UC Essay Prompt #1: Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how has your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
I was born in a world that sheltered me from the horrors and hardships faced in other parts of the world. Growing up in a good community, the people that surrounded me were innocent, intelligent, and mostly happy. Also born into a Christian family, I had the luxury of being around people who were good, humble, and almost always made the right decisions. My life was like an endless trip to happiness until the winter of my freshman year in high school when my trip came to a stop and I was encompassed by darkness. One by one, the people around me started to suffer and pass away.
That winter, I attended my grandmother’s funeral at Walnut church. She passed away a week ago due to cancer. Before she was diagnosed, she was always cheerful and looked healthy. After being diagnosed, the color in her cheeks started to fade, her body began to shrink, and she had a harder time trying to be cheerful. Her body kept deteriorating until it could no longer handle the pain and gave up. After the funeral ceremony, I went out to the courtyard where my friend, Darren, was. I had a short conversation with him and we joked and laughed a bit. The next day felt like a bullet piercing through my heart and soul. Not even recovering from my grandmother’s death, I received the news of Darren being diagnosed with brain cancer. I just did not understand. He was only 17 and barely began his journey of life. For about a year, Darren fought hard against cancer going through chemotherapy, taking loads of medications and shots, and receiving surgeries. Even through these tough times, he endured the pain, had hope, and always kept a smile on his face.
Darren and my grandmother were immensely important to me. Watching them suffer and die from this detrimental disease hurt me for I could not do anything but pray. I desire to become a doctor or someone who studies medicine to discover an actual cure for cancer. Many people have suffered and are suffering from this disease. Darren, who was always optimistic, made me realize that I should be content with what I have and not complain about the things I do not have. I have a goal in life and that goal was inspired by people who touched my heart and motivated me to lead a meaningful life, a life where I can make a difference in someone else’s life.