Undergraduate / My mother's strength (Vires) [3]

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.

I'll never forget that agonizing night in March of 2002, when my mother placed me on the corner of my bed and patiently explained her fate to me; those were the words that tore me to pieces. How could this be happening to her? She was always on time, cooked dinner for the family and never forgot to kiss us goodnight, why did cancer choose to attack my mother? These were questions that I could never answer, but I learned limitless lessons from her that have forever transformed me as a person. I owe it all to her for the immense amount of strength that I have inherited.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."- Unknown. Somehow, my cancer stricken mom was able to hold it all together even in times of excruciating pain. With a disease as complex as breast cancer, being an eleven year old I had no idea what to think. All I knew was my hero was sick and I had to hold my head up high, put on my best smile and be mommy's little warrior.

I figured my weekends at the beach and visitors at the bus stop had come to an end once the chemo began to extract the life from her. To my surprise, this was never the case. My mom was a constant solider in this ruthless war, not a moment that she wasn't in the lead. This cancer wanted nothing more than to beat her but she proved to everyone, nothing could beat her down.

As a maturing young girl, I had grasped concepts far beyond my years and I was ready to shock the world. Experiencing cancer gave me a unique perspective on the way that I now view the world. It made me physically stronger by causing me to grow up faster knowing that I will always be a fighter. My moral strength has grown endlessly, for I know that there is no obstacle that I cannot overcome and nothing that I cannot achieve. Intellectually, my growth is immeasurable. I have developed into a leader, as John Quincy Adams said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." Based on my mother's triumphs, I know that there is no limit to what I can dream, learn, do or become.

Unfortunately, nine years later, breast cancer has put her to the test again but her fearless approach has inspired me. I now have the drive to be a fearless warrior, courage to face the world when it's so easy to fall apart, confidence when the whole world is counting on me to keep it together, and the ability to override fear with everlasting strength. I owe it all to the bravest, most beautiful solider I know.

Writing Feedback / Characteristics of caring people. How did they influence you? [5]

What are the characteristics of caring people? Describe a time when you have experienced caring people. What made them stand out? How did they influence you?

How would you define a caring person? Is it someone that takes care of you when you are sick, promises to keep you safe, or is available in times of need? Care is an action of interpretation, and can be carried out in a variety of ways to staggering extents. I encountered a form of care that not all children have the opportunity to experience, different from parents as they nurture you daily and unlike a teacher when she clarifies a math problem. A more overwhelming feeling, unable to be put into words my camp counselors were my best friends, mentors and role models. At such a young age, it's hard being away from home but my counselors created a new sense of belonging. Returning to Camp Highlander each year sanctioned my love for the mountain to grow. In the cabin unit, my counselor constructed an irreplaceable bond, like a sisterhood. They created memories that will last a lifetime with people I'll never forget. From the age of nine, I had a dream and it may have been one that seemed insignificant at the time, but if I knew if I could be even half the person that my counselors were for me, I would be doing something amazing. They inspired me by filling me with memories and positive experiences and passing on the drive to do the same. As opening day approached, began thinking 'what if they don't like me, how would I compare to my counselors?' I knew that I was taking on a challenge, but surely not one that I couldn't conquer. I was embracing responsibilities like never before; the lives of these children were now in my hands.

I got to know these girls as if they were my little sisters and I immediately was attached. They made me laugh and made me work; they made me stronger and made me gifts. I still was unsure of the impact I was making until one day it became rather apparent. Hannah ran up behind me and pulled me aside, her eyes filled with tears. My heart melted to see her sad and as her chin quivered she broke down, Hannah opened up to me about the emotional hardship she was experiencing. As she confined in me she also asked about my life at the cruel age of twelve. I noticed when she cried, I cried. I felt her pain and sorrow and I wanted to find a way to take it away. After a long talk, that night I discovered a note on my bed, it read: "thank you for being there, it meant so much, I love you." That was when I finally realized, I made a difference and she cared. The way I affected Hannah has done more for me than she will ever know. I now realize the impact I can make, and "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."- Carl W. Buechner.

Undergraduate / Extracurricular experience: evolving through soccer [4]

The first time my foot met the ball was at the age of four, ever since then, my love for soccer has evolved. I continued training and bettering myself, always letting my competitive side show. One day I realized my potential, not as a player, but as a mentor and instructor. With this realization I got the urge to become a certified referee, enabling me to promote the most important values and rules of the game. I became the authority figure on the field ensuring the players safety and being trusted to call a fair game. My contributions didn't stop there; when I decided I would lead a group of five and six year old girls developing their skills throughout the early stages of soccer. These were the years that my leadership skills began to develop and emerge and it's safe to say, I loved the feeling.

Undergraduate / Camp counselor vs soccer vs Volunteer? [3]

This is for my common application (Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences) and I am debating what to write because throughout high school, i was a part of three main activities: soccer (player, coach and referee), volunteering at the homeless shelter, and being a camp counselor.

I was thinking about picking one activity, either counselor or homeless but then I got the idea of writing all about "how I realized I could be a leader" i led my campers and I led my sister to love going to the homeless shelter.

Should I choose one or combine all?

Thanks for your help!