Describe a challenging experience that you’ve had. How were you tested? What did you learn?

I have always been considered a leader in my family. The responsible one. The one that had everything under control. So at the age of 17, my family was fully supportive when I made the decision to attend college 2,000 miles away from home. It was an opportunity to explore a new region of the United States, experience life on my own, and discover who I was and what I wanted to become. However, my first year of college became the biggest challenge of my life and my greatest learning experience.

My grandmother, with whom I was extremely close, became very sick and was hospitalized for a length of time. Simultaneously, my brother became addicted to prescription pills, which forced him into multiple rehabilitation centers; he eventually was charged with child endangerment after driving my nephew while under the influence. At the time of his conviction, it was unknown where and with whom my nephew would live. Across the country and alone, I was severely distracted by my family situation and did not put the amount of attention needed on my studies. As a result, I earned the lowest grades of my life. I was devastated.

I had always felt the need to be the responsible sibling/child and protect my family from any problems they experienced. However, through this experience I learned that I couldn’t protect and control everyone and everything in my life; instead, I needed to focus on aspects that I could control. I learned to let things with my family and others play out for themselves and that the most I could do was provide support and concentrate on what is best for my life. In addition, I learned that I am only accountable for my own actions and cannot let others’ poor choices affect my progress. While my grades suffered during my freshman year, I began my sophomore year with renewed focus and increased my GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.4. I placed on the Dean’s list for each ensuing semester, and my GPA steadily increased throughout the rest of college, culminating in a 3.9 my last semester. Ultimately, my academic success resulted in my earning a full-ride scholarship to law school. I learned to manage my reaction to outside situations and now understand that I am the only one who is answerable for my morale, personal and professional improvement, and success.

Whether it is called resilience, perseverance or grit, I overcame a very difficult period and use that difficulty as a motivator. I am unafraid of future challenges or situations, because I know that not only am I well prepared to face them, but that challenges are the best opportunities for growth.