Describe an experience that has fundamentally changed the way you see the world and how it transformed you.

As a freshman I thought my life looked like everyone else’s – parties Thursday through Saturday (maybe the occasional Monday), skipping classes held at giant lecture halls, spending Sundays in bed until a slight sense of responsibility crept in and I’d begin to cram homework. When my mother arrived unannounced at my apartment in Spain during my summer abroad a new reality hit fast: my behavior was not normal, not healthy, and not going to continue any longer. I was immediately pulled from school and sent to rehab for alcoholism.

Rehab changes your perspective. Never did I expect to live with women coming off of hard drugs, but through this I learned empathy. Never did I expect to have my freedom limited - not allowed to leave the premises - but through this I learned patience and persistence. Never did I expect to spend four months disconnected from technology and my everyday life, but through this I learned the value of being introspective. These four months changed me forever, and I’m so thankful they did, as I am now four years sober and a better person for it. This time forced me to reprioritize and realize what I want in life. It enabled me to move forward more thoughtful, more grateful, and more determined. Without each lesson I would not have become the person I am today: driven to succeed in all my endeavors, and inspired to take part in my community and be present to support my family and friends.