A Personal Response to External Influences
Isaac Newton demonstrated that an object n motion tends to move in a single direction indefinitely unless it is acted upon by external forces that cause its direction to change (White 240). While this principle is most often applied in the realm of the physical sciences, it is also applicable in terms of human lives. In my own case, the diagnosis of my mother with cancer constituted a major "external force" that resulted in many importance changes in the motion and direction of my life. Prior to that even, I was unconvinced that a college education would be of value to me; I felt that high school has been sufficient to give me the knowledge and skills that could secure a good, well-paying job and help to create a satisfying life. I was wrong, and learning that my mother was seriously ill helped me to change my goals and objectives and restructure my personal life.
I was a fairly indifferent high school senior when my mother entered the hospital, only to be diagnosed after three week as suffering from potentially fatal myelomoa, a blood cancer. My mother had wanted me to be the first member of our family to obtain a college degree. Though I respected her desires and loved her very much, I knew that my father had achieved occupational success as a salesman for Zimmer Orthopedics without a degree. Mom's illness made me realize that caring for a family requires a good education and commitment to lifelong excellence. This external event would lead me to enter college while helping to care for my little sister while Mom recovers and Dad continues to support the family through hours of hard work.
Though I was not a dedicated student in high school and graduated with only a 2.8 GPA, I have been active in athletics (football and lacrosse), school events (service clubs and extracurricular activities)and community service. I have worked with Little League Baseball teams for four years, a...