College App Essay LMB

Logan Bodzer
Mrs. Hudak
American Literature
19 May 2014
College App. Essay
    “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” -Auguste Rodin.  A waste of time, is exactly the words I would have used to describe my junior year of high-school.  Leaving my family, and friends behind to move to South Carolina for a horseback riding program seemed crazy.  But it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.  Yet, I only realized how great of an experience I had here, when I almost gave it all up and went home early.
    Spring break was coming up quickly and I hated it on Hilton Head Island.  It wasn’t just any strong dislike for a place, but a full on true hatred of Hilton Head.  The loss of a few close friends, nasty rumors being spread, an inadequate riding program that was supposedly the best of the best, and my horse unable to move to my new barn, were only a few of the many reasons why I despised anything and everything about this island.  It wasn’t till I went home for break, did I realize the amazing opportunity I was wasting. 
    At first I only wanted to come home and stay home.  However, after being taken out of the situation in HHI, and being able to take a step away from everything and really look at the situation, it helped me understand what I should do.  I would stay up late many nights contemplating everything that had happened and that was happening, I had countless talks with my parents, and also came to the realization that there was only 9 weeks left, I decided to push through and come back.
    Throughout the whole school year I only focused on the negatives.  I only payed attention to the bad things that had happened, and that were happening rather than the good things that came from the bad.  Like the loss of a few good friends, truly devastating to me, showed me the type of people they really are, and in the long run I shouldn’t be friends with them.  The loss of their friendship, led me to new friends that I have become closer than ever with.  Finally I realized the amazing opportunity I had, and how I was just wasting it and focusing on the negatives.  I decided that after spring break I would take everyday in stride.  If something negative were to happen again, I would only focus on the good that would come from the situation, rather than the bad. 
    Moving to South Carolina for a year not only taught me to be self dependent, but gave me a new perspective and view of the world.  I now can go through a negative experience, and come out with a smile on my face, knowing I learned something or have grown in some way from it.  Going through hard times is something required in life, the most important part is how you handle yourself in the face of it all.  Many people go through a bad experience and dwell in it, they refuse to move on, but that’s not how someone should live.  This year has made me stronger mentally, and physically, I have matured beyond my years, and am thankful for such a learning experience.