Prompt: describe a significant experience or situation that transformed your thinking or beliefs and why? (350 words maximum)
Crouched beside my younger brother on one corner of the bed, we exchanged silent stares. He was hurt and so was I.
Earlier, a boy called tisloh, my neighbours friend had forcefully entered into our room and without hesitation had lounged into a series of disturbing questions like how my whole family fit into a single room apartment. Finally, he exclaimed that he was surprised that in this present day, a family could live in such a place with no basic necessities like a TV.
In my fifteen years of sharing a room with my family, I was really embarrassed. After that incident, I promised myself to work hard and become a better person. However, the thougt that i wasnt like my mates lingered on. I felt inferior to those I considered better than me.
However, in 12th grade, something spectacular happened. I fell ill and was homebound for a couple of days. Few days later, few of my concerned classmates visited my house. I remember the fear I felt when my mom informed me of their presence. However, all was forgotten when we began to chat happily and made jokes about each other. My mom even joined in the laughter. When they left, I was grateful they came.
Few days later I resumed school and my visitors couldn't stop talking about how they had so much fun at my place. One of my close friends even told me that my house was one of the best places she had visited. It was this gesture that opened my eyes.
I went home that day with a new perspective on life; to never let my situation define my personality. I realized that rather than paying attention to my circumstances, I could focus on using it to impact the lives of those around me. To my classmates, I was a source of happiness but I never realized that till that moment.
I have come to the conclusion that success isn't about the challenges I have faced but what I have become because of it.
circumstances aren't important
Crouched beside my younger brother on one corner of the bed, we exchanged silent stares. He was hurt and so was I.
Earlier, a boy called tisloh, my neighbours friend had forcefully entered into our room and without hesitation had lounged into a series of disturbing questions like how my whole family fit into a single room apartment. Finally, he exclaimed that he was surprised that in this present day, a family could live in such a place with no basic necessities like a TV.
In my fifteen years of sharing a room with my family, I was really embarrassed. After that incident, I promised myself to work hard and become a better person. However, the thougt that i wasnt like my mates lingered on. I felt inferior to those I considered better than me.
However, in 12th grade, something spectacular happened. I fell ill and was homebound for a couple of days. Few days later, few of my concerned classmates visited my house. I remember the fear I felt when my mom informed me of their presence. However, all was forgotten when we began to chat happily and made jokes about each other. My mom even joined in the laughter. When they left, I was grateful they came.
Few days later I resumed school and my visitors couldn't stop talking about how they had so much fun at my place. One of my close friends even told me that my house was one of the best places she had visited. It was this gesture that opened my eyes.
I went home that day with a new perspective on life; to never let my situation define my personality. I realized that rather than paying attention to my circumstances, I could focus on using it to impact the lives of those around me. To my classmates, I was a source of happiness but I never realized that till that moment.
I have come to the conclusion that success isn't about the challenges I have faced but what I have become because of it.
