The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (650 words MAX)
I gazed as the sun gently slipped below the horizon that evening as I prepared introspectively for the orientation day. Quite frankly, I felt apprehensive about 7th grade, and my endeavor to subdue the anxiety was futile. Early the next morning, I woke up from my night slumber and got ready for school.
I had a tight brace wrapped around my body like a blanket. It had been clamped during the summer for the curvature of my spine. I contemplated over its puzzling outlook as I arrived at school. Instantaneously and without remorse, the students began discerning and scoffing at me. I ignored their scoff and maintained a calm mien, albeit ill at ease, because they persistently touched the plastic and brood over its peculiar nature. I felt the compulsion to share my story with them, but the teeming emotions would have been shattering. I knew I would encounter such an experience, but I underestimated just how derailing it would be. I wanted to relax, just sit and be, but I succumbed to everyone’s wandering gaze.
Gradually, I felt the perplexing scrutiny deprive me of my confidence. With each moment dawdling on, I became defenseless, susceptible, and disheartened. None of the kids knew I had a condition known as Scoliosis. Their oblivion was not an excuse for the scornful remarks. I began questioning myself whether or not I was ready for seventh grade. With each sneering quip, I was assured that I did not belong. Eventually, I just gave up trying to be part of the class since I was deprived of engaging in any activity. That evening I walked home feeling downhearted, but I wouldn’t forget the raucous clank of the gleeful cheers as I left the classroom.
The next day at school was punitive; the subsequent days, intolerable. I was on the verge of despair. As days passed, I couldn’t engage in any exciting activities. The brace had been strapped on me longer than I projected. Sometimes, I would contemplate over detaching myself from it to engage in a sports event in my solitude. The school’s hostility was dreadful, and the tight embrace fervently pushed my ribs to stay intact and firmly squeezed my lungs, making breathing nearly impossible. I knew the experience would be challenging, but nobody mentioned how upsetting it would be.
A few weeks later, a desperate do or die struggle ensued. I remember waking up early that scorching September with encouraging words from my mother; she expressed her confidence in me and told me I was put on this earth for a reason and I needed to find out what it was, and go for it. With her words still vivid in my mind, I stepped into the playing field, albeit with a painful squeeze as the pads aggressively clutched my ribs. In the brief moments of valiantly trying to overcome my struggle, there was a startle; students were perplexed at my incredible ability to toss the ball around. My heart raced, my reflexes and eyes were sharp, and I paid little attention to the brace for minutes. The feeling was so incredible and satisfying as energy filled me to the point where I forgot about any setbacks.
As the day faded, my fortitude and splendor were well conceded.
In retrospect, I am glad that I endured this experience. I still live with the fact that Scoliosis is part of my life but with the confidence that I did my best when I was at a physical disadvantage. The pain did not stop me from ascertaining my objective and altering my mentality. I still have bruises to remind me of the resilience, and even though I no longer wear the brace, I live with contentment that I found strength in the face of adversity. It is astounding what we can achieve when we try.