Sample Essay 4

Throughout my childhood, many individuals posed that infamous question: “So, what are you going to be when you grow up?” I cringe even now as I write it. During my childhood, the answer came quickly and with assurance: “A doctor.” I don’t know quite when I settled on that profession, but there it was, for all to marvel. My high school education was organized to take advantage of all the honors courses my school offered, as I knew this would look much more attractive when I applied to college and eventually medical school. I graduated top of my class with a 4.0 grade point average and was selected Valedictorian.

My first year at college as a pre-med student resembled not so much a pristine haven of learning as a carefree romp. I imagined that college grades would be as effortless to attain as high school grades had been. My roommate nearly called the emergency room when I received my grades. The next semester was even worse. To further my frustration and despondency, I was also trying to come to terms with my budding sexuality, and coming out of the closet as a gay man in a conservative community. In the end, due to family pressure, I left school.

I drifted rather aimlessly for the next few months, until I found a job as an accounting clerk, a far cry from my dreams of being a doctor. I tried to reason with myself that it was a temporary setback, and that I would attend another school later that year. It would take many years to realize that dream.

Finally, after years of drudgery, I made it to the pinnacle of my career as a controller for a major engineering firm. One morning, I woke up and realized for perhaps the millionth time that I was miserable. I decided then and there, that no matter what transpired, I would return to school.

Looking back, I realize that the time I spent working was extraordinarily helpful, as it allowed me to return to school with increased organizational skills and the intense desire to perform well.

Since returning, I have maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average and have been admitted to the English honors program, I have been given the opportunity to study under some of the best teachers at the university. My educational process remains enthralling, as I continue the journey to my degree.

To this end, I have also dedicated myself to working with important organizations on campus. I am involved with the substance abuse prevention group on campus, as well as the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Student Union, for which I was the director last year. This year I was elected President of Sigma Tau Delta.

I volunteer outside the university as well, with such organizations as San Diego HIV Consumer Council and Mama’s Kitchen, a hot food delivery service for home bound AIDS patients. I also volunteer at the San Diego Freedom Ranch, a recovery unit for substance abuse. I am extremely rewarded in myriad ways with this work, and strive to give back and help others through my experience.

I plan on continuing my education throughout the next few years as I endeavor to pursue my doctorate in English Literature. In this way, I will be able to realize my childhood dream of becoming a “doctor,” but in a much different way than I ever imagined. Of course, I don’t suppose that small child would mind very much.