Life; it is an incredible journey of hardships that which tries to hold us back. We experience continuous highs and lows throughout life. At times it may seem impossible to move forward, for at a trying moment you appear to be at a standstill. However, I believe that no obstacle is too difficult to conquer; it’s vital never to give up the fight.
The driving force that established my belief about life evolved when I was only nine years old. I received the terrifying news that I had leukemia on New Year’s Eve. Nervously I looked into my mom’s worried eyes and in a quivering voice asked, “Am I going to die?” Fortunately, I overcame the two seemingly endless years of grueling chemotherapy, not to mention the embarrassing hair loss. At times I thought I would never awaken from the nightmare that was my life. I realized that I can accomplish anything after that unforgettable period in my life. Little did I comprehend that surviving cancer was only the beginning.
My fight with leukemia gave me an eye-opening experience to understand the hardships of life. Overcoming my illness gave me the willpower to conquer all that approaches me. I realize now that although it may be tough at times, I can do anything when I put my mind to it. For me, defeat is never an option.
Unfortunately, my battles caused by my cancer continued. I struggled in school with timed tests because I couldn’t remember the information fast enough, causing me to spend hours studying. With my excessive amount of homework, I barely had a social life. Trust me, I was not a happy camper. A new study proved that because a certain medicine was injected into my spinal cord, it affected my cognitive thinking. Of course, my struggles weren’t over, for I desired to be admitted into a rigorous program of Physical Therapy.
The SATs rolled around and I never did as well. Feelings of doubt rushed through my mind. My heart thudded to the ground when I saw my unexpectedly low scores for I felt I would never be accepted into a respectable college. However, I was completely wrong. Now attending my first choice college, Lebanon Valley, I am enrolled in the Physical Therapy program. I won another battle! I will admit that at times I am stressed, but I know that if I fall, I need to pick myself right back up.
My battles have defined my character and views on life. When experiencing a hardship that has a huge impact on your character, you realize you can win any fight. Cancer allowed me to grow as a person and realize that hard work will lead to my success. We may fall, but those who are the strongest pull themselves out of that seemingly, bottomless pit, for no person should ever throw up the white flag and quit.