FIRST DRAFT PLEASE HELP!!
Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:23 pm
I'm open to any and all suggestions/changes/corrections/additions/etc. other than changing my (controversial) topic.
Also I have no idea how to conclude this thing.
PLEASE HELP!!!!
My name is _________, and I am an addict. I used to only associate those words with the street urchins and degenerates depicted in movies and literature. I have a new comprehension of the meaning of the word “addict” and use it not as a handicap or as means to pass judgment, but as recognition of my strength and ability to overcome.
To contend with my fear of failure and to offset what I falsely considered to be a mediocre existence, I dabbled with alcohol in high school. I further experimented in college and senior year I met the first love of my life; it came in a bag. My initially infrequent and social habit rapidly progressed into consistent daily use, and consistent daily use shifted into full-blown active addiction. I dispensed with any goals and aspirations I had once possessed, and I lacked any semblance of self-esteem. One and a half years later, on December 13, 2008, I almost died.
I can remember hearing the voices of doctors and emergency medical staff frantically checking my vitals as I slipped in and out of consciousness. I awoke in a cold and sterile hospital room with my parents, eyes red and swollen from crying, standing over me. I didn’t have an epiphany or sudden moment of clarity, but for the first time in a long time I stopped thinking that I had all the answers and I asked for help.
I checked myself into the hospital and subsequent to my discharge I completed an outpatient program. Wholly devoted to my recovery, I began attending 12 step meetings where I emerged as a natural leader. My peers consistently elect me to numerous executive positions, and I am frequently asked to speak at meetings and conventions. I dedicate my time to helping others by volunteering weekly in an inpatient drug rehabilitation program. I have even come to sponsor women who admire my courage, strength and hope; those attributes have enabled me to overcome tremendous obstacles.
Shortly after my discharge from the hospital my parents divorced. Throughout that two-year process each played me against the other. At age 25 I survived a cancer scare, enduring countless biopsies and painful surgeries that rendered me unable to bear children. Despite emotionally trying circumstances such as these I continued to thrive.
I sought out and obtained my first career-oriented job, a legal assistant position at a law firm specializing in real estate law. Eight months later and eager for a new challenge, I accepted my current position working as a paralegal for a litigator in New York City. The experience and insight that I have gained affirm for me my desire to pursue a career in law.
More important than my exterior successes is the sense of self-worth I have regained. Today I act out of confidence instead of fear. I no longer feel obligated to make choices to appease others at the expense of my own fulfillment. I do not question or regret my prior choices, but instead recognize each day as an opportunity for personal growth. My path in life has not been easy and it has taken twists and turns of which I am not proud. However, I am proud of the person that I have become despite the trials and tribulations of my past.
A dedicated daughter, I spend sleepless nights with my mother, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1997, while she receives IV steroid treatments. I am available to accompany my father who suffers from advanced kidney disease to his numerous doctors’ appointments. I am an ally and friend to my sister who once again seeks my counsel and company. I form healthy relationships with friends who trust and respect me, and I am a valued and diligent employee.
I received a second chance at the life I almost squandered, and I am determined not to let such a significant bestowal go to waste. I do not know what encumbrances await me, but I am confident that my maturity, perseverance and dedication will enable me to achieve success and to actualize my goals even in the face of adversity. I am motivated and prepared to take on the rigors of my next challenge – law school.
Also I have no idea how to conclude this thing.
PLEASE HELP!!!!
My name is _________, and I am an addict. I used to only associate those words with the street urchins and degenerates depicted in movies and literature. I have a new comprehension of the meaning of the word “addict” and use it not as a handicap or as means to pass judgment, but as recognition of my strength and ability to overcome.
To contend with my fear of failure and to offset what I falsely considered to be a mediocre existence, I dabbled with alcohol in high school. I further experimented in college and senior year I met the first love of my life; it came in a bag. My initially infrequent and social habit rapidly progressed into consistent daily use, and consistent daily use shifted into full-blown active addiction. I dispensed with any goals and aspirations I had once possessed, and I lacked any semblance of self-esteem. One and a half years later, on December 13, 2008, I almost died.
I can remember hearing the voices of doctors and emergency medical staff frantically checking my vitals as I slipped in and out of consciousness. I awoke in a cold and sterile hospital room with my parents, eyes red and swollen from crying, standing over me. I didn’t have an epiphany or sudden moment of clarity, but for the first time in a long time I stopped thinking that I had all the answers and I asked for help.
I checked myself into the hospital and subsequent to my discharge I completed an outpatient program. Wholly devoted to my recovery, I began attending 12 step meetings where I emerged as a natural leader. My peers consistently elect me to numerous executive positions, and I am frequently asked to speak at meetings and conventions. I dedicate my time to helping others by volunteering weekly in an inpatient drug rehabilitation program. I have even come to sponsor women who admire my courage, strength and hope; those attributes have enabled me to overcome tremendous obstacles.
Shortly after my discharge from the hospital my parents divorced. Throughout that two-year process each played me against the other. At age 25 I survived a cancer scare, enduring countless biopsies and painful surgeries that rendered me unable to bear children. Despite emotionally trying circumstances such as these I continued to thrive.
I sought out and obtained my first career-oriented job, a legal assistant position at a law firm specializing in real estate law. Eight months later and eager for a new challenge, I accepted my current position working as a paralegal for a litigator in New York City. The experience and insight that I have gained affirm for me my desire to pursue a career in law.
More important than my exterior successes is the sense of self-worth I have regained. Today I act out of confidence instead of fear. I no longer feel obligated to make choices to appease others at the expense of my own fulfillment. I do not question or regret my prior choices, but instead recognize each day as an opportunity for personal growth. My path in life has not been easy and it has taken twists and turns of which I am not proud. However, I am proud of the person that I have become despite the trials and tribulations of my past.
A dedicated daughter, I spend sleepless nights with my mother, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1997, while she receives IV steroid treatments. I am available to accompany my father who suffers from advanced kidney disease to his numerous doctors’ appointments. I am an ally and friend to my sister who once again seeks my counsel and company. I form healthy relationships with friends who trust and respect me, and I am a valued and diligent employee.
I received a second chance at the life I almost squandered, and I am determined not to let such a significant bestowal go to waste. I do not know what encumbrances await me, but I am confident that my maturity, perseverance and dedication will enable me to achieve success and to actualize my goals even in the face of adversity. I am motivated and prepared to take on the rigors of my next challenge – law school.