<p>This is the first draft.</p>
<p>Prompt: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.</p>
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<p>My cousin Raiyan and I were both 6 years old when his father passed away. My parents had received a frantic call from his mother about my uncle having a sudden cardiac arrest at around midnight. While everyone rushed to the hospital, I was left to stay over at Raiyan’s house with strict instructions to not tell him what was happening.</p>
<p>Two more days had gone by with all of us keeping Raiyan in the dark. The absence of his father was making him grow more and more anxious until he finally started lashing out. Unable to obtain answers from the adults, he looked towards me for a last attempt and asked, “You won’t lie to me. Please, where is he?” I decided to do what I thought right and responded, “I’m very sorry Raiyan, but he isn’t coming back.” I was moved to another room immediately as he began crying uncontrollably. A sea of guilt swept over me. </p>
<p>That was the day I secretly took it upon myself to do whatever it took to make Raiyan’s life even slightly easier for as long as I could. I tried to be the best friend I could be to him, ensuring that he had someone to play with whenever he felt alone. I learned to tolerate his random fits and to calm him down. I taught myself ways to keep him distracted while his mother left for work. We bonded over puzzles, books and a daily game of pretend, where we embarked on imaginary adventures as scientists, astronauts or racecar drivers. </p>
<p>Keeping my promise had become difficult by the time we became teenagers. As I got more occupied with school and new friends, Raiyan fell victim to obesity and bullying. Defending him on every occasion was neither possible for me, nor preferred by him. His frustration with life spiraled and his grades fell. For a while, there was nothing I could do other than encouraging him to just be patient. </p>
<p>Fortunately, things started to change for the better when I managed to spark his interest in doing extracurricular activities at school with me. I joined the football team while he joined the basketball team. I joined the community service club in an effort to start campaigns against bullying while he joined the business club to improve his interactive skills. We introduced each other to our friends and made time to study together. As I watched him become healthier and happier, I noticed myself becoming more optimistic and outgoing as well.</p>
<p>It was only a few months ago when he paid me a random visit to say, “You may not remember this, but the day my father died, you were the only person who chose to be honest to me. Now that I think about it, I’m glad it was you who broke it to me.”</p>
<p>Although his words were meant to give me closure, I still don’t know whether what I did that day was right or wrong. However, seeing his accomplishments and contentment today, I am no longer bothered by it.</p>
<p>Experiencing the death of a loved one at an early age shaped the people that Raiyan and I are today. He is now a shining example for hope and hard work among his peers, being the best student in his class and having the kindest heart. Growing up with him has had a much greater impact on me than he will ever know. Because of him, I have learned the significance of kindness, the fact that my choices affect many others and that I should not be afraid to ask questions even if they don’t have answers. Most importantly, I have learned every day that I love my cousin very much.</p>