We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges t...

We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow?

I remember the night vividly. It was December 31st, 2013 in Toledo, Ohio. The ground outside was white; the sky was pitch black and devoid of stars. As we watched the snow fall, my family huddled together in our remaining moments before our separation, right in the dim and frost-bitingly cold Greyhound Station. After what felt like only a millisecond, we let go of each other. The time for our departure had come. My dad and brother started to wave goodbye as my mom and I dragged our suitcases out of the lobby and onto the bus. From my first moments on the bus, I knew that my world was going to change. I was going to live in a new city, attend a new school, and have a restart with only the few things that I could carry in my bags. Thinking about it upset me greatly. Our financial situation crumbled in front of my eyes. I had no choice but to leave my father, my brother, my other family members, and my friends behind. My first experience in Georgia involved living with my aunt. It was the most impactful six months of my life. Living with my aunt’s family taught me how to adapt very quickly to my circumstances. I learned to become a well-mannered, quiet fifth grader within the span of a few weeks. It was not who I was, yet I continued to show them who I wanted them to see. I tip-toed instead of walking freely. I smiled to hide my distaste. I preferred my silence, and kept my mouth closed. It was never comfortable, but I felt that being myself would have caused me more discomfort in the long run. My mother and I moved around a lot in the first year and a half of living in Georgia. We went from my aunt’s house to a cousin’s apartment, and from there we lived with my cousin’s neighbor. Shortly afterwards, my mom and I packed our bags to leave again. We left from there to an extended stay location--but we could not sustain on our own for more than a few months, and we soon moved into the house of an elementary school friend. After about a month, we moved into the location we are now in today. Each time I moved, I discovered more about the people who I lived with. I learned which actions were applauded, which actions never mattered, and which would land me under a scornful gaze. Yet, I never realized what I had been missing the entire time. I had hoped and prayed for stability: I hated being on edge at every moment. I wished for the seemingly easy lives of my peers: to me, living in a house with family was a dream come true. I just wanted a return to normalcy. When the world around me was difficult, I always went back to an empty composition notebook. I went back to my art. With my stories, I existed in a realm where I didn’t have mundane concerns. I lived vicariously through the mermaids, ninja warriors, and magicians I created. In this realm, I never had to lose myself to the expectations of others. I was free to be myself there. And not only did I find my escape, I found a passion of mine. The more I wrote, the more I grew as a person. The creativity I gained from writing bled into other parts of my life. During school, I brainstormed shortcuts to make completing assignments efficient; I used my quirky and imaginative humor to make friends. I grew disciplined from forcing myself to write every day, and this diligence carried over into my schoolwork, my extracurriculars, and the community service I enjoy doing. I work hard to ensure that I am someone others can call dependable, because I have depended on many others. My writing isn’t the only explanation for how much I’ve changed. Being alongside my mother the entire time showed me just how much grit and persistence one could have. I watched her overcome challenges beside me: confronting failure, having to take risks, and still being a parent. I’m inclined to believe I’ve grown resilient through osmosis--seeing my mother accomplish so much under difficult circumstances was powerful, and it sparked something inside of me to do the same. It was a tough situation to live through. Though, in hindsight, I am very grateful to see how much it has changed me. I lost a lot of material items, but I gained so many personal qualities. I discovered my aspiration for a career in writing, and I soon after recognized that working hard opens doors. I’m still Anya, but this is a better version of myself. The best version so far.