I Was The Biggest Life Decision

Unlike most people, I did not get to be a carefree child for long. Even though I always said that I could not wait to grow up, now I wish that it all did not happen so fast and early in my life. From eleven to twelve years old—that would be the period I describe as the time I had to put my big-girl pants on and face the real, cruel and unwelcoming adult world. In that time period, I can specifically pinpoint two major events that ended my childhood: my move from Russia to the United States and the birth of my baby sister Toma. To some those might not seem significant enough to change someone’s life to the extent that they changed mine; however those events molded me into the person I am today.

There are many significant parts of my life that have had a huge impact on my personality, but there is one that has not only affected me, but has changed me for the better. My personal life changing experience was coming to America. For me, this bridge between my old life and new life is a shaky bridge that I attempted to cross and entered a whole new realm of life which changed everything. The decision about coming to America has taught me how to respect other people, be more responsible, and be more loving towards various friends and families. It has also helped me adapt to the new life that I’m about to begin. It was so unexpected. Out of nowhere my parents broke the news: “We’re going to America!” Living in a big town of Bhopal,

Growing up I didn't have a lot of time to read, I did not grow up in a stable environment for children to thrive. When I was in the third grade my life would take a drastic turn into a downward direction. My mother whom I loved so much changed drastically, started locking us out of the house. Doing any type of homework was impossible to accomplish when you are stranded outside. Later that year my parents got a divorce. There was constant turmoil; my mother was now living with a man that would later become my stepfather. Their relationship was very toxic; at first my stepfather seemed charming, we traveled to places we have never been to before. After a couple of years, things changed, they couldn't manage their finances and we were constantly

My mother became depressed, my father became disabled, and my brother was skipping school. I continued going to school from eight until four, which was a big relief in my life because it made me forget the hard times. My grades slowly began to decline, as well as my motivation. I gave up many opportunities such as attending New York’s number one specialized high school. I recognized my mistakes and was able to identify my failure. School was not the only place where I lacked interest in because I also slowly started to push my friends away. As a young teenager, I did not think I would ever make it to college. I became frustrated at my parents because my life was ruined and it was all their fault.

April 13, 2010 was the day that my life had completely changed. My dad came home from a long day at work and had some excited news, at least that’s what he said. I remember when my dad walked into the house and told my mom the news first, I will never forget the look on her face. My siblings and I knew the news could not possibly be good by my mom 's expression. My dad told my brothers and I that we are moving to California because he had received a promotion. We had lived in Georgia for seven years of my life. I was so familiar with the land and every Sunday my family and I would go to the mall. We would eat ice cream, go shopping and later watch a movie. We lived in a gated community and they were like my second family. I was very distraught when my father had told me the “good” news. I had to leave my friends, family, and all of my memories in Georgia.

When we were traveling to America we faced many difficulties, but once we made it to our Aunt's house in Virginia we knew it was going to be a great, yet grueling experience. When I first started going to school it seemed as if I was on another planet. Everyone looked different, spoke a strange language, and had a distinct mindset then me; the life of a kid should seem easy because there isn’t anything to worry about, yet worrying about everything was my coping mechanism. When I entered middle school depression and anger hit me like a freight train, so much to the point where I almost committed suicide. Fighting my so called friends for “fun” and not caring about my future was my life for those

Like all kids my age, I’ve dreamed of success. I always subconsciously wanted to be known or be recognized for something. However, it was clear that I set up my life in a way that was inconceivable. My daily behavior revolved around apprehension. But, after reading this book, I reevaluated my attitude toward life. I didn’t have an immediate revelation, but it was clear that my personality was formed solely by negativity. In my mind, I was just a teenager “being myself,” but this was not going to give me the fulfillment that I envisioned. Deep down, I wanted to explore. I wanted to see new places and meet new people. However, I was set up as someone that will have a life that would be dictated by the fear of uncertainty. After this realization, it was clear I had two

“Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.” (Jerry Seinfeld) Most people don’t know what life will bring or what road they will have to travel until that time comes. George never knew the only way he could save his best friend would be to kill him and Hamlet never knew he would die from being poisoned by my uncle and friend. All the trails and tribulations that you encounter are only to make you better person even if it’s bad. Personally I have been through a lot in 16 years. Some good and some bad but at the end it made me the young last that I am today. Your life experiences only prepare you for the real word. Three life experiences that made me who I am are Death of my uncle, my mom being ill and the switching of

From an early age, I felt as if my parents were never there for me, and I had to raise myself. I used to have difficulty in interpreting whether my unconventional upbringing should be appreciated or dreaded, but ultimately it has benefitted me in ways I have just recently realized. Without the intensified emphasis on my self-reliant upbringing, I would not be the sophisticated and independent young adult I am today.

I realized that my parents will forever and always love me, and wouldn’t just leave me like they had always teased about. I now understood their constant worry and repetition of concerns, because the things they would confront me about could happen, especially with my tendency to get distracted. Most importantly, I saw for the first time in my life, the major effect that parents have on their child’s life. Without their knowledge and care, my situation in Chicago could have turned out way differently, and for that, I will be forever grateful for my mom and dad and for everything they do for

As a family of six I was raised on section 8, barely surviving on welfare. I shared beds and clothes with dreams of making it out of poverty, but with little guidance I was at risk of continuing this lifestyle for generations to come. My mother was always at work and my father was absent, which made me skip childhood and mature in order to become independent. I was never that child who had their mother sitting at the table telling them how to do their homework, but rather a child who stood on the table all day and night trying to teach myself. I knew from an early age that I wanted more in life than used clothes and a bike as transportation. I had the dream of attending college and becoming a doctor in philosophy.

My mom told me that life is definitely going to be like a roller coaster, with many ups and many downs, but how I deal with this ride, is what will make me who I am. So, I am an 18 year old girl who was born and raised in Coudersport, a very small town in Northern Pennsylvania. My parents got divorced when I was around three years old and I have lived with my mom ever since. I am the oldest of three sisters and have many cousins that are as close to me as siblings. Who I am today has mainly been influenced by three things; where I am from, my parent’s divorce, and my family.

Life before graduation was a struggle for me. I lived in a home that seemed to bring me nothing but pain and anger. I watched someone close to me die little by little every day. I did not live a normal childhood because I was a

As I take a look back on my life, I realize how great it has truly been. I had an absolutely amazing childhood and I am beyond blessed for it. I grew up in a home with two loving parents that have been with me through it all and now of days that is something to be truly thankful for. My parents taught me to strive to be anything that I wanted and that I could be anything that I set my mind to. These dreams changed throughout my life as I grew older and as I grew into the person that I am today.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning on August 12. I woke up early on that day because it was my birthday. I was feeling so good that day and I was praying that the feelings stay with me forever. I have always being treated like a princess in my house but that day everyone was treating me with more respects and love. I got so many calls and gifts from my friends and relatives in the morning. My day was going great so far until I received a call at around eight in the morning. I saw the number and I knew it was my aunt Bella calling from London, United Kingdom. Aunt Bella is my dad’s sister. She and her family live in London and my dad’s side family also lives in London. But because of me and my brother my mom and dad came back to India