What Would I Teach? by Eric

What Would I Teach? by Eric - October 2016 Scholarship Essay

You can see the excitement burning in my eyes and the look of elation rise on my face as I packed my suitcase. That Sunday morning, the sun gleaming on my window, fading away the darkness that bestowed upon my room as I pushed the blinds to the side. The pavement past the stairs sizzling like burning coal on an open flame, I walked down the stairs glaring at the car that I was about to enter with no regrets through my careless, 8 year-old mind. With my uncle in the driver seat and myself in the back seat with my seatbelt already on, I forget to say my goodbyes to my family as we drive off. The smell of burning rubber and cool ocean breeze smacks my face furiously as the windows of the SUV drop down on the highway. Our trip to Ohio was going to be exciting, having the ability to meet and spend time with my long awaited cousins. Facing my own fears of nervousness, I arrived to the beloved home of the family of five. Palms sweaty, knees weak, feeling light-headed, I begin to confidently move towards the door and rang the doorbell. As the door slowly opened, a bitter breeze nips my lips. Rug beneath my feet, marble floor ahead, standing is a family I was never use to. Everyone looked and dressed formal, as if there was going to be a wedding in the next hour. Embarrassment rushing through my body, realizing my outfit was far from what they had on. As they all introduced themselves, my only response, "Hi I'm Eric."
Over the course of this two month so-called vacation, there was always this sense of freedom being pried open from my shaking limbs. Sweeping the floors, cleaning the table, washing the clothes, that's only a glimpse of all that I've observed. Amusement was a thing of the past whenever I woke up. I can see drops of enthusiasm just drip from my face every time I wash it. Missing New York every second I was in Ohio, realizing I hated this. I had taken my life style for granted all this time, with all the freedom I had back at home. Constantly asking my uncle, "When can we go back to New York?" "It's too early to go back," mutters my uncle as he goes back to watching television. No one ever left the house to hang out with anyone, go to the movies, go out and eat dinner. Everyone stayed home doing the same thing constantly every day. The day I had gotten home, I opened the car door, I took a deep breath. I could smell a sweet aroma of freedom, as if a spell has been broken, like I finally had all the opportunities to take in this world. I wasn't the same person ever since that trip, taking nothing for granted and appreciating the little things like being able to go out and have fun with friends. To this day, I still feel this way, taking any beneficial chances I can take.