Undergraduate / 'my education, community, and beliefs' - Description of the world I've come from [3]

In the closets of all family homes lay the countless photo albums that capture the memories of us as children. There's always the embarrassing butt shot from the toddler years (hopefully), and the oh so adorable picture of a huge smile revealing the two missing teeth we were all so excited to receive a dollar for. These pictures are perfect examples of the saying 'a picture's worth a thousand words.' They tell stories: it may be the story of when one got lost in the mall, or how a mannequin fell on top of one and cracked her head open (These may be from personal experience). For me, looking back on these photos and reminiscing on moments that I had forgotten about is one of the best feelings in the world. The stories these pictures tell are different for everyone, but they all describe one thing: our childhood. Our childhood is the foundation of the rest of our lives, and it has such a large impact on who we become, what we dream of, and how we perceive things.

My childhood consisted of many important factors such as my education, community, and beliefs. However, the most important is the amazing people I've been surrounded by since the day I was born. I've grown up with amazing family and friends, people who have always supported me in whatever I set out to do. These incredible people are a huge part of my world, and I'm positive that without them in my life I would be no where near where I am today; especially without my family. I have an infinite amount of memories that I share with them, and I hold them very close to my heart. They've shaped what I believe in, and have taught me to be hard working, understanding, and to always treat others with respect. Also, if it weren't for my family I wouldn't have the dream to travel the world. My mother, aunts, and uncles were very lucky to travel the world when they were children because my grandpa was a pilot. While I was growing up, I heard countless stories of adventures from skiing in Austria to seeing castles in Ireland. I'd love to be able to experience all that they did, and hope to travel abroad in college. I have a passion for foreign languages and other cultures, and I hope to expand my knowledge of these two in college.

Without the childhood I was given I would be completely different. I cannot express how thankful I am for everything I've been given, and I will do anything to take what I have and continue to make the best out of it. I will take my dreams and use them to change the world for the better, whether it has a small impact on a lot of people, or a huge impact on just one person. My world is fairly typical now; I'm a high school girl living in a small town with a big dream. But I can guarantee that if I am accepted into this college, I will take my typical world and turn it into something extraordinary.

Undergraduate / 'my younger sister' - Common App. - Influential Person [2]

This is my college essay describing a person who has influenced me in my life. Please give feedback and tell me what you think!

John Quincy Adams once stated, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." When I think of someone in my life who has influenced me greatly, I think of my younger sister. From our childhood years playing outside to our more mature years in high school, my sister has always been one to help me through everything. My sister is very organized and mature for just being in her early teens, however this is not how she has influenced me so significantly in my life. She was born with an extremely rare disease that causes the right side of her body to grow completely different from her left. Our family was told that she would have to have leg lengthening surgery, a very painful and timely process. In 2009, she underwent the first part of the surgery on her upper leg. It took approximately half a year for her to even start physical therapy. In May of 2011, she underwent the second part of the surgery on her lower leg, and is still recovering to this day.

My sister never complains about anything and smiles through it all. I've learned that whenever I go through a tough time, I should think of how blessed I am to have everything that I do. She's taught me that life always goes on. Whenever my sister stayed home from school due to pain, she'd always stay on top of homework. I know that if she can commit herself to her education that well, and succeed so greatly, that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I've always taken my education very seriously, but my sister has influenced me to set my mind to a higher goal, and never settle for anything. There are times when I get stressed out and want to give up. She reminds me that it won't help myself or my future in any way, and that I have to power through in order to better myself. Throughout my life I will use all of these things she's shown me, especially throughout college. I'll work through any challenge, keep a positive mindset, and dedicate myself to anything that will make me a better person.

It is the determination and willpower my sister exudes that keeps me going every day. Without someone to inspire me in my life like she has, I would be a completely different person. She's been a large part of the person I've grown to be, and I am forever grateful for the influence she's had on me. Some people look at my sister and see a girl who's just had surgery or just another teenage girl. For me, I look at her and see a girl who displays great acts of courage and perseverance: a hero.