Dinner for Two by Brittany

Dinner for Two by Brittany - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I had the chance to have dinner with any U.S. President, it would be Theodore Roosevelt. At a young age, he suffered with “violent attacks of bronchial asthma” (Rudolph Marx, healthguidance.org). Growing up I have also had many asthma attacks to the point of hospital stays for multiple days. Roosevelt dealt with this illness for many years, and I would be interested to ask him how he made it through the rough nights. I believe we would have a lot in common in that aspect of life.
Roosevelt’s parents were very supportive and did everything they could to help with their sons asthma. In 1869, they traveled abroad trying to see if a change in weather would help his health. My parents and I have discovered that warmer weather helps my asthma, and the winters are always harsh. After traveling, they came to the conclusion that the climate did not effect his health; however, Roosevelt got the experience of visiting different countries through their trip. Another thing we have in common is a passion for traveling. I believe if I were given the chance to have dinner with Theodore Roosevelt, we would have plenty to talk about because we have many things in common.
All of his life, Roosevelt faced trials and tribulations, yet he always came out happy. He grew up in New York City with a wealthy family, but his family always suffered with health issues. In 1884, both his mother and first wife died on the same day. His next two years were spent in sorrow, but after he had enough time to himself, he ran for President. After being shot, Theodore Roosevelt gave this statement, “No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way.” (Theodore Roosevelt, whitehouse.gov). This quote shows that Roosevelt never let anything take away his happiness. After all, he gave this very statement right after he was shot and almost died.
Theodore Roosevelt is my favorite president and I have so many questions I would ask him if I had the chance. He is inspirational because he overcame many hurdles that were placed in front of him and still came out happy. Roosevelt was a person who never let anything keep him down for too long. I would have loved to ask him how he was able to accomplish that because I struggle with that every day. I would have dinner with Theodore Roosevelt and ask him a thousand questions if I was given the opportunity.

Resources:
U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, history.state.gov/departmenthistory/travels/president/roosevelt-theodore.
“The Health Of The President: Theodore Roosevelt.” HealthGuidance.org, www.healthguidance.org/entry/8931/1/The-Health-Of-The-President-Theodore-Roosevelt.html.
“Theodore Roosevelt.” The White House, The United States Government, 8 Mar. 2017, www.whitehouse.gov/1600/presidents/theodoreroosevelt.
“Time Line Guide to the U.S. Presidents.” Scholastic, www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/ teaching-content/timeline-guide-us-presidents/.