Rated R: for Ridiculous by Ashley

Rated R: for Ridiculous by Ashley - June 2014 Scholarship Essay

If I was to write a book, I would entitle it “Rated R: for Ridiculous.” According to the online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word ridiculous means “extremely silly or unreasonable.” It is synonymous with words such as absurd, nonsensical, laughable, and preposterous. Often times, we face challenges that require us to make critical decisions. Throughout my life, I have made decisions that others would consider ridiculous. At the age of twenty-two, I retired from the San Francisco Ballet after having dedicated my life to dance since the age of four. I was nearing my fifth season (and pivotal point) in my professional dance career when I decided to gracefully “bow out” for a reason many found difficult to understand. In my memoir, the audience would continue to journey alongside me as I describe the decision I made, the challenges I faced, and the spiritual journey I took as I transitioned into a new career—nursing.

My life is no ordinary life, and I am no ordinary person. I am extraordinary. We all are extraordinary. Often times, we see extraordinary as the media depict it—luxurious, lavish, over-the-top, and unattainable. However, in my opinion, it is being unique, individual, and, most importantly, yourself. Therefore, although my book is a memoir that describes experiences that I have gone through, challenges that I have overcome, and decisions that I have made, the purpose of the book is to inspire the reader to reflect on his or her life and to consider his or her own passions and goals. I challenge the reader to see that following our passions and doing good requires us to make ridiculous decisions. And, more often than not, ridiculous is a good thing.