Personal Narrative: Overcoming Adversity

Imagine being at the peak of your high school career, personally, academically, and athletically. For me, that was my sophomore year. I was selected to be on the homecoming court, I won a free class ring, and a free corsage and boutonniere for prom. I was on my way to a 4.0 grade point average. I was pulled up to Varsity basketball, I became the 100 meter hurdle regional champion, and I qualified for two events at the Division 4 State meet for track and field. In one split second, a clip of a hurdle, that was over. My first race of the day was the preliminary 100 meter hurdles. Once the race started, I was calm, focused, and determined. I was starting to make my way up to the front of the pack when I clipped my trail leg on the eighth hurdle.

Growing up with a father in the military, you move around a lot more than you would like to. I was born just east of St. Louis in a city called Shiloh in Illinois. When I was two years old my dad got the assignment to move to Hawaii. We spent seven great years in Hawaii, we had one of the greatest churches I have ever been to name New Hope. New Hope was a lot like Olivet's atmosphere, the people were always friendly and there always something to keep someone busy. I used to dance at church, I did hip-hop and interpretive dance, but you could never tell that from the way I look now.

Have you ever had something happen to you that made you think you couldn't do what you loved anymore? Well I have. I thought I would never be able to play the sport I loved, basketball, anymore. When I broke my arm in fourth grade in 2012 taught me to persevere,that you can do what you love no matter what, and no matter what bumps you hit in your life you can always come back better.

As I got turned onto my back, fighting for my life, the referee’s hand slaps the mat, and my career of wrestling was over. Throughout all the times I worked out and practiced as hard as I could, my only desire for wrestling was to go to states. Knowing I had the potential, my wrestling coach used life lessons to motivate me throughout the obstacles I faced. Although I never went to states, the lessons I’ve learned from the sport apply to any desire I have in life today. Furthermore, I’ve learned that “some desire is necessary to keep life in motion” to accomplish the goals I have in life.

My life began in privilege. From magnificent dollhouses, professional family Christmas pictures, and white picket fences, it all seemed so simple. Five-year-old me did not understand for the longest time what adversity was and how it would ever affect me. Twelve years later, I’ve come to realize that the adversity in my life has created diversity within me.

“Let me tell you something you already know; the world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s bout how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” That inspiring quote was announced by Rocky Balboa, Actor: Sylvester Stallone, in his movie. Rocky is a perfect example of adversity, he faced it with his boxing career.

The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Sweating, feet shaking and heart racing. Looking around in fear not wanting to be called on. Paralyzed with fear of been asked to do simple tasks such as reading or talking. As children we all have fears, weaknesses, as well as obstacles. My biggest obstacle was not so big. Coming from a different country, every single day showing up at school not knowing anyone or knowing the language, becoming a complete stranger, an outcast. A ghost among the world, wondering without knowing a single thing about this bizarre, unfamiliar place. Homework i couldn't understand or even be able to read. Seen my parents working hard to find a place to live and not been able to help me because just as well we came from a different place, almost seemed like a

I have gone through many experiences that have tried to tear me down. Life will never seize to throw obstacles my way. These obstacles, however, have proven to be positives that fuel me to be the person I never knew before. They teach me to stand out while taking a stand and be the powerful, independent woman that I am meant to be.

“Alright fellas, has anyone else got something to say to Shane Ferguson before he heads off to Mars.” Mr. Wright questions everyone as Shane will be gone from earth forever.

The lessons that we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn from the experience?

Have you ever got into an argument with your parents? We have come across where we experience a conflict. By submitting this assignment I acknowledge that this work is completely my own. My dad, boyfriend, and myself came upon a conflict on a typical day. By the end of this, you'll be able to know the background, theoretical groundings, analysis, recommendations, and reflections.

Summer: the season of ice cream, beaches, air-conditioned cinemas, and 30 lb cardboard boxes full of clothes and books. By the fourth quarter of my sophomore year, I could envision the rest of my high school life unfold as if flipping through a scrapbook brimming with photographs and jotted captions. A rising upperclassmen, I had full conviction that by 2018, I would play varsity doubles tennis, attend Naugy Prom, and graduate alongside the 250 people I had known since middle school, some even from kindergarten. Naugatuck, CT had been my home for all 16 years of my life—and despite hopping from apartment to house when I was 5, I couldn’t fathom changing towns, much less before I departed for college.

Failing is something everyone has experienced, whether it be extensive or minimal. These defeats, however can be fundamental to later success. By using the past failures, you are able to see where you mismanaged, and redress yourself so that next time you do not make the equivalent mistake. As a swimmer, failure is something I have become accustomed to, and have learned to utilize. Unless you are someone with the plentiful ability of Michael Phelps in the water, you cannot triumph in every race. I may have failed in a swimming event, but the lessons that I have cultivated from my failure have accompanied in showing me how to deal with failure, and how to use it to my advantage.

I have had my fair share of grueling experiences in my 4 years as a Boy Scout. From 50 mile bike rides to swimming in rapids, the trips have been very demanding. But in all of my experiences, very few have been as rewarding as my trip to Lassen National Park.