Undergraduate / "I will never forget my mother" - UCF undergrad essay. [4]

It was over, the pain, the suffering, the doctors. My mom had past away after battling cancer for three overwhelming years. I knew that day would come, but no one is ever ready to lose someone they love dearly. I was only beginning seventh grade when she died, not ready to let go, but through the years I've used the strength she had, as a motivator for me to succeed.

Being known, as the kid whose mom is dying was something I loathed, everyday I wish I could have a regular life, but never was that going to happen. Coming home and seeing different nurses walking around my house was just a regular day in the Gilardi house. Every time I think of her, I have this vivid image of this one Saturday when we went to my school for the mini Olympics. The last thing I wanted was for all my friends to see her in a wheel chair, but I had to overcome that feeling and keep my head up. Of course, I wouldn't be involved in the conversations about whose mom won in the relay race, but to me that's not what mattered. Even though this experience was painful, I have tried to make it a positive situation. I find my self a much stronger person, than I would be before. Her strength to be an amazing mom showed me that nothing could stop you even if you're at a point of death. I strive to set an example for my peers when they're going through hard obstacles. Joining clubs such as the "League against cancer," has made me see that I'm not the only one with these types of problems.

I'd like to think of this experience as a lesson. I will never forget my mother, and will always think of ways to set a better example and to never take the ones you love for granted.

Undergraduate / Helping my mom fight for her life - obstacle, bump - criticism you may have [4]

If there has been some obstacle or bump in the road in your academic or personal life, please explain the circumstances.

Helping my mom fight for her life three straight years could be considered a huge bump in the road, or even more so, a battle. My mother had brain cancer at the end of my elementary years up until the seventh grade. It never really hit me until I came home that day and didn't see the hospital bed, or three nurses helping her get in and out of the bed. The drapes on window where she would sit and look outside had been taken off. Those years were as if my life was on freeze, and her life was just going by so fast.

Many school activities were left unattended due to the fact that she was not able to participate, and that I could not bear to see her in a wheel chair in front of all my peers. Being as strong as she was though she made it her job to at least be the best mother in those last years, she was. Being sympathized and having to see a psychologist, or talk to my school guidance counselor, was something I loathed. They had all the right intentions but I just wanted to be as strong as my mother and go on and take life one-step at a time. Being strong and not taking life for granted is something I have learned due to this experience.