Personal Essay Example
EVAN

The idea of resilience—enduring challenges while lifting others up—has shaped history. Yet I often notice that my peers shy away from adversity, like it’s some kind of disease. Taking a different approach, I’ve grown fascinated with how people overcome hardship. This curiosity has drawn me toward leadership roles where I encourage others to push through obstacles and support those around them.

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Just before high school began, my grandfather, who had been a steady presence in my life, passed away. I didn’t immediately process the loss at the time. Instead, I focused on moving forward, distracting myself with school and sports. But grief crept in. I would find myself staring out the window during class or lying awake at night, replaying memories of sitting with him on the porch, listening to his stories. Grandpa’s absence left me with a question I couldn’t answer: how do we carry on when the people we lean on most are gone?

What ultimately helped me cope was a story. During freshman year, I came across Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, which chronicles his survival in a concentration camp. The book showed me that purpose often emerges from suffering and that one’s response to pain can give life direction. The book reshaped how I thought about my grandfather’s death: his life had been about perseverance and service, and I wanted to honor him by living with the same outlook.

That realization pushed me toward service. I joined Habitat for Humanity. At first, I volunteered on weekends—hammering nails and painting walls. But the more time I spent there, the more I felt called to do more. Sophomore year, I started a school team, unsure if anyone would join. To my surprise, more than twenty classmates signed up. Together, we raised enough funds to support a local project. Junior year, I recruited nearly 80 students and organized a campaign that brought in over $3,000. What began as a handful of volunteers turned into a movement of classmates determined to make a difference.

Our team was a mix of backgrounds, grade levels, and experiences. Between hammering nails and painting walls, we traded stories and learned about our similarities and differences. I watched friendships form between people who might never have spoken at school. The construction sites became a place where we weren’t defined by social groups or grades, but by our willingness to work for a cause.

The most powerful moment came during a dedication ceremony when a single mother stood before us and thanked us for building the house where she and her children would now live. She spoke about the years she had spent moving from one rental to another, never knowing if her children would have to pack again. As she cried, I realized the work wasn’t just about construction—it was about rebuilding hope. And by helping her, I was also healing myself.

I wanted Grandpa’s values to continue beyond a single organization. So I co-founded a community service club at my school, expanding projects to include food drives, tutoring for younger students, and advocacy around housing insecurity. Our club partnered with a shelter to organize donation drives. I also spent hours after school sorting clothes and canned food. Each project reminded me that leadership is about creating space where others can contribute to a cause.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to see resilience not just as an individual trait but as a collective force. When people stand together, hardships become manageable and grief can become purpose. My peers and I have proven that our generation, when motivated, can bring real change to their communities.

I believe each of us leaves a mark through the lives we touch. My purpose as a student is to inspire peers to face challenges directly and to discover meaning in service.