We are all Different by Michelle

We are all Different by Michelle - March 2021 Scholarship Essay

Growing up I never imagined becoming a nurse. I never pictured myself doing anything. I hated my life as a teenager. I struggled with severe anxiety and depression due to sexual harassment issues in school. My life took a complete turn once I created an astonishing friendship with my cousin, Lukasz. I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him.

Lukasz is a self less, happy and ambitious human being who suffers severe cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. Unfortunately, he cannot do many tasks on his own and is dependent on family members.

One day, my aunt was unable to take care of my cousin and asked me to help him with his activities of daily living. I was furious, I had other plans I needed to take care of.

I went over to my family members house and greeted Lukasz and sat down on the couch next to him. He was watching the TV show Friends while I sat and stared off into the distance. We sat in silence. My eyes began to shed tears, I was fed up with life. I could feel Lukasz staring. Lukasz placed his constricted hand onto my shoulder and slowly said "You being here with me, means the world to me." I looked at him and his crooked smile lit up the entire room. He proceeded to explain, "I am incapable of doing many things but when I see you I see everything you're capable of, I am proud of you, Misiu." It felt as if in that moment, the wind blew out the dead, dried flowers within me that prevented me from thriving. The sunlight took over and began to grow strong and powerful flowers.

I am beyond grateful my plans changed that day.

Lukasz is my hero, my role model, my everything. I owe it all to him. By owing it to him, I am becoming a mental health nurse. I want to give people a reason to find their purpose in this world. No matter how different they are.