<p>Hey, everyone. I am new to this site so I am not sure if I am even in the right section....ha. So the reason I am here is to get some feedback and tips on my essay. I am currently in CC after serving in the military for 4 years so I am still pretty new to all this college stuff. I am not sure what the admissions people are looking for or what to write about, including the length of it. I have searched online for ideas and decided on something. Please, let me know what you think. Not that it's too important, but this essay is for U of Oregon. I have a 3.2 GPA and I have never taken the act/sat. </p>
<p>Too many times, we as a civilization accept what is given to us. Whether it be out of content or fear, we choose to take the path already paved; I take it as an insult the notion that we are not capable of living beyond our own expectations, and never has a person so eloquently expressed what I envision life being about more than former President John F. Kennedy as he exclaimed, “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.” Albeit, each of us are unique and set standards accordingly, to live beneath your potential in favor of an easier life is a disservice to your very existence.</p>
<p>Admittedly, what we think living beneath our potential means is contentious. It’s even plausible that the importance of our existence is infinitesimal. Though both are possibilities, any reasonable person would concur that the way you live could have lasting affects long after your passing. Numerous scientific studies have corroborated what a substantial amount of people believed for so long: children emulate their parents. I cannot say, without doubt, what you do in life will be reflected in future generations, but I would express the importance of teaching your children that giving up should never be an option. </p>
<p>Additionally, there is a sense of accomplishment in perseverance. Often times, we allow obstacles to detract us from our goals; the consequences of giving in are substantial. Lacking the strength to push through in times of plight are known to cause depression and anxiety. In contrast to rising above and achieving our goals, allowing ourselves to succumb to difficulties makes being optimistic to succeed next time much slimmer. </p>
<p>Conversely, not all of us will find the answers to our questions in gaining strength. We won’t all find the cure to cancer or make millions running a fortune 500 company, simply by striving to be a better person. To quote famous Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” Truthfully, no one can definitively conclude the purpose of life, but we should consider enjoying our time here, making the most out of it and becoming the best human as realistically possible.</p>