“This is a challenge. But I think you’re up for it.”
These words from my teacher still echo in my mind, the moment she handed me the daunting math packet titled ‘Mission Possible!’. Even as an 11-year-old, the phrase sent shivers down my spine, a mix of excitement and apprehension about the unknown mysteries it held. That day, walking home, I made a silent vow, a dramatic promise only an eager young mind could conjure: to conquer every problem within those pages, no matter the cost. This intense approach to challenges, looking back, was a foreshadowing of how I would navigate life’s larger obstacles.
This math packet anecdote is just one instance that reflects my lifelong engagement with challenges. My resilience and the values I hold dear are deeply rooted in observing my family’s journey and navigating my own experiences. A decade ago, we undertook a massive life shift, leaving behind everything familiar to start anew in America. Our initial years in Minnesota presented us with stark financial difficulties. My sister and I had to share a bed with my mother, and my father slept on a makeshift bed of sofa cushions. My mother worked tirelessly at a minimum wage job, taking on extra work at home to make ends meet. Yet, amidst these hardships, my parents never voiced complaints. They approached it as another phase, another challenge to overcome. Their relentless work ethic was evident daily. My mother provided stability with her consistent job, while my father, ever the resourceful one, explored various opportunities for better income. Slowly but surely, their efforts materialized into progress. We moved from one shared bed to two, and eventually to a bunk bed, granting each of us a personal space within our small room.
Reflecting on this period and numerous other challenges we’ve faced in America, I’ve come to recognize the profound lessons learned. Observing my parents’ unwavering perseverance instilled in me the value of tenacity. My mother’s steadfast commitment to her job taught me the importance of dedication. From my father’s ambitious pursuit of better opportunities through different jobs, I absorbed the significance of ambition. And witnessing my sister’s acceptance of less comfort highlighted the virtue of sacrifice. These weren’t just observations; they became ingrained values, tested and solidified through my own experiences. Completing that grueling math packet after two months, answering every question correctly, was my first tangible proof that I could apply these lessons learned and conquer any challenge.
In my middle and high school years, ambition, one of the core lessons learned from my father, pushed me to enroll in the most demanding courses available. Simultaneously, commitment, inspired by my mother’s example, led me to serve consistently at my church for the past five years. These values, forged in the crucible of early challenges and familial examples, have shaped my character and continue to guide my aspirations. It is these deeply internalized values that have driven my decision to pursue a career as a surgeon. I am confident that by continually drawing upon these lessons learned and honoring the examples of those who instilled them, I will be equipped to achieve this ambitious goal.
Admissions Committee Comments
Zerubabel’s essay effectively communicates the valuable life lessons he has absorbed from his family and personal experiences. By clearly articulating the connection between his observations and the application of values like ambition and commitment in his life, Zerubabel provides the admissions committee with a strong understanding of his personal qualities. His reflective narrative showcases how he would be a contributing and valuable member of our campus community.
