Question: Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. Limit is 250-500 words. My essay is exactly 500 right now.
When I enrolled in a high school of over 4,000 students and faculty, I was overwhelmed by the talent that surrounded me. I had always considered myself a skilled artist, whether it be drawing, writing, or music; however, at a school this vast, there was always someone better. I began to think that perhaps I was doomed to be only average, floating through the next four years without making a single mark on my school.
My mindset slowly changed as I found a role model in a fictional character from the BBC series "Doctor Who." The Doctor, the time travelling protagonist, always travelled with a companion, and his latest sidekick was Donna Noble. Donna did not initially stand out as a unique companion in any way. In fact, she was introduced as loud mouthed, shallow, and bossy. She did not believe she was special, and would remind everyone that she wasn't with her catch phrase, "but I'm just a temp!" I sympathized with Donna, who felt trapped by the billions of people surrounding her just as I felt trapped by the 4,000 who surrounded me. However, as she continued to travel, her interactions with the past and the future taught her compassion. She learned not only to value her own significance, but that of those around her also. Her sass, portrayed as annoying before, became a symbol of her strength. She saved many lives, and at the end of her journey she even prevented the destruction of the earth. I don't think I'll ever get the chance to stop the world from ending, but nevertheless Donna Noble has taught me that every human life is precious and unique. I've learned to trust in my own talent, and admire the talent of others. Before, the thought of sharing my drawings, writings, or videos with anyone would render me terrified. I was scared to look at others' content, lest it be better than my own. Donna Noble taught me that even though I will always have room to improve, my work is important, and has a purpose. I've learned that life is an adventure, and although I won't get to battle aliens or meet Agatha Christie, I can always try to write a novel in one month, or campaign for sponsors for a 5K race. Most importantly, Donna taught me that it's not the measure of your talent that makes you stand out, but the measure of your kindness. I think of her selflessness when I volunteer with the elderly, or organize clothing drives with my school. Throughout the next few years of school, I joined a plethora of activities. I began to report for my school's broadcast news program. Every time one of my news packages would air, I felt a familiar anxiety that the story wouldn't be good enough. My thoughts would turn to Donna Noble, the most important woman in the universe, and I would be reassured that my stories matter, and next time, I would do even better.
Thank you for your feedback :)
I'm also a Doctor Who fan and you have a great concept for the essay! If anything, I'd emphasize how Donna feels too average, because that's a huge point about her and non-Doctor Who fans might not understand the extent of her averageness. Also, one thing I noticed is that you seem to add details from your life as an afterthought, like in the end when you start talking about volunteering or your work with the school's news program. In my opinion this should be the bulk of the essay. Use Donna as a hook and an overall theme for the essay, but it might be a good idea to shift the focus of the essay more to you.
Overall, great job! Donna is the perfect example for what you're trying to say.
great, great, great. From connecting Donna's life to your life, to slipping in your volunteer experiences, they're all seamlessly connected.
I wish I could write like you. Keep it up!
suzeroonie
I don't think I'll ever get the chance to stop the world from ending, but nevertheless Donna Noble has taught me that every human life is precious and unique. I've learned to trust in my own talent , and admire the talent of others.
Should be I don't think I'll ever get the chance to stop the world from ending, but Donna Noble has taught me that every human life is precious and unique. I've learned to trust in my talent , and admire the talent of others... to avoid redundancy.
