My personal statement

The dust rose as the wheels kicked up debris from the destitute Dominican roads. I knew by the looks on their faces that this was much more than just a relaxing week without school. This was my first overseas trip, and little did I know, that the smallest things can have such a vast impact on an individual’s life. As we came to a stop at our next village, I came face to face with the poverty of the third world countries. I was so shocked as if lightning had just struck in the middle of a summer day, yet something was missing. There was an element which was vacant like the last piece which is missing to a puzzle. As I slowly turned my gaze, I noticed the enormous, bright smiles of every single child, beaming into the cores of my eyes as if it were like a thousand suns. How could someone who has nothing be so selfless, yet so joyful? It was that same joy that a young child has on Christmas morning as he tip toes down the steps to finally discover what had been in the big giant box for those two dreadful weeks. Yet, these children had no toys. They had nothing, yet they weren’t grumbling about it.

As I took my first step, I felt a faint pressure on my hand, and as I turned, a young boy came into view no older then 10 years old. He smiled at me and I smiled back as I looked deep into his joyful eyes. He took my hand into his, and as he immediately started walking and talking, I knew that at it was right at that moment that a friendship was born. We continued to walk under the scorching sun, and as we soon entered through the rusty chain link fence which marked the school grounds, a shout of enthusiasm resounded among the children. As we sang songs with the children, their hearts screamed out in joy. My young friend and I continued to talk and strengthen our bond, but as the sun crept overhead, it was time. We heard those same words that we had heard so many times, but this time it was different. This time, it tore at my heart as I was forced to leave my new friend behind. His heart sank as well did mine, but as we began our journey back, he climbed up onto my back and we were off. As another bead of sweat trickled down my forehead, it was then that his words pierced right into my heart, and into the core of who I really was. As the words rolled off of his tongue, it hit me like nothing ever had before. “Necesito un padre como te.” I need a dad like you. My new friend taught me everything I needed to know about life.

I often take things for granted in my life, because I have it so easily. He showed me how to appreciate life more. Through him, I learned about joy, leadership, friendship, and how to be a better person. He showed me how I can be a leader, and that I can make a difference in whatever I do. He also taught me how to be joyful. I have a tendency too be negative, but he showed me how to see the positive side even in the toughest of situations. He taught me new character qualities which will shape my life and the way I act forever.

As I came nearer to the bus, I knew that this was going to be goodbye. I set him down told him that I would never forget him. As I stepped onto the bus and looked back, I smiled at him once again and that same joy was still there in his eyes. The bus started and we began to roll on down the pathway. That was the last time I ever saw him. Although only a young boy, he showed me how to work hard for everything and to not take my opportunities for granted. Ever since my trip, I have been continuously striving to give 100 percent in whatever I do, and to take the most of my opportunities. I am grateful to have a new outlook on my own life which will help me to succeed in the future.