College essays that made a difference - Princeton Review 2010

Joann Rebecca Gage
The applicants

JoAnn was on the varsity basketball team and volunteered as a middle school basketball and softball coach for four years. She was also a tour guide at her school and a member of the Cum Laude Society.

Stats

SAT: 1440 (700 Critical Reading, 740 Math)

ACT: 31

High School GPA: 3.98

High School: Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School, Bloom-field Hills, MI

Hometown: Dearborn, MI

Gender: Female

Race: Caucasian

Applied To

Bryn Mawr College (early decision)

Essay

Common Application: Describe a meaningful experience that contributed to your personal growth.

Early in my sophomore year, during a basketball game, I injured my right knee. I later found out that I tore my acl; one of the most devastating injuries for a basketball player. I was faced with two options: undergoing reconstructive surgery and months of physical therapy, or forego surgery and accept the end of my basketball career. Since I had already played for six years, and because I was not going to quit without trying to recover, I elected to have the surgery. I was extremely upset and nervous, but I saw this challenge as a test of my commitment and determination.

The surgery seemed like a success, three weeks later I was far ahead of the recovery schedule. Then, without warning, the patellar tendon in my left knee tore. Now I needed a second, more invasive, surgery that was not optional. In seconds I saw my recovery time go from four months to complete uncertainty. The second surgery forced me to wear a knee immobilizing brace and use crutches for over four months. My entire summer from May to September was spent on crutches.

I was always very independent, but I felt like I had entirely lost control in my life. Everything I did was dictated by my crutches and therapy schedules. At therapy I made many friends with the other patients, but during my year and a half recovery, I saw so many people come and go, yet it seemed like I never made any progress. I was completely frustrated. My situation seemed hopeless, and I was desperate to see any sign of healing.

During my recovery I felt so alone and isolated. I ached for anyone to talk with who could understand what I was going through. However, no one could help. I constantly felt confused and angry. Everything was so painful that I was scared that I might never be able to play basketball again, but I still believed that I could comeback, even if it was years away. Most of my recovery I felt that it was me against the world; it was a constant uphill battle with no end in sight. Everyday was more of the same feelings of frustration, helplessness, and desperation. I cried and wished that it would all go away, but it remained.

Now, nearly two years later, I am playing basketball again. I achieved my goal. When I look back on everything I went through I am truly proud of myself. I know that I can overcome any obstacle. I have learned so much about myself, I know that I have the determination and endurance to successfully defeat the most insurmountable challenges. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it has strengthened me like nothing else could. Honestly, it has all been worth it, and I do not regret anything. If asked again, I would absolutely make the same decision.

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