prompt: Michigan State University recognizes that an assortment of interests, viewpoints, and life experiences are important in student learning and enhance the university community. Describe an experience, passion, or characteristic that illustrates what you would contribute to the MSU community and how this will add to the overall richness of campus life.
MY ESSAY
She would be parked in front of my apartment building in her sharpie-drawn convertible blasting Tove Lo at 7:15am. I would casually be waiting outside on my porch pretending I had already left so my clueless parents wouldn’t suspect anything.The sight of her car in the mornings gave me a rush, knowing that once I stepped foot in her car I wouldn’t be attending school. Instead of a long day filled with chaotic students and teacher’s’ droning on and on, I would be sitting at Jordan Lake or sitting the kids’ section at Barnes and Noble or just driving around all parts of North Carolina screaming song lyrics at the top of our lungs. This type of behavior went on for about 2 weeks. A part of me would feel relieved and excited at the fact I wasn’t at school but the other half of me would feel regret, depressed, and nervous. I knew what I was doing was wrong but once I started doing the dirty deed I couldn’t bring myself to stop. Every time it would happen I would say to myself, “I’m gonna go tomorrow,” but that “tomorrow” was always pushed back. Starting this habit happened because of all the stress I was under and my depression overtaking my life. It felt as if I had a bag filled with bricks tied around my ankles as I sunk to the bottom of the ocean when the lifeboat was right next to trying to save me but as they reached for me I would only sink lower and lower. I felt as if I just needed a break from life. My feelings were consuming me. Something I thought would do me good, actually was destroying me.
When I finally did make my return, getting my life together, I wanted to make it triumphant. I did all my work, I aced all the tests and quizzes that came my way, I never missed another day of school unless it was absolutely necessary. This experience made me a much harder worker and it made me realize that in order to get what you want out of life you have to “just keep swimming” as my favorite cartoon character says and not give up. Giving up will get you nowhere. With this experience, it not only brought me a positive attitude but also unbreakable work ethic, and have a newfound appreciation for school and all its’ staff, which is how I would contribute to the richness of the campus.