Please tell me what you think. Please be brutal and blunt, this whole essay thing is making me very nervous! Thanks so much!
For almost one hundred years, the Latin words, "Vires, Artes, Mores" have been the guiding philosophy behind Florida State University. Vires signifies strength of all kinds - moral, physical, and intellectual; Artes alludes to the beauty of intellectual pursuits as exemplified in skill, craft, or art; and Mores refers to character, custom, or tradition. Describe how one or more of the values embodied in these concepts are reflected in your life.
Sometimes strength is found in falling down and being able to build up from the bottom. When I was fourteen I was angry and I took it out on myself-on my arms, my legs, and my upper thighs. I was thoroughly consumed in this dangerous lifestyle of constantly hurting myself when I felt down. I saw another friend start to dabble in the addictive disease called cutting and I grew scared for her. I wanted to yell to her, scream to her, "Don't do this to your self! You're better than this!" Though I knew I was a hypocrite myself, I didn't want anyone else to feel like I did.
After two years, and with the help of several doctors I became healthy and happy again. I saw the world in a whole new light. I realized that being strong is accepting you aren't perfect: no one is. I came to the conclusion that I wanted more than anything to help people like me to know they weren't alone.
I got in contact with my local educational TV channel and they told me there was a show called Reality Avenue where teens talked about issues we face today. I told them my story and was chosen as one of two people spotlighted on an episode about Self-Injuring. I spoke of how it was important to get help and that are always people who love and care about you who are eager to see you overcome it all. Don't think of how weak you are, think of how strong you are going to be. That's what really helped me. People would tell me, " If only you could see the smart, kind, beautiful, girl we see, you wouldn't do this!"
I wished my story could stop every young boy or girl from hurting themselves, though I knew it was unrealistic. But, just knowing I might have helped one person made me feel courageous and strong! That feeling of helping people became my new addiction. Helping other people helped me heal. I now know we acquire the strength we have overcome. That is why I believe that the value of "Vires" can best be applied to me. I managed to find the strength of my moral outlook and my destiny of building the character of others. I'm not sure where my education is going to take me but with the strong sense of self I have gained and the drive to help others in need, I'm sure I will go far and would love to take the next step by attending Florida State University.
