I did it...and now I'm nervous w/anxiety

I sent my application to OSU. It was hard to limit my words to 100. But, how do you think I did? Be honest.

Leadership Contribution:
In situations that illustrate need for leadership I evaluate the position of the individuals involved. I look at their capabilities and determine where I would be the most beneficial: sometimes as a leader, other times as an encourager.

I work with a woman who is trying to support her family by waitressing. While her dedication is valuable, waitressing inadequately supports her future needs. I have taken a delicately strong position in her life as an encourager who brings information about school, financial aid, and community resources that can assist her in creating a financially secure future for her family. (99 words)

Knowledge in a field/Creativity:
Erased this one, but it referred to my love for the outdoors and how I stay informed on the health of the Cascades, and how the knowledge has created a passionate discord within me because I want to preserve the land, but understand how families rely on the forest to surivive.

Dealing with Adversity:
(Please forgie me. My response is more than 100 words, but I failed to find words with the same sincerity.)

I have faced adversity on many different levels, but this latest challenge on my ability to overcome obstacles has been the hardest. In February of this year my younger brother took his life, and I have found my lack of motivation, strength and energy particularly difficult to rise above.

I thought for many days how I should address this essay, but one day I saw the perfect words. They are not my own, but the spirit behind them speak as I desire to speak, and the meaning conveys the strength that I know I have; if only temporarily burdened by grief.

YOU MUST NOT QUIT
When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns
As every one of us sometimes learns;
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow;
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell just how close you are;
It may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit;
When things seem worst, you must not quit.

-Unknown

With the support of friends and family, I will not quit. I will seek the resources I need to be successful in my goals, and in due time, I hope to be able to teach others what I have learned along the way.

Community Service:
As a manager of a local restaurant I find I am in the position to influence the dining experience of my community. I diligently try to make each member of my team understand the importance of excellent customer service and consistency. I communicate that we should treat our guests as we would like to be treated, and offer the best of our personal abilities.

I have been honored by guests who have told me that despite their occasional frustrations with the restaurant, they continue to dine there because I have made them feel warm, welcomed, and appreciated. (97 words)

Handling Systemic Challenges:
In highschool, a friend took me to an alley to show me graffiti that was sprayed across a garage door, but it had been painted over. It allegedly said that no “black” families were welcome in our town. We had only one black student at the time. However, after the occurrence I noticed that the student was missing from our student body within two days.

I teach my children that judgment should never be made on color, on manner of dialectic, or on dress. That judgment should proceed from proper information, which only comes from attempting to know a person. (100 words)

Goals/Task Commitment:
I have a goal to succeed at whatever is important to me. It is important to me to give my children a fun childhood; it is important to me that I obtain a Masters’ degree in Interdiscplinary Studies, so I can be an effective wilderness therapist; and it is important to me that I journey through my life with respect to my core values.

I am accomplishing these goals by; taking my children on adventures, by applying for college admission, and by learning what my core values are through life experience. Success is achieved when one does not give up. (100 words)

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I am nervous that I won't be accepted, but if not...I'll try again.