“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra”
Throughout my life, I have faced hardship and tragedy many times. I lost my grandfather at an early age and struggled to let go. As I got older, my anxiety worsened and I soon began to struggle emotionally. I worried that if I failed a test, I would disappoint those around me. My fear and anxiety surrounding failure caused me to work harder, allowing me to succeed until I was in my junior year of high school. At that time, I was in 7 clubs and had never gotten below an A. The day after I returned to school from the pandemic, I lost another family member. Unable to cope with the trauma, I started to spiral. I did not want to get out of bed, eat, or even talk, which caused me to suffer academically and socially. Going to college began to seem far out of reach, and I often wondered if I would ever feel like myself again with the pressure I felt on myself.
After coming home from taking the ACT, I took a step outside of the shower and fainted. I had not taken care of myself and was forced to go to the hospital. I couldn’t believe that my mental health had taken such a toll on my body. I knew I had to find a way out. As my classes got harder, I began to think of the colleges I wanted to apply to. Hearing other students talk about UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, Duke, and all the colleges their parents went to, I knew that I had to pull myself out of the grave I had dug if these were the colleges I wanted to apply to as well.
I became driven to study to turn my grades all into A’s. I passed Pre-calculus, one of the hardest math classes at Leesville. My friends started to see my face outside of school and I assisted in the creation of a club. I began to volunteer during lunch to tutor students who were also struggling with school. I began to unlock the room I placed myself into out of fear. Now, I look back on my junior year and see how resilient I became by single-handedly taking control of my life again. It may have been my hardest year, but I walked away stronger and healthier.
I have decided to attend college to major in Pre-health Professions. After graduating I have decided to attend college to major in Pre-health Professions. After graduating college, I plan to become an oncology pharmacist after spending an additional four years in pharmacy school. I want to work with cancer patients because I have learned that even though it may seem unimaginable to reach the light at the end of the tunnel, it is possible. My junior year of high school is an example of how resilience can get you to the brighter end of the tunnel, and I want others to see this as well.
