It is 2:00 am, they are eager to get home and the freedom of being a teenager fresh out of high school gets the best of them. There is no rush, but they still speed feeling invincible. They have no fear and the only thing they want is to make the night memorable, to end it the right way after all they are best friends. They brace themselves for the swerving and the adrenaline rush they know is bound to come as the car gathers velocity and accelerates carelessly. The last thing their eyes catch is the blank corner of a house or as I like to hope, nothing but darkness. Why do teens rush nowadays? Why is it that youth feel like the dangers of speeding are meant to be experienced by them? Many of my friends who have the answers to these questions are no longer alive to explain it to me. I will never understand why two 18 year old best friends had to perish one lonely night because they lost control of the vehicle, why someone who had so much to live for is no longer able to dream.
In the midst of confusion that came with the death that shocked my community, I learned to accept the situation and instead not allow the deaths of two great people to be in vein. This event has drastically changed my life, in a bittersweet way. I never thought the boy who was voted "most likely to brighten you day" in high school, would not be alive to graduate college or start his own family, but this sudden shock has allowed me to grow as a person. I strive to make the best of my self each in every day, to live my life fully and count my blessings never my troubles. I strive to make my family proud especially in my academic achievements, I strive to inspire others to be the best they can be and make smarter choices. This meaningful event has molded me into a responsible and positive person who looks forward to attending the University of Florida, and one day becoming a successful lawyer. This terrible loss has not only proven to me that life is short and unexpected, but that if one can overcome the death of a friend one can overcome any obstacle.
The brief 5 minutes where I discovered when, where, why, and how my two friends had died touched my life in an unimaginable way that more than anything has prepared me to take life head on. As a person who has dealt with a deep loss, I consider myself a dedicated student, with a thirst for life. This thirst is exactly what will guide me into a life of success, eagerness to learn, and a hunger to be a role model and a leader at the University of Florida. My positive outlook allows me to help others, and reach for my highest potential. The strength I have acquired through this experience has given me new found ambition to explore my dreams and reach my goals.
Though Kevin and Ian are not alive today to re make choices, or choose a different path I have learned more about myself during the year in which Kevin and Ian have perished then I have my whole life. I now know I am stronger than I ever gave myself credit for, I now understand that those who pass do not leave us simply with memories to remember them by but with tools to find the best in life, and I now see that the importance in preparing for your future is far greater than living in the moment. The death of these two extraordinary people turned angels is not simply a story of two teens that sped one night it is life lesson I will always carry with me. It is about the importance in reaching your goals, teaching others, and above all touching lives. The imprint they have left in my life will forever change my college experience, into a dedicated journey for success, a quest to inspire others, and a promise to leave my mark in the world as a Gator.
Great, moving/emotional essay! :)
I say this is ready to be submitted, but revise it over one more time for good measure.
Is there a word/character limit? Keep that in mind too.
Either way, good job and good luck! :)
