The Current Struggle

              A common predicament that most high school seniors encounter is the constant challenge to define oneself. I know I've experienced this with my own college application essays, specifically the main UC essay prompt which requires the applicant to " describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations". At first glance, it seems a broad subject to write about. But it is not the difficulty of the demand that keeps future college students up at night. The great challenge lies in the person. That is, when addressing this prompt, the student cannot just answer it  like they have with every other academic essay they've written. This prompt asks a person to not only find something that makes them special and significant, but also to describe it in a way that only that person can. But nobody said applying to college was easy. So here's one of the many example, provided by Mrs. Elliott, which may enable all of us to truly define ourselves in a unique way. Good Luck!

 

Where I’m From

I am from the X variable on a calculator,

From Kirkland and Poppy seed muffin.

I am from the antique furniture.

(Smelling like lemon Pledge)

I am from the red roses,

 The upside down tomato plant,

That grows even in its topsy-turvy world.

I am from gringo tacos and numerous dimples,

From both Morrison and Sanchez.

I am from the forgetful and the easily pleased.

From ¡Cállate! and treat people as you would like to be treated.

I am from the dinner makers, from welcoming strangers.

I am from Redlands Community Hospital and Scottish,

From tamales and chicken potpies.

From the dirt mound called Jacob’s folly and a broken wrist,

The sister that came to the rescue,

And the biggest Trout being caught by a 2 foot Barbie pole.

I am from the single brown bear among polar bears,

The nifty bamboo fly-fishing pole,

The old frame of a kind ancestor.