A Life-Changing Decision: The Most Mind-Blowing College Application Essay
One applicant's journey through unimaginable adversity to a remarkable decision to forgive is a story that will inspire and move college admissions officers everywhere. This essay captures the essence of resilience, personal growth, and the power of forgiveness.
From Afghanistan to the U.S.: A Tale of Survival
The applicant's story began when he was just six years old. Tragically, a Taliban attack on his village in Afghanistan left him lying on the ground with 50 bullet wounds, presumed dead by both his community and himself. Miraculously, a neighbor saved his life by bringing him to the Red Cross. However, the journey to recovery was just beginning.
Separated from his parents, the boy was reunited with his family in Iran but faced a new challenge. As a street rat, he learned to speak multiple languages, including Farsi, Urdu, and English. The education continued when his family emigrated to the United States, where he underwent over 20 surgeries on his legs and adjusted to life with a pronounced limp.
A Call to Justice: Forgiveness amid Trauma
The turning point in his life occurred when the boy, now a teenager, received an unexpected phone call. A police officer in Afghanistan had located a Taliban soldier who had been involved in the attack on his village. The soldier, having been convicted of war crimes, was now facing a critical decision: the victim's pardon.
The boy, facing a lifetime of suffering, was given a choice. He could send the soldier to prison for a long time or even release him if he forgave the crime. The soldier pleaded for forgiveness, expressing remorse and talking about his family. The boy, overwhelmed with emotions, made an impulsive decision: to let the soldier go.
A Journey to Healing
The impact of this decision on the boy's life cannot be overstated. Despite the uncertainty of the soldier's sincerity, the act of forgiveness marked the beginning of his path to healing. This moment allowed him to begin contemplating his future rather than being consumed by his past. As a high school senior, he was writing his college application essays, reflecting on this journey and the lessons learned.
A Legacy of Service
Today, this former street rat, now a young man, aspires to use his education to help others. His intention is to return to Afghanistan to aid his people, especially those traumatized by brutality. This student's story is not just a tale of survival; it is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Both the applicant's personal resilience and the choice to forgive present a compelling narrative that speaks to the essence of personal growth and ethical conduct. Ultimately, the essay demonstrates a deep understanding of life's challenges and the importance of compassion in the face of adversity.