Describe a Significant Setback, Challenge or Opportunity in Your Life and the Impact That It Has Had on You.

"Follow no one else's path, instead make your own and leave a trail for others to follow." Life is like a race, and we are its runners. And in this race of life there are to be many obstacles and sharp turns to come and bring us down. Opportunities and challenges will come and pass. Many an opportunity I have passed up and let go, and many I regretted not taking. And many challenges and significant setbacks have gone and went. In fact, one setback has made a huge impact on my life, so significant that I have many opportunities.

Growing up with my religiously strict parents has definitely brought me down through out my life. Being unable to participate in school sports, clubs, and other extra curricular activities because of my parents' religious beliefs, I'd have to say, was a major setback for me. Not being able to be with my friends just because they have a different faith has definitely been a downer for me. I particularly remember one opportunity that I have missed out on. Excitement was within me as I opened that letter from Cambridge University, and I was accepted to a prep college in Cambridge.

My parents, on the other hand, felt indifferent. Their decision was set in stone, I could not go because it would be too far from home, and I would be associating with people who do not have the same faith as my parents. I believe I have missed out on a lot of opportunities, but I have learned many lessons and virtues from the past. I have learned to be strong and just grin and bear through it all. And I have greatly appreciated my friends, who have been there for me through rough times, and the education I was able to receive. Education is the best opportunity anyone can have and it is one that I haven't missed out on. And so I have appreciated my teachers who have been there for me when any challenges may arise. Friends and teachers, those are the ones that have helped me get back up when I fell.

In this race of life there are many obstacles to make you fall, and you will fall. But all you can do is get back up, wipe that dirt off, continue running, and enjoy the scenery while you run because all of us are to reach that one same finish line.