Hi all,
I am looking for some suggestions as to how to improve my essay (not so much grammar suggestions as thoughts on the general idea and structure of the essay). I would really appreciate any advice! Please be harsh! I am also open to suggestions for a title. Thank you in advance!
Bam! On the last beat of the song, Meghan and I struck our most outrageous diva poses. Breathing heavily and nearly panting after finishing our original three minute fifty-seven second dance routine, the two of us stood in front of mom and dad with beaming eyes and the silliest grins slapped across our faces. "Bravo!" one of them shouted, as my sister and I happily welcomed the sweet sound of applause. Whether they were truly impressed with our routine or simply amused by our amateur dance moves, I could not be sure, but in any case, our thrilling performance had been a success. The journey to this point, however, had been marred by discord and dispute.
When Meghan and I were in the first and fourth grade, respectively, our cousin had gifted us a pink portable boom box embellished with pink and purple daisies. Naturally, it was the first thing we turned to on the next rainy day. As soon as we brought out the new toy, an argument over who had DJ rights immediately erupted.
"Stop pressing the skip button! I want to listen to that song!"
"I hate that song!"
"Can't you let me have my way for once?"
Hoping to put an end to the incessant bickering and to divert our attention from the contentious issue, my mother suggested choreographing our own dance to the music. Little did she know that she was opening a whole new can of worms.
Meghan and I enjoyed an entire five minutes of conflict-free fun. "Five, six, seven, eight!" I would count. As the pop song started, we would happily skip around a circle with arms outstretched like airplane wings. After that, however, Meghan desperately wanted to incorporate a couple of spins while I thought some funky arm movements were much more appropriate for that part. I emerged victorious, but the next minute, Meghan and I were once again battling over the specific type of arm movements to include. Frustrated and emotionally drained, I blurted out, "I'm older, so my ideas are better!" One thing I admire about my sister is her will to stand up for herself. In response to my comment, an enraged Meghan started on a bona fide rant on how so very wrong I was, and subsequently stormed off.
Meghan and I settled our differences the next day and worked on our routine until it was performance ready. The dance turned out even better than I imagined with Meghan's input. Looking back, I appreciate that Meghan put me in my place. I was so focused on fulfilling my own vision of the dance that I opposed to all of my sister's suggestions. This incident and many others have taught me the importance of reconciliation. Even if Meghan is four years younger than me, her opinion is equally as valuable. I have realized that to lead effectively, being sensitive to others' needs is as important as pursing one's own goals.
I am looking for some suggestions as to how to improve my essay (not so much grammar suggestions as thoughts on the general idea and structure of the essay). I would really appreciate any advice! Please be harsh! I am also open to suggestions for a title. Thank you in advance!
Bam! On the last beat of the song, Meghan and I struck our most outrageous diva poses. Breathing heavily and nearly panting after finishing our original three minute fifty-seven second dance routine, the two of us stood in front of mom and dad with beaming eyes and the silliest grins slapped across our faces. "Bravo!" one of them shouted, as my sister and I happily welcomed the sweet sound of applause. Whether they were truly impressed with our routine or simply amused by our amateur dance moves, I could not be sure, but in any case, our thrilling performance had been a success. The journey to this point, however, had been marred by discord and dispute.
When Meghan and I were in the first and fourth grade, respectively, our cousin had gifted us a pink portable boom box embellished with pink and purple daisies. Naturally, it was the first thing we turned to on the next rainy day. As soon as we brought out the new toy, an argument over who had DJ rights immediately erupted.
"Stop pressing the skip button! I want to listen to that song!"
"I hate that song!"
"Can't you let me have my way for once?"
Hoping to put an end to the incessant bickering and to divert our attention from the contentious issue, my mother suggested choreographing our own dance to the music. Little did she know that she was opening a whole new can of worms.
Meghan and I enjoyed an entire five minutes of conflict-free fun. "Five, six, seven, eight!" I would count. As the pop song started, we would happily skip around a circle with arms outstretched like airplane wings. After that, however, Meghan desperately wanted to incorporate a couple of spins while I thought some funky arm movements were much more appropriate for that part. I emerged victorious, but the next minute, Meghan and I were once again battling over the specific type of arm movements to include. Frustrated and emotionally drained, I blurted out, "I'm older, so my ideas are better!" One thing I admire about my sister is her will to stand up for herself. In response to my comment, an enraged Meghan started on a bona fide rant on how so very wrong I was, and subsequently stormed off.
Meghan and I settled our differences the next day and worked on our routine until it was performance ready. The dance turned out even better than I imagined with Meghan's input. Looking back, I appreciate that Meghan put me in my place. I was so focused on fulfilling my own vision of the dance that I opposed to all of my sister's suggestions. This incident and many others have taught me the importance of reconciliation. Even if Meghan is four years younger than me, her opinion is equally as valuable. I have realized that to lead effectively, being sensitive to others' needs is as important as pursing one's own goals.