<p>Hi~ This is my essay for University of Washington. It would mean a lot if you would give me some honest feedback. I'm not a good writer, and I've been told that I got off topic really easily.. So some advice and help would be greatly appreciated! </p>
<p>Prompt: Tell us a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.</p>
<pre><code> It was the week before the Advanced Placement exams. My life consisted of AP study guides and library sessions with fellow classmates. The stress was overwhelming. As the days grew closer, my test anxiety seemed to become more apparent. My hands shook uncontrollably, and my heart raced as if I was running a marathon. I became quiet, in fear of snapping at friends and family because of the tension. I found myself going through the motions, going from one classroom to the next.
My next class was AP American History, one of my hardest subjects. In front of me sat my best friend, Lizzie. We havent talked in a while, knowing the stress could potentially ruin our friendship. It was a study day, and everyones heads were buried into their textbooks. Lizzie turned to me with wild-eyes, knowing that she couldnt handle the pressure much longer. After school, I took her to my car and drove with no explanation and no argument in response. I parked in an endless, rocky pathway with a sign at the end that said Green Canyon. The mountain before us stood in complete peace. We sprinted up the steep, dirt trail that lead up to the clouds. Minutes passed before we fell over in exhaustion. I picked up a small rock nearby and handed it to Lizzie. For every rock, scream a complaint. If I couldnt help my anxiety or stress, the least I could do was help her. Rocks began to fly all over the mountain, and the stress slowly began to drain through her system. When we found ourselves surrounded by a bare patch of dirt, we could only sit in silence.
While my test anxiety is one of the many things I cannot control, the ability to help others has calmed my own difficulties. For years I was told that happiness was found through within, but the joy of helping others and getting them through their hardships is what brings me purpose and happiness. I will always have dreams and aspirations that I will call my own, but they revolve around improvement of the community around me.
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