College Essay

John Nguyen
Mr. Gallagher
English 12 CP Period 7
10/30/08

Progressing Hardships

I entered high school setting a goal to achieve high honor roll. Becoming in this new environment filled with studious students around me motivated me to exceed in classes, I strived to learn and focus on what was needed to succeed and graduate from high school at the top of my class. Outside of school, however my father hosted parties which involved drinking and smoking along with his other friends. As a young man, I knew that I didn’t want to become my father. My father was an alcoholic which affected my family emotionally. Our extended family often gathered so we could help him but most of the time it was just depressing, frustrating, and full of anger. Our conversation usually ended in arguments.

One night during my sophomore year, I was up late on my computer when I heard a devastating fall in the living room. I went downstairs to find my father on the floor. I was frightened and I woke up my mother, and I called for an ambulance. My father was then taken to the hospital which affected my family even greater. I visit the hospital a week later and doctors told me that my father had a stroke. It was a rehabilitation hospital which was a dramatic surround. Most of my whole family had already visit my father and heard of the news. My family ended up arguing mostly every week and over time, I started to understand more of my family and morals. This experience I will never forget because of my father being an alcoholic.

At this point, I’ve become emotionally stressed due to family purposes. I had fewer privileges, but still strived to do well in school. Time was an issue for me because I was not able to stay after because of my father. After school here and there I visit my dad at the rehabilitation hospital with my aunt. My father is the core of the family. All my cousins are close with him and so are my aunts and uncles. My father was there for everyone knowing what to do in times in need or help. This incident became dramatic because my family became in distress. During visits and going home late at night I strived to finish all my homework. Finding time was difficult for me in order to receive help from teachers when I need it. After a month or so I became more organized in managing my time and becoming less stressed.

I have become more independent and indirectly influenced through my high school years. Even though my family struggled over time, I learned how to solve certain problems and felt helpless with others. I built character throughout high school. I learned to become more discipline and have respect for others wherever I go. I also became wise knowing what to do when it comes to situations. My family told me that family always came first before school, but now that I have time, I plan to strive in college and achieve a master’s degree.