'I became a stronger person' - NTU Scholarship What doesn't kill makes you stronger

Describe, in less than 300 words, a short essay on a subject of personal importance to you. You may choose any topic. Examples include: an event which has influenced you or a family member/friend/person who had a significant influence on you.

I was 13 years old in Baghdad, sitting outside the local mini market having a drink. there was an explosion three blocks away from my home and smoke appeared like a sunrise. I can still remember how my house windows shattered, the police sirens shadowed the screams of children and the sight of people being taken to hospitals. However, among those being taken to hospital I could recognize someone, I stepped closer and saw my best friend with a major cut on his neck. He saw me and his cries for help went louder with his eyes fixed on me and could not help but standing with tears rushing.

Thankfully, he was saved and after few months we had the chance to sit and have a laughter. This incident taught me that life is tough and that it can only be great if we work hard to make it great and care for each other, despite the religion or race, because we are all human and pain is felt in the same way. it also changed the way I looked at life. Life can't be halted by anything, no matter what one goes through because we have the choice of embracing difficulties and burn them as a fuel for the journey of life.

I became a stronger person and learnt that hard times are like ashes, eventually disappearing with the wind of time. Every time I look back at those times,I get motivated to work harder and excel in anything I do to make the world a better place for everyone.

I wrote this in a short time, so do tell me if its bad and I need to re-write, add, or change the whole thing. I really need the scholarship because I can't afford ANYTHING :(

Cheers.

I was 13 years old and living in Baghdad. After school, I used to sit outside the local mini-market and have a drink. One afternoon, an explosion three blocks away blew away my innocence. The smoke after the explosion slowly drifted upwards, like clouds do the moment before a sunrise. On the street, house windows were shattered. Police sirens covered the screams of children, while rubble and chaos covered the sight of people being taken to hospitals. However, among the chaos I recognized someone. It was____, my best friend, lying on ___ with a major cut on his neck. His cries for help became louder and more distraught after his eyes fixed on me. At that moment, I wished my tears could extinguish his cries. They were all I had to offer.

Thankfully, he lived through the explosion and was laughing and playing with me a few months later. This incident taught me that life is a challenge, and that I can feel pain without being physically hurt. It also taught me that life cannot be halted by anything, especially a difficulty. Every problem I encounter is fuel for new opportunity.

What a beautiful message. It must have been scary. Do they have a hospital there at all now?