undergraduate / "my risk-taking attitude" - on myself that isn't apparent from my academic record [4]
What would a lad of fifteen do if he had a choice between the two: Walk home 10 miles with a
bag stuffed with bulky books during the wee hour or take an overcrowded public transportation.
This fifteen year old lad was me. When I found myself in this situation, I thought the former
option was more suitable for me. I did wait desperately hoping to get an uncrowded and
comfortable ride home, but in vain. Fear started accumulating as the sun started to disappear
behind the hails. I suddenly made the impetuous decision to walk.
Although the sidewalk always looked safe from the passenger seat, the reality was different. I
had to struggle to make my way through the pedestrians and was often tossed from side to side.
Somehow, I managed my way through the busy sidewalk full of puddles and ditches.
Darkness took over as the sun faded away. The only lights illuminating my way were coming
from the vehicles passing by but with every passing minute, the traffic abated until finally, there
was complete darkness that accompanied a lonely teenager on the street. I looked for a place to
rest under the moonless night. I was prepared for the worst as it is not uncommon to encounter
robbers or pickpockets especially during such odd hours. Every passerby, felt like a potential
threat. Keeping my fingers crossed while my heart was throbbing with fear, I mustered enough
courage to keep my feet steady towards my destination. After two hours of tiring and fearful
journey, I was finally close to my destination, the safest place on the planet, my home. My
patience and courage paid off in the end and with a sigh of relief I said "Home sweet home!".
I can still feel the vibe of that day, which has been a turning point in my life. Back then, my only
concern was that I had managed to reach home safely. Today, however, I can see how my bold
decision that day helped me in becoming a more mature and confident individual. Since that day,
whenever faced with a similar situation, I walked home although I still had some doubts and
fear inside me. After a few more walks, I became more confident and one day I even managed
to strike a conversation with a stranger who was headed towards my direction. This was the
beginning of a fearless, more confident, friendlier me.
Had I waited on the streets in the pursuit of a public transportation that day, there is no doubt
that a bus or a cab or something would have eventually arrived and I would have gotten home
without much hard work. But, my risk-taking attitude and courage to embark on new challenges
in life have improved me as an individual and enabled me to face the world with a more mature
perspective. The risks we take in life, the courage that we gather to cross our limits, take us to a
new level of maturity and growth.
What would a lad of fifteen do if he had a choice between the two: Walk home 10 miles with a
bag stuffed with bulky books during the wee hour or take an overcrowded public transportation.
This fifteen year old lad was me. When I found myself in this situation, I thought the former
option was more suitable for me. I did wait desperately hoping to get an uncrowded and
comfortable ride home, but in vain. Fear started accumulating as the sun started to disappear
behind the hails. I suddenly made the impetuous decision to walk.
Although the sidewalk always looked safe from the passenger seat, the reality was different. I
had to struggle to make my way through the pedestrians and was often tossed from side to side.
Somehow, I managed my way through the busy sidewalk full of puddles and ditches.
Darkness took over as the sun faded away. The only lights illuminating my way were coming
from the vehicles passing by but with every passing minute, the traffic abated until finally, there
was complete darkness that accompanied a lonely teenager on the street. I looked for a place to
rest under the moonless night. I was prepared for the worst as it is not uncommon to encounter
robbers or pickpockets especially during such odd hours. Every passerby, felt like a potential
threat. Keeping my fingers crossed while my heart was throbbing with fear, I mustered enough
courage to keep my feet steady towards my destination. After two hours of tiring and fearful
journey, I was finally close to my destination, the safest place on the planet, my home. My
patience and courage paid off in the end and with a sigh of relief I said "Home sweet home!".
I can still feel the vibe of that day, which has been a turning point in my life. Back then, my only
concern was that I had managed to reach home safely. Today, however, I can see how my bold
decision that day helped me in becoming a more mature and confident individual. Since that day,
whenever faced with a similar situation, I walked home although I still had some doubts and
fear inside me. After a few more walks, I became more confident and one day I even managed
to strike a conversation with a stranger who was headed towards my direction. This was the
beginning of a fearless, more confident, friendlier me.
Had I waited on the streets in the pursuit of a public transportation that day, there is no doubt
that a bus or a cab or something would have eventually arrived and I would have gotten home
without much hard work. But, my risk-taking attitude and courage to embark on new challenges
in life have improved me as an individual and enabled me to face the world with a more mature
perspective. The risks we take in life, the courage that we gather to cross our limits, take us to a
new level of maturity and growth.