College Application Essay

As a fourteen year old, the last thing I expected was to have my life turned upside down, shaken around, and then dropped on the ground, breaking into tiny pieces. Almost four years ago, I woke up with the headache that changed my life forever. No one has been able to figure out what is causing my headache or what I can do to conquer it. My life was broken into nearly nothing, but now I continue to rebuild a little more of my life each day.

Through this journey, my headache has shown me the foundation on which I should build. This foundation is the personal strength I have found. It has taught me how strong and how weak I can be. I never thought I would be able to get through a spinal tap; now I have had three. I remember lying in bed thinking how easy it would be to let life pass me by. It was difficult, but I knew I wanted more than that. I am proud that, regardless of a constant, horrible pain, I continue to love life and have a smile on my face. My headache has taught me dependence, by showing me that I cannot do everything; despite my best efforts, sometimes I need help. It has revealed to me that I cannot have my life perfectly planned because it will change when I least expect it. I know what I can do, what I cannot do, and what requires the assistance of others.
The structure that builds on the foundation is my character. I have more passion for life than I ever did before my headache. I know how quickly life can change and that I need to always live life to the fullest. Though I always have a headache, I love to make people laugh. I live life with a zealous joy because, if I can brighten someone else’s day, I have brightened my own, too. I love that my character is completely different from anyone else’s

Finally, the last part of building is the paint, decorations, and anything that makes it special. To me this is my friends, family, and anyone that has helped me on this journey. Through all of this, I have learned who my true friends are and what matters most in life. These people have made me want to continue on and to do my best. They encourage me and make me proud of everything I have accomplished. I know that it does not matter what materials I have; it matters whom I surround myself with. They are what make me shine.

My headache has definitely changed my life, but I am so proud of the person I have become despite (and because of) it. While the rebuilding is often difficult, I cannot wait to see what it can become. I could have been a grumpy girl, who lied in bed all day and never graduated from high school. Instead, I am a passionate girl, who loves life, and who will finally be a high school graduate.

Props to Sherry for the editing!