Undergraduate / 'Parasailing made me realize my potential' - significant experience/risk [2]

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. - 500 words max

Launching off of the boat was the most exhilarating feeling I have ever had. I was tied to a parachute and as the boat picked up speed I went up into the air. It was a feeling of flying, of soaring over the pristine ocean. As the sound of the boat drifted away I rose slowly higher and higher above the water. The boat below me seemed to get smaller and smaller while the full Maui coastline came into my view. The peacefulness that I felt was like none I have ever experienced, it truly served as a mind opener. Floating over the ocean, watching the amazing sights of the coast, and soaring across the sky made me feel invincible, that I could do or be whomever I wished to.

My emotions were a mixture of fear, excitement, and more fear. Feeling the wind on my face and the taste of salt water was remarkably incredible. The experience I had parasailing was something I will never forget for multiple reasons. I am surprised that I actually had the stomach to do something like going up 800 feet above sea water with nothing but a piece of rope holding you onto the boat. In all honesty I was terrified at the idea, but watching people seemingly just floating around in the air was something that I felt would no doubt be an incredible experience. I opted to try parasailing simply because I felt it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass, although even up to the last seconds before being lifted I still doubted my ability to remain calm.

Parasailing made me realize my potential, though parasailing might seem like no big deal to some, for me it was amazing. It showed me just how much I can push myself to do something. Before this experience I was already aware of it but I guess I wasn't fully aware of the extent to which I can push myself. I should probably mention that before this experience I was terrified of heights, and that is why it is so important to me. I was able to overcome a fear that has always been with me. Undoubtedly I picked a dramatic way to try to rid myself of the fear I felt, but it worked. My thoughts were to might as well test how far I could take myself.

This accomplishment is important to me because it shows how I am able to overcome obstacles and move on. It made me realize that I am a strong person and that I can deal with problems. Overcoming my fear of heights in such an extreme way I believe is a little humorous. I realize that I could have overcome my fears in a much easier and less audacious way. I also find it ironic how I willed myself to step off of that boat and plunge myself 800 feet into the sky, but often got dizzy when I would look out of a window of a building. In truth I dealt with my fears in a less conventional way, but I came out with a valuable lesson, which is to never second guess myself and to truly believe that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind on.

Critique it!!please!currently over 44 words

Undergraduate / 'no longer being the baby' - UC prompt #1 [2]

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.

The thought of no longer being the baby, no longer being the sole object of my mother's affection was heart wrenching and incredibly intimidating. I was too concerned with my own feelings that I never stopped to think of the wonderful experiences I would have with this new baby girl. Thinking about the baby that would soon steal my mother's attention filled me, instead, with jealousy. When the day her reign of attention-stealing would begin, I was absolutely loathing the thought of meeting her. Walking into the room I was prepared to completely despise her and I reluctantly approached the crib. At first glance I surprised myself by falling in love with her, from her round pink cheeks to her flailing little arms.

Over the years I fulfilled the role of the big sister perfectly. She was my real-life doll, I helped feed her, bathe her, and spent endless hours playing with her-although I drew the line at diaper duty. As she began to grow and smile and her eyes lit up when I came in and lifted her, my love grew. Watching the carefree life of a toddler and being there to experience her adventures was incredible. I idolized her ability to block out all sense of judgment while she talked to her imaginary friends and strangers as she strolled down the neighborhood.

I was able to see the world through her eyes; one full of adventure and possibilities. Growing with her made me more open-minded in the sense of having a more optimistic outlook on life. I no longer saw only the negatives but began to see the positives of situations. My world soon became part of what she saw through her eyes. I no longer was this uptight little girl who preferred to stay within her own boundaries and her own little bubble, I learned to have more fun and enjoy life the way my toddler would.

I see my world and my surroundings in a new light thanks to my half-sister. Not only did she change my world but she also affected my aspirations and dreams. I enjoy her company so much and enjoy playing a role in a child's life that I now want to work with children in whatever profession I choose. The experiences I have had at home and at a childcare I volunteer for have pushed me towards working with kids. I like to believe that the birth of my baby half-sister and watching her grow up and continue to grow has led to me having a bigger outlook on life and a better grasp on my dreams.

I'm not sure if I'm answering the prompt correctly. Any feedback will be appreciated, thanks!

Undergraduate / What i learned from my grandmothers death-UC prompt 2 [3]

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?

The last time I saw my grandmother she was in a white robe with small blue polka dots on them which grazed her ankles. Her hair was a mixture of striking white strands and dull black strands, it lay, limp across her eyes, shielding her face. Her legs dangled over the wheelchair and she swung one of them slowly back and forth, keeping her eyes down staring at her foot. Her face was etched with pain, loneliness, and desperateness emotions which directly mirrored my face.

I remembered how lively she once had been, how she enjoyed cooking and baking for hours on end. How her apartment always smelled of cigarettes and butter, an odd mixture but I always welcomed it because it was her smell. Watching her sit there, looking so lost I recall, confused me, I did not understand how one could be so happy and full of spirit and then just lose it, becoming just a vague memory of who they once were.

Walking towards her I did my best to hide the fear that was so plainly on my face, I tried to force a smile in hopes that she would return the gesture. Once she spotted me, I could tell she attempted to change the look upon her face, and wear a mask which covered her true emotions. She did her best to cheer me up as I too attempted with all my might to do something, say something that would allow her to be her old self again.

Before leaving I made a small remark about how I was learning to make pupusas, knowing that she was always pleading with me to learn. With that small remark I saw on her face a small flicker of her old self, it was only for a split second, but that was enough to greatly raise my spirits. Departing from her was hard, and tears were shed, but we both enjoyed and took a lot from that visit. That was the last time I saw my grandmother, and those moments I spent with her that day will always be engraved in my mind. That experience of departing from her and not knowing when, or if I would see her again was heart wrenching. What hurt most was knowing that I could have taken advantage of having her with me safe and healthy before she became ill.

Instead of falling into myself and delving into my own sorrow and becoming just a mere shadow of myself- just a memory of who I once was; I instead choose to thrive from the experience I went through. I chose to see my grandmas suffering as a reason for which to better myself and to somehow not leave her death in vain. That experience made me grow up, until that time I had never thought of life after death, the thought had never occurred to me, that people can be here in a second and gone in a flash. Her death was eye opening it caused me to be aware of a life full of sadness and hurt but to not let that overcome you.

its still a fairly rough draft, any pointers or advice will be greatly appreciated!