Undergraduate / "My Family"- UC Prompt [5]

Prompt #1
Describe the world you come from----for example, your family, community or school----and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

All people are born with some inherent characteristics that invariably distinguish themselves from others. However, they are, to a greater extent, affected and defined by their environment or the surroundings in which they inhabit. An initially timid figure who was reluctant to be involved in social activities, I was encouraged by my family, especially my parents who became a vital source of comfort that I could rely on.

During my younger years, I found it utterly difficult to engage in active socializations. I did not dare try to get outside of my close circle of friends and to risk my comfortable and secure life. Despite my reclusive personality, my parents stimulated me to challenge myself and to get involved in a wide range of activities that would provide me with valuable experiences. Initially, I remained reluctant to change.

However, just as many deeply held beliefs are undermined or changed only through a dramatic experience, or crisis, so did my initial reclusive attitude began to change when my father's hospital was set ablaze. Valuables and data were burnt down into ashes, and the building was in complete ruin so as to discourage the very thought of reconstruction. However, let alone the incident, I was rather struck puzzled by reactions of my parents, who refused to give up their hopes of success. Despite their seemingly evident failure, my parents were not at all discouraged by what the incident has brought upon them. Instead, they considered the occasion to be an opportunity for a difficult, yet worthwhile undertaking. My parents, in addition to their verbal encouragement, became the perfect embodiment of positive and sanguine mindset. Gradually acknowledging the fact that affirmative mindset is vital for a successful life, I began to challenge myself to a greater extent and tried to be the person whom my parents believed I was capable of.

My future dream of being a dentist, which I initially perceived as impossible to achieve, began to seem to me as a more tangible goal. My newly constructed frame of mind propelled me to try despite failure, and in the process I was becoming a more able character through my consistent endeavors. In school, I began to challenge myself by selecting and completing more vigorous courses, and my achievements in school were truly surprising when considering my previously pervading negative, isolated mindset. My change also manifested itself in my social life, thereby making me a person who was able to approach different people with more confidence and ease. Although it was not easy, I started to regard my failure as a process rather than a conclusion, and believed that every challenge and hardship is a means by which I could achieve greatness. By possessing a positive mindset of which I was lacking, my parents helped me to perfect my dreams and aspirations and became exemplary characters that I could look upon.

Please feel free to make corrections that would improve the essay ^-^;;
and please do not be discouraged to point out what is wrong or what should be done
I really do want everyone's opinion :))
Thank You