Everyone Has Something by Max

Maxof Alpharetta's entry into Varsity Tutor's September 2015 scholarship contest

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Max of Alpharetta, GA
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Everyone Has Something by Max - September 2015 Scholarship Essay

When I was born I had a cleft lip and palate. I had my first surgery at 2 days (the cleft was a secondary condition, I was born with a much more serious condition called Duodenal Atresia, which means my entire digestive system did not work due to a block in my intestine). My first cleft surgery was at 5 weeks. I have had many more surgeries since then, and am still not done. I will have both jaws broken for jaw advancement surgery next year. From the time I was able to understand, my mom explained what my facial deformity was. I was always aware that I had a difference. My lip was fat on one side and thin on the other. My teeth were crooked and my nose was not perfect. My mother made me aware of this, and told me something that was very important – that everyone had something, and that no one was perfect. I took that very seriously and decided to excel at everything I could, and to be the best person I could be. I am a straight A honor student. I am a good athlete and am good at all sports. I played baseball for my entire life, and recently switched to golf. I am on the varsity golf team at my high school and try my hardest to be excellent. I am also a really good volunteer. I volunteer my time at Amy’s Party, which is an event for over 800 homeless children in Atlanta. It is often the only Christmas these kids get, and I have been volunteering there for five years. I serve meals to homeless couples that live at a shelter. I have been doing this with my parents for many years. I spearheaded a drive for toiletries at my school after Hurricane Katrina. I try to be a really great friend and help others. I also try to be a good son and help my parents by working every weekend at a golf course. I strive for excellence on a daily basis.

Now, as I am 17 and a senior in high school, I realize the importance of what my mother told me. I have friends who have learning disabilities. I have friends who have Autism. I have friends who are short and have had to take medicine to grow taller. My mother was right. No one is perfect. I have never let my difference get in the way of achieving greatness. It has made me a better student, by giving me the motivation to do well at everything I do. Even if I fail at something, I never give up. Last year I made it to the State level competition of Deka, a marketing club that I am in, and I did not win. I was still proud of myself because I do not like public speaking, and my teacher practically made me do it because she knew I could do it, and I did. Even though I was outside my comfort zone, I had the confidence to speak in front of hundreds of people, and do a good job.

In summary, my life lessons outside of school have taught me to be a better student. My facial difference has given me confidence to succeed in life, and I will take those experiences, such as working with those less fortunate, and realize what a great life I have, and use that to motivate me to do well in school and achieve my life goals.

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