This is my college essay describing a person who has influenced me in my life. Please give feedback and tell me what you think!
John Quincy Adams once stated, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." When I think of someone in my life who has influenced me greatly, I think of my younger sister. From our childhood years playing outside to our more mature years in high school, my sister has always been one to help me through everything. My sister is very organized and mature for just being in her early teens, however this is not how she has influenced me so significantly in my life. She was born with an extremely rare disease that causes the right side of her body to grow completely different from her left. Our family was told that she would have to have leg lengthening surgery, a very painful and timely process. In 2009, she underwent the first part of the surgery on her upper leg. It took approximately half a year for her to even start physical therapy. In May of 2011, she underwent the second part of the surgery on her lower leg, and is still recovering to this day.
My sister never complains about anything and smiles through it all. I've learned that whenever I go through a tough time, I should think of how blessed I am to have everything that I do. She's taught me that life always goes on. Whenever my sister stayed home from school due to pain, she'd always stay on top of homework. I know that if she can commit herself to her education that well, and succeed so greatly, that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I've always taken my education very seriously, but my sister has influenced me to set my mind to a higher goal, and never settle for anything. There are times when I get stressed out and want to give up. She reminds me that it won't help myself or my future in any way, and that I have to power through in order to better myself. Throughout my life I will use all of these things she's shown me, especially throughout college. I'll work through any challenge, keep a positive mindset, and dedicate myself to anything that will make me a better person.
It is the determination and willpower my sister exudes that keeps me going every day. Without someone to inspire me in my life like she has, I would be a completely different person. She's been a large part of the person I've grown to be, and I am forever grateful for the influence she's had on me. Some people look at my sister and see a girl who's just had surgery or just another teenage girl. For me, I look at her and see a girl who displays great acts of courage and perseverance: a hero.
John Quincy Adams once stated, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." When I think of someone in my life who has influenced me greatly, I think of my younger sister. From our childhood years playing outside to our more mature years in high school, my sister has always been one to help me through everything. My sister is very organized and mature for just being in her early teens, however this is not how she has influenced me so significantly in my life. She was born with an extremely rare disease that causes the right side of her body to grow completely different from her left. Our family was told that she would have to have leg lengthening surgery, a very painful and timely process. In 2009, she underwent the first part of the surgery on her upper leg. It took approximately half a year for her to even start physical therapy. In May of 2011, she underwent the second part of the surgery on her lower leg, and is still recovering to this day.
My sister never complains about anything and smiles through it all. I've learned that whenever I go through a tough time, I should think of how blessed I am to have everything that I do. She's taught me that life always goes on. Whenever my sister stayed home from school due to pain, she'd always stay on top of homework. I know that if she can commit herself to her education that well, and succeed so greatly, that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I've always taken my education very seriously, but my sister has influenced me to set my mind to a higher goal, and never settle for anything. There are times when I get stressed out and want to give up. She reminds me that it won't help myself or my future in any way, and that I have to power through in order to better myself. Throughout my life I will use all of these things she's shown me, especially throughout college. I'll work through any challenge, keep a positive mindset, and dedicate myself to anything that will make me a better person.
It is the determination and willpower my sister exudes that keeps me going every day. Without someone to inspire me in my life like she has, I would be a completely different person. She's been a large part of the person I've grown to be, and I am forever grateful for the influence she's had on me. Some people look at my sister and see a girl who's just had surgery or just another teenage girl. For me, I look at her and see a girl who displays great acts of courage and perseverance: a hero.