<p>Prompt: In no more than 300 words, tell us something about yourself that isn't covered elsewhere in this application, some interest or experience of yours that you think the University of Illinois should know about as part of the admissions review.</p>
<p>My Response:
Nearly fourteen years ago, my little brother Michael was diagnosed with Appraxia, a disorder of the brain and nervous system which makes learning simple tasks very difficult. I still remember standing him up and helping him learn to walk. Fortunately, through therapy and our familys determination, he gradually learned to talk and walk and is now able to think at the level of a kindergartener. Growing up with a mentally handicapped brother has caused me to sympathize and long to help other disabled children. </p>
<p>Last summer I found the perfect opportunity to do so at Victory Reins, where I currently volunteer in helping disabled children learn to ride horses. I really enjoy teaching them to direct the horse to walk on and whoa at their command. And it is especially exciting to see the animation in their eyes when they learn to control the horse without any side-walkers. But most of all, I am astounded by how much they teach me. </p>
<p>I used to make the assumption that the disabled cannot participate in many activities. Once volunteering at Victory Reins, however, I immediately found that the children disproved this notion. They can ride horses! I do not even believe I can do that. And did you know that even those that cannot talk are still able to laugh at your jokes? Disabled is certainly a misnomer; they are able to partake in the same activities as everyone else, just maybe not in the same way. </p>
<p>Michaels triumph against Appraxia and my experiences at Victory Reins have opened my eyes to fact that if these disabled children can overcome their obstacles, then maybe I can overcome mine too. I would have never guessed that they could actually teach me a life lesson: expect the unexpected for nothing is impossible</p>