Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
"But Ma! You promised we'd go to the mall!" I cried out. It was 2 days before my birthday, and my mom out of the blue decided that it would be a lovely idea to spend my birthday in the place I least expected to visit - an orphanage. I wasn't amused at all, particularly after all the plans I had made for my birthday. But my mom believed that a visit to the orphanage would 'open my eyes' - to show me that part of society, which is more than often, ignored, or goes unnoticed. Furthermore, she also cited that I would receive a lot of blessings. I wasn't sure what to expect at the time since it was my first visit to an orphanage. But after an hour's ride, when we pulled over before the building, I was quite intrigued. A beautiful bungalow riddled with greenery, its walls plastered with rhymes and cartoons - it looked like a perfect homestead. When we entered the bungalow we were greeted by a lovely old lady who was in charge of the orphanage. She is perhaps one of the kindest and warm-hearted person I have ever met. "We don't get many visitors here. Thank you for visiting us," she said. Our host invited us inside where we were greeted by several eager-faced, excited and affectionate little children. Everyone looked so happy for even the littlest things they had. I spent the entire day playing and talking with them. Such innocence! I still wonder what their lives are like without parents, without someone to love and guide them. I felt accomplished for doing something for them. When it was finally time for dinner they sat in rows with steel plates while I brought in the food and sweets to serve them. With each serving, they said, "Thank you, Anna". I was heartbroken, these children had lost everything but still preserve such manners. These are children that smile and laugh even after going through the darkest moments in their lives. I tried my best to contain the cyclone of emotions within me. I am very glad that the orphanage's staff were able to provide them with the second chance they deserve. I look back and remember how lucky I am. I learned that I have a privilege many people don't and I shouldn't take it for granted. I still thank my mother for showing me the other end of our society, for showing how privileged I am to have a family to love and care for me. When it was finally time to leave the orphanage, I walked out and looked back at all the children cheering and thanking me for visiting. I didn't know what to say. I already knew I had made the right choice. I walked out as a new person, with a new ambition for society. A mall would have given me a few hours of joy but I will cherish my visit to the orphanage for a lifetime.
