'How could I have Epilepsy' - FSU admissions essay:

And here's my essay:

The pillars of Florida State University are "Vires, Artes, Mores". Which when translated into Latin mean "Strength, Intellect, Character". They are all excellent qualities one would love to possess. More specifically, who I am is embodied in Vires, because I am a strong person in every matter of the word. Physically, I believe I can help lift heavy objects with ease. Morally, I fight for what I believe in even if everyone around me begs to differ. I will not change who I am for others. Mentally I am I am sure that I am abundantly strong. This did not come easily, however. Recently I had to have a lot of strength to go through a dramatic shift in my life. I quickly evolved from a teenager who thinks she is invincible; to someone who was holding on by a string. During just a normal day of happiness, I had a seizure-so everyone says. During this troubling time, I cracked my skull, slept for five days in the hospital, and awoke wondering where I was. I was completely confused about what had happened over those days and I was in absolute denial of the possibility that this first seizure could also be an early manifestation of Epilepsy. So was everyone in my family. How could I have Epilepsy? Months later this diagnosis was confirmed. Feeling depressed, hopeless, and different, I felt I was doomed to have an awful life. I reminded myself not to be naive, and believe I am immune to anything. During this past year, I have learned a lot about my own disorder. I was left with anti-seizure medications, but no instruction manual on how to deal with my newfound vulnerability. I worry every day about seizures, because they are spontaneous. It is with strength that I have the ability to realize the positive things this disorder has brought onto me. It has taught me to enjoy life more, and to take it for what it is worth.

Life is precious and it can vanish at any moment. I may have to endure something in which the average person has been spared, but that does not mean

I cannot have as good a life as the average person. It made me come to the realization that this is me, this disorder is a part of me in which I cannot erase but does not define me. I would blush whenever my Mother had mentioned it to anyone, but now I can casually tell people if they ask. It is just like telling someone I have a dog and a cat. It took "Vires", but I was able to overcome my hardships. I hope that I can be an inspiration to others who are stricken with Epilepsy. I want to be able to teach others that without strength to push through and remain positive, it is going to be hard to obtain happiness in this life. I believe Florida State University is a place I could receive a strong education.

IS THE CONTENT OKAY? Did I answer the question validly.. or is it like a pity-fest? Thanks.

My entire life has revolved around artes, which is the Latin word for art. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a mother as a painter, which brought enlightened eyes to me. She was always the "art mom" in Hebrew School, with the bags of paint and glitter glue. I was always the blushing, embarrassed little girl. Nevertheless, I enjoyed art even if I did not want to show it in my impish smile.

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I REDID IT.. just posted a new essay :] thx.

Your content is great; you have definitely fulfilled the prompt, and it does not sound like pity party. Instead, it sounds like a sound reflection on a very important part of your life.

Let me know when you are ready to edit for mechanics.

Thanks a lot.
I think the second one is better... what do you think?
You can edit them when you would like! Thanks a lot (: !!!

I agree with you; the second one is more focused and thus more appropriate.

I was fortunate enough to grow up with a mother who was a painter , which brought enlightened eyes to me.

It was a must for me that every year of school had to have a class dedicated to the arts.

In school, I was in the Art Club for most of my h igh s chool career. In the duration of being in the club I was able to paint a large mural for a Christian organization, work on an anti-drug chalk design, and paint a set for a school fashion show, among other things. The imaginary friend gave me a chance to make real friends. (Example?)

I felt a lot of emotions after the accident, and I was in denial that I had e pilepsy. I felt like I could keep my thoughts within a contained area, and when they were ready to come out, they could fly free. As a result, I gave myself makeshift art therapy. I examined each color as I drew, as my headache pounded.

I became enthralled with different materials (Remove comma) and mediums, such as collage. I would cut out screaming faces and smiling faces and paste them together, to illustrate a shift in my emotions.

I feel like art has helped me in the past and still continues to help me today within every process of my life. I have met my best friends because of art, and have mended my deepest personal issues with the help of art.