Isabel

Glancing at all the unfamiliar yet friendly faces that expressed apprehension or anticipation, my eyes quickly drew focus to a petite Hispanic girl. Sitting across the table in the diminutive vault below the Falvey Memorial Library she sat, unusually reserved at the commencement of the Composition class. Her face and body language spoke of trials and tribulations of compassion, hope, and fear. Only later would I fully comprehend and appreciate the first few chapters in Isabel's growing novel of life.

Born in Peru, Isabel moved to the United States at a very young age. Unable to speak English in elementary school and placed into English as a Second Language (ESL), Isabel faced much adversity. Nevertheless she persevered until when in the third grade where she eventually rose to the top of her class. Maintaining high grades and balancing an athletic career in softball, basketball, lacrosse, and track, she somehow managed to find time for her extensive family.

Presently enrolled in the prestigious West Chester University as a possible finance and business management major, Isabel now faces more pressure than ever. As only the second child in her family to attend college, Isabel's older cousin Grace, who currently attends Georgetown University, the motivation behind Isabel's success remains evident. Although classes and the rigorous college life might be strenuous, Isabel's boyfriend, who attends Ohio State, acts as her support system. In the near future, Isabel aspires to attend graduate school at either Notre Dame or Yukon.

Although I originally did not think about the parallels between Isabel and myself, I finally realized that our motivations and dreams bear much similarity. I highly anticipate to further my relationship with Isabel and can hardly wait to become more than acquaintances but friends.