Among but Apart

A college application paper

From my very birth I was different. When every boy's hero was either Superman or Sammy Sosa, mine was Colonel Travis and Jim Bowie of the Battle of the Alamo. While many were playing with a toy truck or a ball, I was creating fantastical places and dramatic narrative plots with a mere box of Legos. Every day was unique, and powering them was a unique mind. Although this difference, at that time, served as a barrier, it was also a gift. Through it I was able to create my own world of thought and discovery-- a world I still live in today.

            As a child I was forward-thinking; my mind was on the future. I always kept busy opening doors for random people to secure my eventual presidential bid or earning enough activity pins in Cub Scouts to impress any college admissions personnel. Indeed, this sort of determination translated well into the present day. Currently, I’m working on a personal political platform on numerous issues as well as my next novel idea-- all in preparation for possible future government and writing work.

            As a child I was ever-thoughtful; my mind never needed to rely on that of others. Most of my fellow students were always looking to their parents or peers for what they should do and say. I was quite the contrary, for it was I who was advising my parents and peers on a number of issues. A shining example was my support of John Kerry in 2004 Presidential Election. Yes, I was in 5^th grade. Yes, I lived in a mostly Republican suburb. But nonetheless, I had firm convictions concerning how the nation best be led. This has in no way eroded since then, and today I actively form my own ideas, from the “Northo” (a form of currency for North America) to classrooms not solely stocked with desks (I like the floor).

As peculiar as I was as a child, it was only through much hardship my individuality survived. In 5^th grade, especially, I became a target for class-wide bullying due to my unique and non-conformist nature. For the longest time after, I shied from bringing attention to myself or participating in activities that drew me out of my shell. It was inevitable, however, that my strong individualism and determination would come back from its blow. In my high school years, and especially my senior year, I battled my social anxiety and confidence issues to become stronger than ever before. All of a sudden, I began speaking more actively with my peers, from crafting humor to exchanging in debate. In class, too, I began to share my beliefs once again, often resulting in delight and intrigue. Most of all, I regained my sense of strength in both thought and action, seeing myself once again as someone who was not only different, but for most part, self-assured in that difference. I know what I stand for and why I often stand apart.

Author's Note

Limited to 500 words.