rerevised college essay

The day my parents announced their divorce in 2005, I didn’t shed a tear. I felt strong enough to handle it. But I hadn’t learned how to truly be strong. Though my parents haven’t actually divorced yet, their separation in that year still hit hard and has continued to affect my life for four years. The schism of my parents couldn’t have come at a worse time for me personally, the summer before my freshman year of high school. My first year was the year I adjusted to my new life; living with just one parent, the less disciplined one, and having more freedom. Sophomore year rolled around and brought new beginnings. My brother, who is 19 years old, and I successfully had lived in the same house without saying anything to each other for over a year. We were both so angry with our situation. But this was to be his last year living with me and our parents’ divorce had gotten much worse by this time. The silence was broken one day driving home from school when I had a bad day and broke down crying. My brother soothed my tears and my worries that day about many things, including school problems and our parents’ divorce. By the time he left for the U.S. Coast Guard in 2007, I felt stronger because of him but miserably back at freshman year, even though the bond between me and my brother remains strong. My junior year was definitely the year that brought me to who I am now. I resolved to replace the void my brother’s absence left with school activities and found something amazing: a seriously upsetting experience had given me the skills to handle many new tasks. I became involved and fully revealed the power I had to lead, plan, and achieve through the many tasks moderators and teachers trusted in me. I was confident enough with my newly harnessed characteristics and decided to run for Senior Class President, and won. I also took on another big responsibility and was picked to plan my school’s annual Freshmen Retreat. Both of these duties require someone who is strong, sensitive to others needs, and knows what the majority wants and how to give it to them. Freshmen Retreat was a huge undertaking and difficult to plan because I had to balance being accommodating to freshmen parents and the senior leaders. As Senior Class President I work hard to make this year unforgettable for my entire class. I take on big tasks and able to handle them because I am a strong, hard working, dedicated, and unfaltering person. I’ve learned to deal with a double amount of stress, from home problems and school issues, which is a very important skill to have in the position I hold. My confidence has risen because of my ability to overcome hurdles. I’m stronger and more able to handle things due to my parents’ separation than I would have been without the event.