Anne El-Shafei
When it came time for me to decide whether I was going to live by my parent's standards or the ones I set for myself, I chose the latter, because life is only lived once and I didn't want to spend the life given to me on attempting solely to please others.
I used to think that homeless people did something wrong to be put in such horrible situations, but when looking into the eyes of a homeless man and understanding that nobody chooses the life they are given, I felt more sympathy for them and regretted my harsh prejudice.
Once I was sure that all things come to those who patiently wait, now, I am not so sure I was correct.
Emily Gelb
1. Once I was convinced that people cannot change who they are and their ways of life; now I am confident that anyone can strive to be different and improve themselves.
2. When I saw that fork in the road just ahead in my life, I chose to forgive and move forward rather than question and argue because family and those who care are the most important part of my life.
3. When I thought I couldn't accomplish something important to me, I looked within myself and realized that I can do anything I put my mind, heart, and soul too.
Michael Mintz
1. There was a time in my life when I was very needy, but now I look at myself in the mirror and see an independent adult.
2.There was a time when life was passing by without me noticing, but now I cherish every moment and every day like it's my last.
3.When I was faced with the dilemma of spending time with my friends or eating dinner with my family, I chose the latter because family is forever while friends come and go.
Michelle Roter
1. I used to be a spineless follower, but after I realized that I can be my own person, I became the leader, rather than the one that follows.
2. When I lost my best friend of 5 years in a horrific dispute, I thought that I would never be happy again, but little did I know that I would actually benefit from this conflict and I am now happier than I’ve ever been.
3. When I had realized that I was in a toxic relationship, I had to choose between my brain and my heart. I made the best logical choice because I knew that my emotions were irrational and would have negative consequences in the long run.
Yae Jin Oh
1. Once, my naivete was so great it brushed the stratosphere—so grand that one might have been envious of my innocent joy; now, having sacrificed it in a rush to grow up, I see that my view of the world has dimmed with sadness.
2. With anything imperfect, my parents saw failure— being their daughter meant that I could not be me.
3. I once believed that who I was before had little significance as to who I was in the present, but now I see that who I am is simply and evolution of the past self with just a touch more wisdom.
James Kirdahy
1. Once I was hardworking and studious, now I find it hard to concentrate on schoolwork.
2.Once I took what people said at face value, now I look for a deeper meaning.
3. When I was assigned to a forced triple to dorm in, I chose to accept it rather than resent it.
Traci Rubin
1. In this specific crisis, I asked my teachers for advice because it was something I would always feel comfortable doing.
2. Once helping people was like a hobby for me; I haven’t changed in the slightest.
3. Once I was a young girl full of spirit and courage but too shy to release her thoughts in a sea of people but now I am a young woman, full of even more spirit, but now a powerful agent in a complicated world ready and willing to take everything on with an iron fist.
Matthew Cheung
1. I used to call a place with bright lights, huge skyscrapers, and boisterous streets my home. Now I call a place surrounded by trees and a student community my home. I often find myself filled with nostalgia because I long for my previous home.
2.When I had to decide whether to confront my friend or not, I chose to put my foot down and to advise him to quit smoking. I saw how smoking had changed him to a different being, someone I didn’t approve of, and I longed for my old best friend.
3.The home I lived in was like a double-sided blade. It served as a shell for my development and it helped me nurture me into who I am today. At the same time it kept me away from the world around me, shielding me to experiences that were vital to my development into adulthood.
Diana Siegel
I once thought that one can easily be defeated by a harsh situation; now I am a true believer of the quotation “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger” for the fact that one has to grow off of pervious circumstances.
When I saw that fork in the road just ahead in my life, I chose to swim upstream against others strong opinions and ideas rather than conform to society’s high demands.
I once thought that everything had a fairy tale ending; now I believe that life is like a roller coaster, containing both ups and downs, and in the end, nothing comes easy.
Chris Ertel
Once I was distant and antagonistic with my sister; now that we live apart and we have both become more mature, I have learned to rely on her and our relationship is closer than ever.
In the past I was reclusive and unwilling to exit my comfort zone; now I am more outgoing and eager to try new things and have new experiences.
Once I understood little about politics and how the world is governed; now that I have seen how prominently these things impact so many people, I have garnered much interest in them.
After 9/3
Camille Adolphe
I used to let society tell me what to dream, tell me what I should aspire to be, and how I should live my life. But now I am more confident and I know that I am destined for more than the status quo.
For the past few years my sister and I have not had a very intimate relationship. I want to change this before we both drift apart into our own worlds because I want her to be confident that she'll always have a home in me.
Forgiving people used to be a very arduous task for me to accomplish. But now I've learned that once someone has hurt you, don't just forgive them but move on with your life and never again give them the chance to disappoint you.
Rob Watros
My dad and I used to have almost no relationship at all; but as I grew older I realized that my parents are the most important people in my life and now my dad and I are very close.
During my senior year my grades began to slip, but I knew that with a little hard work and determination I could finish off my last year on a great note.
Once I was a follower and believed everything anyone told me; now I challenge every opinion I hear and formulate all of my own thoughts and beliefs.
