Admission essay 2

Success in the midst of adversity was taught from a very early age that people make their luck and that if we truly want something, it is always within our grasp. Growing up, I have also understood that it is never about what happens but instead, how we react to it. People are at their creative best when under intense pressure and the saying “necessity is the mother of invention” holds true. When faced with imminent danger, individuals will often think on their feet and come up with solutions they would ordinarily never have thought of. The same thing happens when employees are under tight deadlines; they deliver. However, it is imperative that they become invested in whatever it is they do, barring which nothing can come to fruition. The following is my brief narration of how I turned adversity into an experience.

During the winter of 2016/2017, I decided to try my hand at something completely different. Three weeks of the winter were spent at Standing Rock as an herbalist. I also took on extra responsibility and worked as a water protector. The latter job was especially challenging because it involved working on the frontlines. On the whole, this was an eye-opener and a chance for me to be creative as well as use skills that I probably did not know I had. I improvised and because I had no place to sleep, I got my much-needed rest in any cars, yurts, and tents that I could find. The availability of such sites varied depending on who was on or off duty for the night. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.

The experience also helped me discover my limits as I was there until 5th of December which was the day of action. I developed a “do-what-it-takes” attitude by boarding a bus, hitchhiking with a friend, and spending three days on the road so that I could make it back. It was indeed a humbling experience.