Hey, guys, I just threw this together really quick. I'm really pressed for time because, as you can see, I've procrastinated to the worst degree. Please, be harsh. This is for Princeton. Does this cast me in too negative of a light? All criticism is welcome! Thank you!
Using a favorite quotation from an essay or book you have read in the last three years as a starting point, tell us about an event or experience that helped you define one of your values or changed how you approach the world. Please write the quotation, title, and author at the beginning of your essay. 500 wd limit, at 496.
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
"What is wrong with you? You look disgusting! Do you even eat?" she said as I stood there, speechless, clad in my black and white striped bikini. Words like these, words that seem to follow me wherever I go, cut into my soul like a knife. My so-called "best friends" are constantly insulting me about my weight, accusing me of not eating or trying to lose weight for attention. Their accusations and harsh words hurt me, but I always stand there quietly, allowing myself to be their punching bag.
Over the last year, I have lost around twenty five pounds due to digestive illnesses and being lactose intolerant. My allergy has become worse than ever, so I have had to watch what I eat with extreme caution. My friends, however, did not know or care about this. They made their assumptions, and always tried their best to make sure that I was insecure with my body. Comments like "You look awful" and "Why are you reading the nutritional label? You could use the extra calories..." had become commonplace, and I had gotten so used to them that I hardly even flinched when such destructive insults were thrown in my direction. I began thinking that they were right, and that somehow, this was all my fault. I had tried to convince myself that they were only saying these things because they cared about me, but their cutting comments began to take control of my mind, until one day, one remark threw me over the edge.
"Do you honestly think you look good? You look so sickly!" By this point, I had had enough. I was through taking insult after undeserved insult, and finally decided to stand up for myself.
I gathered my courage, and began. "You know why I look sickly? Because I am sick, but not sick in the way all of you assume. I have a disease that does not allow me to digest food properly, and you all would have known that had you stopped judging my appearance and me for one second to listen to what I had to say. Thank you very much for your support through the last couple of months, it really means a great deal."
Reading J.K. Rowling's quote, I can truly appreciate and understand what was being said. People constantly think that the most difficult thing in the world is to stand up to their enemies, but they often overlook the courage it takes to stand up to your friend. I now approach the world more self assured and confident. That experience has helped me to realize the importance of standing up for yourself when you are being unrightfully put down. Since then, I have vowed to never allow myself to be treated so poorly again.
lexirosengrant
but they often overlook the courage it takes to stand up to your friends .
I think this is really well written! I like how you made it a bit of a short story, and showed a side of weight-related issues that most people overlook - that thinner girls get just as much judgement as bigger ones. I think the quote was well chosen as well, as it directly relates to your anecdote. I don't have much criticism, except for maybe cutting down a bit on the narration and elaborating a bit more on the relationship between the story and the quote? Besides that, I think it's excellent!
If you could take a look at my UChicago essay, it would be much appreciated! :)
