<p>Adolescence is a difficult time in most peoples lives; being a student and a teenager simultaneously can just push one over the edge sometimes. My journey through high school has been no cruise, but Im confident that I possess every bit as much worth as any acceptee of the University of Pittsburgh. I have a burning desire to be successful, and I feel as if the key to my success lies in the heart of Pittsburgh. I do love both the arts and sciences so when I found out that there was a top ranking school in my state that had a noteworthy reputation in these fields I just had to learn more! I recently visited the campus with my parents ,and Im sure my heart must have stopped when i gazed in awe at the city I had been aspiring to visit all summer. Having grown up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, one can imagine how I felt seeing the immense, bustling city for the first time. I felt at home; It was love at first sight.</p>
<p>Art has been a huge influence throughout my life. Whatever mood Im in, once I put that pen or charcoal to paper I get an indescribable feeling that I only describe as pure bliss. All of my emotions are released onto what starts as a blank sheet of paper and they eventually form into something beautiful. Even though I have never taken any art classes, I feel as if this may be something I want to pursue. Ive always been good at sciences as well, but creating and imagining is something that Ive always been captivated by. Even as a kid Ive always been a dreamer. Id draw worlds of my own and devise plans for my future, and build things such as homemade roller coasters with just a few cardboard boxes and ping pong balls. Now that Im older and wiser, Im beginning to realize how useful a creative mind can be in the real world. I can conjure up solutions to problems and think outside the box with a spark of ingenuity, and I ultimately feel as if I have the upperhand on most students. As one can see from our world today, its being different that allows one to rise to the top. Having the guts to try something new and different is what makes the difference between success and failure.</p>
<p>On a more solemn note, you may find that my permanent record contains a very appalling side of myself that fortunately is no longer apart of me. I was caught at school with possession of a controlled substance, marijuana. I know this could be a fatal blow to my future and my chances of being accepted, but I cant say that I regret what had happened. Im afraid that if I would have never been caught, then I could not have improved upon myself as much as I have done so today. I would have continued on the downward spiral that I was on, and my life would have probably ended up in tatters. Self responsibility is a value that everyone has to learn at one point or another, and unfortunately, I had to learn it the hard way. Im not the type of person to let something like this to taint my life, and i dont plan on letting it either. Everybody makes mistakes in life, some bigger than others, but a select few of these people are awarded the opportunity to have a second chance at the everlasting battle we all call life. I would be honored if I was given a fighting chance to push forth on the virtuous road to success that I had imprudently strayed away from. I will desist at almost nothing to achieve success and Im hopeful that most can attest to the fact that my personality reflects this. Ive always been dedicated to my education and Ive very rarely slipped up. I am continually focused on moving forward with society to build a better tomorrow and that expedition surely starts if I am chosen to attend the University of Pittsburgh.</p>