Undergraduate / "my inner characteristics to shine" - UCF prompt Contribute to UCF community [7]

Trying to answer the prompt regarding what I will contribute to UCFI have begun to notice a dramatic difference in my lifestyle and that of my friends. I have come to realize the momentous impact of the decisions I make now in life; I am forging the path my life will take. My peers still appear to have a lackadaisical lifestyle, simply watching as the world spins around them. I have grasped the concept that I must take the initiative and take action in order for my goals to come to fruition.

Realizing that every decision makes a difference, I have developed the characteristic of intense leadership for myself. Slowly I have found the ability to ignore peer pressure, allowing only my inner characteristics and morals to shape my life. Utilizing my strong work ethic, I went out after wrestling practice looking for employment, five days a week. Times were hard economically and no one was hiring, but with perseverance, I continued my effort and kept up the search. I finally landed my present job at Papa John's and really put forth an effort. Within a month, my supervisor took notice of my hard work and promoted me to Shift Leader. I enjoy working my way up, learning new things and balancing the things that are important to me; school, wrestling, work and my family. I know that although it will take time and effort, I can do the same in the UCF Community. I will start by joining organizations such as Volunteer UCF, working hard to improve campus life in every way I can.

Undergraduate / Need help on Bump in road Essay (my best friend's death) [23]

On March 18th, 2007, my best friend, Tyler Goldberg, crashed his jet ski into the dock at Markham Park. Tyler was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami in critical condition with life-threatening injuries to his chest and neck. Day after day I prayed, hanging onto whatever glimmer of hope existed for his recovery. For thirteen agonizing days every time a tube was passed or a test was run, desperately I hung onto the belief he was improving.

On April 1st, both of our lives changed. Tyler lost his courageous fight and I lost my best friend. Even though I was surrounded by friends and family, I had never felt more alone. I have always had strong shoulders, easily able to shrug off any life crises that had been thrown my way, but this was different. It was as though suddenly my shoulders buckled and I felt as though I could never bring them back up again.

Tyler had been my best friend since kindergarten, our lives inextricably intertwined. I will forever treasure the memories of our adventures together; the sleepovers, the football games, the tricks of Halloween and mostly hanging out with him spending countless hours just talking. For months after his death there would be fleeting moments where I would think I heard him bounding up the stairs to my room or I would catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye in the halls at school until being jolted back to reality.

Over two years have passed and while overcoming the acute sadness and loss, I will never forget the lessons his death taught me. I now realize that the potential impact of every decision that we make affects not only ourselves, but also all of the others who love us because I have seen the pain and destruction that not thoroughly thinking through your actions can cause. It has taught me to appreciate each day as a gift, to take better care of the people in my life and to never let an opportunity go by to tell them how much they mean to me. Now, instead of running out the door, I take the few seconds of time it takes to find my mom, kiss her cheek and tell her that I love her, that I will be careful.

I believe enduring this experience has left me a stronger, wiser person, more cognizant of how important the people and relationships in your life are.

Appreciation of life is key. My goal is to succeed academically, to value each stage of life as it presents. I look forward to attending the University of Florida, being a Gator and paying it forward by volunteering and working with the University of Florida's Center for Leadership Services, particularly the Wish Upon a Star project.