Florida State University
For almost one hundred years, the Latin words, "Vires, Artes, Mores" have been the guiding philosophy behind Florida State University. Vires signifies strength of all kinds - moral, physical, and intellectual; Artes alludes to the beauty of intellectual pursuits as exemplified in skill, craft, or art; and Mores refers to character, custom, or tradition. Describe how one or more of the values embodied in these concepts are reflected in your life.
The desire to succeed is one that truly empowers a person from the inside out. Each time we face our fears, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing. Giving up is the easiest thing in the world to do, but holding together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, shows true strength. When I surprised myself with my own determination, I realized that I could surprise anyone.
Why was I laying on the school's bathroom floor? Why could I not remember anything? Why was I covered in blood? My head was spinning with millions of questions. All of which could not be answered. I felt scared, empty, and alone. I felt lost, yet everything felt vaguely familiar. I was attacked at school and had not seen the person's face. Nothing was said, nothing was taken, except my pride. I no longer felt safe at school. Even when I was surrounded by a sea of people, I felt as if I was alone.
I stood my ground, faced my fears, and headed into the eye of the storm. I attended school one day later and was no longer that weak girl who had once found herself lying on the bathroom floor but I was a strong, determined woman. Your struggles develop your strengths and "Vires", strengths of all kind, has strongly influenced the person I am today. I had been attacked. But I did not let it define me.
