It is rare that one can pinpoint the exact moment in which their life
changed. This moment was mine I had just turned 21 years old, and I was
participating in my very first half-marathon To some, this may be just another
athletic event Something they trained and worked hard for. but it is not always
life altering For me. it was more of a representation for my life. I quickly realized
that this would take a lot of independence, confidence, dedication, and courage,
all of which I had demonstrated in other aspects of my life.
Courage is the one thing you need to begin trying new things and
achieving new goals. By far the most courageous thing I have ever done is
leaving Canada and moving to Thailand on my own to become an English
teacher Before this, I had never moved out of my house or even been abroad. I
am writing this essay from Phitsanulok, Thailand I have always dreamed about
helping people who really need it. Although being an English teacher is new to
me, it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I go home each day
knowing that I have made a difference in someone's life, which is really all I could
ever hope for. I am the teacher here, but it is me who is learning the most. I have
learned how one person can truly make an impact. It took a lot of courage to get
me here, but I have never been more proud of an achievement.
Independence is also a large part of who I am. I was only fourteen years
old when I started my first job. At this young age, my parents had taught me the
invaluable lesson that I would have to work for the things I want in life. The job
was as a dishwasher. I knew right away that washing dishes was not my favorite
pastime. However, I am extremely glad I never gave up on that job. At the age of
twenty-four, I am still an employee at the same restaurant that hired me over 9
years ago. Putting in hard work over the years allowed me to move up to all other
positions at this restaurant, which has allowed me to put myself through
university with no assistance. Independence is something I learned early. When
the race begins, mile 1, you look around and see no one but yourself and your
independence.
Around the 7-mile marker, I was completely exhausted. I have never
considered myself to be an athlete. All of a sudden, the thoughts of insecurity
came rushing in. What am I doing here?" "Why am I doing this?" "I can't do
this!!" I would often find myself second-guessing every move. My first year of
university was one of the hardest years of my life. Instead of attending the
university where all of my classmates and friends were going, I chose something
completely different. The school I chose wasn't even in the same country! Driving
myself across the border to a brand new city, where I knew absolutely no one,