<p>Hi, Please can someone read my essay and offer me some advice.</p>
<p>?My new Home?</p>
<p>It was a chilly morning, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of student life. I could feel the coldness in every breathe I took, but I loved it. I walked briskly, and then I saw it. It looked more intimidating up close than in the brochures, but spectacularly brilliant. The famous statue of Ben Franklin commanded every ounce of respect that it was known to have. Greg (my host at UPenn) was talking to me, but my anxiousness had disabled my hearing, for all that was racing through my mind was the fact that I was finally here, walking on the grounds of UPenn. The only word I caught of Greg?s was ?library?.</p>
<p>As we entered the second floor, I was welcomed by the smell of precious books. It was a musky smell, but my excitement of being here made it divinely aromatic. I thought these are the books that have witnessed the passing of each generation. They have spent many long hours with students, even years, but they too will be my company when I am here. I knew then that I will be spending many long nights studying in this library. I confirmed what I had felt for two years; I belonged at UPenn. This felt like home.</p>
<p>I have always viewed my life as a journey, filled with many colorful chapters. I had realized by Grade 10 that another chapter of my journey had begun. It began when Mr. Jarvis tasked us to research potential universities that we would consider studying at, once we had completed Grade 12. I had a clear picture as to what I wanted to study, but was always nagged by where I should study it. Paul and Ryan (my best friends) knew that they wanted to study in South Africa, and was hoping that I would join them, but I wanted to know all my options first. </p>
<p>I believe that everything that happens in life happens for a reason, and Mr. Jarvis confirmed that belief. He knew that I was considering studying overseas, so he gave me some material about universities in America. I had read all the information at hand, but my attention was grasped by the University of Pennsylvania. It was an amazing feeling, because everything about the university seemed to talk to me, relate to all my needs and bring out this feeling of belonging there. I was just 16 years old and I knew that UPenn was the university I wanted to study at.</p>
<p>?A responsible young man?, was what mum called me. My parents have always indulged me with good values, a strong Christian background, love, and most importantly trust. Being 17 years old, I felt the weight of my decision, which meant leaving my family and studying abroad. It was a decision I was glad to make. I would surely miss them, but I knew more so that I could make them proud of me. </p>
<p>I loved the look on my mum?s face when I told her that UPenn is the university I wanted to study at. First a look of shock, then the gentle transition into a warm smile.
?Are you sure this is what you want Shaun?? she asked.
?More than anything else mum?, I replied.
It was at that moment my life flashed in front of me. I knew that I had to work at my grades, and most importantly spend as much time with my family as possible, since I would be studying for 4 years abroad after grade 12. But what I really remember about that moment was the look of trust, and confidence my mother gave me. All this time dad remained smiling proudly at me. As if he knew that I was making the right decision. I felt comforted by his approval. </p>
<p>From that point on my parents and I were a team. I knew what I had do to achieve this dream, and they knew the financial challenges that faced them in helping me. My dream became their dream, and my challenges were faced with their support and confidence. They had met Ms Elizabeth O?Connell on my behalf a few weeks earlier, and had encouraged my detour from Montgomery Bell Academy (I was on my exchange programme). It was a risk, since I could have changed my mind about UPenn, but my parents did not worry about that. They just wanted me to be happy and sure about my future. </p>
<p>That?s how I was standing in the library of UPenn, smelling its musky books. It was only my second day here and I felt right at home. The students I had met thus far were brilliant, hard?working and dedicated in their studies. Most of all I had realized that I had much more in common with them than that. They shared my passion. My passion for my field of study, my passion for my family and my passion to study at UPenn. </p>
<p>I have many chapters in my journey, and there is a chapter for my journey here on UPenn. In fact my chapter starts with this visit. I will have many stories to write, but for now I will welcome myself in this place I would like to call home?that is UPenn.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>