Undergraduate / UC essay #1: Living in Orange County [2]

UC Essay #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

I am just looking for general comments/advice for this essay.
Thanks

Orange-County - California Life

It does not take long to look around in Orange County and realize that it is an affluent area. I am surrounded by massive, magnificent homes; some of which cost millions of dollars. People in this area had to be successful to buy these homes. I wish to be as successful as the adults in Orange County.

As a child I had about everything I wanted. I had a basketball hoop, videogames, and a big house. My parents were supportive, successful, and caring. I grew up never having to worry if I was going to have dinner that night. My sports teams that I played for, and loved, were paid for without a problem. This was all made possible because I had parents that made a good living. They both went to a four year university and got jobs right after college. Soon after they made enough money to move to Southern California, which I believe is one of the best places to live and raise a family. My parents and many others that live in Orange County are an example of success, a word I believe defines my community. My personal definition of success is being where you want to be in life. After my college experience is done, I want to raise a family in Southern California. Living here has taught me that I want to be successful, that I want to give my kids the same kind of support my parents gave me.

People can get caught up in the fast paced money driven lifestyle of Orange County, but it is a great place to grow up. There is a general sense of comfort and security where I live, a sense of the American dream. Almost everybody who wants to live in a pleasant home in Southern California knows what its like to work hard. As a child I thought everyone had it this good, but over time I realized that one must have a good job to live here. Being as fortunate as I was, I came to understand that many others do not retain the lifestyle I take for granted. As I got older, I began to look at Orange County as a fathom of reality. In the words of my mother, "Not everyone lives in this Orange County bubble; you do not know half of the things that go on in this world." She was right, I have had it easy.

My community has given me goals and a deeper understanding of the world. An example of success has been presented right before me; I want to obtain that success. I have been living the dream, but must work hard to retain it.

Undergraduate / Crohn's - UC essay #2 [3]

UC Essay #2: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

I crawl out of bed, pour a glass of orange juice, and pour out my pills. It became a routine, I didn't even think about taking the pills. I look down, and there are 7 pills before me. Then I start to laugh, I'm 16 years old and popping pills like a 70 year old. That's one thing I like about myself, I always had a little humility.

I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease November 30, 2006. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. Also referred to as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the entire digestive system is affected. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. It's been almost two years since I was diagnosed with Crohn's, but I have been dealing with stomach problems since middle school. I was embarrassed to tell anyone about it, even my parents. As a teenager I thought I could handle things on my own, but sometimes you have to ask for help. After a long period of time struggling with pain and numerous trips to the bathroom, I finally went to see the doctor. Although it may have seemed easy, admitting you have a problem is a hard thing to do. I learned the day I went to the doctor that asking for help is sometimes a necessity. Test after test was preformed, until ultimately a colonoscopy showed I had Crohn's disease.

I have learned a lot about myself and my life from Crohn's disease. With Crohn's disease, you can be normal for three months and all of a sudden be in pain. I have learned not to take things for granted, even if it is normal bowel movements. Acceptance is another value that living with Crohn's has taught me. I can remember my first visit with my gastroenterologist. She asked me what my biggest fear of having Crohn's disease was. I responded, "I'm afraid I will have to live with this disease for the rest of my life." She didn't reply. Even after I was diagnosed, I thought they would give me some pills and my troubles would cease. Little did I know, there is no cure for Crohn's disease and I could very well live with it for the rest of my life. Over time, I gradually accepted the fact that I had to deal with this chronic illness. I learned not only of acceptance of my disease, but acceptance of others. Few people can tell that I am living with a severe disease. I now understand that others may have problems that I do not know about, and I should accept everyone. Perseverance is something I am continually learning while living with Crohn's. There will be tough times in your life; times when you want to give up. One night I recall asking God why I had to live with this disease. Now I get up and know that no matter how much pain I'm in, everything will turn out ok. Without Crohn's, I would never know the true meaning of overcoming hardship.

I am proud that I have lived and persevered with Crohn's disease. Two of the most important things I have discovered are acceptance and the power of admitting your problems. I have struggled with the disease; I know what its like to fight through hard times. Crohn's has shown me a new way to look at life.