My Toughest Obstacle Ever by Jerrell

My Toughest Obstacle Ever by Jerrell - December 2017 Scholarship Essay

2017 has been one of the most challenging years of my life, if not the most challenging. This year was full of ups and downs, and one event changed my perspective on life, forever. On January 21st of this year, I participated in a varsity basketball game at my school. I was particularly excited during this game because I was given the opportunity to play on my 17th birthday. My teammates and I were beating opposing team by more than 20 points. It all seemed to be going great. We were playing at home so the crowd was cheering louder than ever, until the game suddenly took a turn for the worst. During a play where I was sprinting up the court past defenders with the ball, I go up for a shot and one player on the opposing team jumped for the ball and fell on top of me. All of his weight was bearing on my left leg. When he rolled off of me, I looked down at my leg and I could see that my foot was dislocated and dangling upside down. I was in shock and disbelief. My birthday plans for that day were canceled and I had to spend a long painful night in the hospital. The accident caused fractured bones and torn ligaments in my ankle which required surgery the following week. After the surgery was performed, I was incapable of walking for three months, and was only able to go to school for half-days over the following two months. These circumstances made it difficult to keep up with my studies, but I never let this injury defeat me. My injury bettered me to become more attentive, more appreciative, and more faithful.

Despite my challenges, I was determined to do my best so that I could finish the year with excellent grades. Throughout the physical therapy appointments, missed classes, and pain that I endured, I managed to finish the year with all A’s and one B. I was also awarded “Most Improved Honors English” student of the year, as I finished with a 90% in the class. My ankle injury taught me never to give up, and not to allow obstacles to hinder my progress. Now I appreciate school and a good education. I study every night, and I strive to be more attentive in class. When I play basketball, football or baseball for my school, I give it my all as if it could be the last time I play it. I now appreciate the time I spend with others more, as during my injury I was mostly alone in bed. I enjoy and cherish the memories I create with my family, classmates, teachers, and teammates. None of this would have been possible without the, or God. During my injury I tried my best to improve my relationship with Him, because He can help me get through any difficult circumstance. I thank God, my family, and my friends for their support which helped me get through the injury and they helped me better myself and my habits.