Hey Guys! This is my first post so I hope all goes well. I'm applying to some very very competitive schools so I'd really appreciate any feedback on my essay! Thanks a bunch =)
"(protecting my name), write down the number quickly so we can make a donation!" my mom yelled. Not paying much attention, I picked up a pencil and paper, scribbling down the number that was on the bottom left of the television screen. As the commercial was coming to an end, the phrase "It's difficult to leave a child with an aching heart" (translated from Arabic) resounded through the small living room, amplifying my parents distressed look. Not quite understanding what just happened, I reviewed what I had blindly written on the paper; it read "The Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation - 0100024611/22." Quite honestly, this was gibberish to me at the time. I could not comprehend its significance as I had never seen the commercial before, nor have I been familiar with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation. I asked my parents, "Who is Magdi Yacoub?" Their answer was one I would never forget: "Magdi Yacoub..." my mom said with a warm smile, "...is the heart and pride of Egypt."
Burning with curiosity, I wondered to myself, "What does she mean the heart and pride of Egypt? How come I've never heard of him?" I hurried over to the laptop in my room with a fierce determination to find out exactly who Magdi Yacoub was. Spending hours upon hours reading articles and websites dissecting his childhood and his colossal achievements I was mesmerized by this brilliant saint. His surgical skills were unsurpassed, his generosity was beyond comprehension, and his intelligence was extraordinary. He was leading the life I only dreamt of. It was this man who made everything possible in my life.
Magdi Yacoub is the reason I can proudly say that I want to be a cardiac surgeon and help those whom are less fortunate and be the very best at what I do. He instilled an ambition in me that thrives from academic excellence, compassion, global awareness, and a desire to succeed. This experience shaped my character and my view on life. I began to volunteer at the local hospital whenever I could to help patients and learn as much about the medical field as I could. I spent hours upon hours reading medical case studies, trying to satisfy my limitless thirst for knowledge. Distractions that had once dominated my life, like YouTube, video games, and television had become insignificant. I began to realize what I truly wanted out of life: help others, understand the human body, become a world renowned heart surgeon, and become the heart and pride of Egypt.
My performance in school was significantly enhanced as I developed a genuine interest in all my subjects. For example, I was eager to read the next chemistry chapter on organic chemistry and do the practice AP Calculus questions at the back of the book. Magdi Yacoub inspired me to always try my best and to accept the fact that sometimes it may entail failure, but you only improve because of it. He taught me to make a difference.
"(protecting my name), write down the number quickly so we can make a donation!" my mom yelled. Not paying much attention, I picked up a pencil and paper, scribbling down the number that was on the bottom left of the television screen. As the commercial was coming to an end, the phrase "It's difficult to leave a child with an aching heart" (translated from Arabic) resounded through the small living room, amplifying my parents distressed look. Not quite understanding what just happened, I reviewed what I had blindly written on the paper; it read "The Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation - 0100024611/22." Quite honestly, this was gibberish to me at the time. I could not comprehend its significance as I had never seen the commercial before, nor have I been familiar with the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation. I asked my parents, "Who is Magdi Yacoub?" Their answer was one I would never forget: "Magdi Yacoub..." my mom said with a warm smile, "...is the heart and pride of Egypt."
Burning with curiosity, I wondered to myself, "What does she mean the heart and pride of Egypt? How come I've never heard of him?" I hurried over to the laptop in my room with a fierce determination to find out exactly who Magdi Yacoub was. Spending hours upon hours reading articles and websites dissecting his childhood and his colossal achievements I was mesmerized by this brilliant saint. His surgical skills were unsurpassed, his generosity was beyond comprehension, and his intelligence was extraordinary. He was leading the life I only dreamt of. It was this man who made everything possible in my life.
Magdi Yacoub is the reason I can proudly say that I want to be a cardiac surgeon and help those whom are less fortunate and be the very best at what I do. He instilled an ambition in me that thrives from academic excellence, compassion, global awareness, and a desire to succeed. This experience shaped my character and my view on life. I began to volunteer at the local hospital whenever I could to help patients and learn as much about the medical field as I could. I spent hours upon hours reading medical case studies, trying to satisfy my limitless thirst for knowledge. Distractions that had once dominated my life, like YouTube, video games, and television had become insignificant. I began to realize what I truly wanted out of life: help others, understand the human body, become a world renowned heart surgeon, and become the heart and pride of Egypt.
My performance in school was significantly enhanced as I developed a genuine interest in all my subjects. For example, I was eager to read the next chemistry chapter on organic chemistry and do the practice AP Calculus questions at the back of the book. Magdi Yacoub inspired me to always try my best and to accept the fact that sometimes it may entail failure, but you only improve because of it. He taught me to make a difference.