Cancer is a prevalent disease in my family. I lost my great grandmother to cancer during high school and my dad was terminally ill with cancer during the first two years of me attending high school. Unfortunately, he also lost his battle towards the end of my sophomore year. His illness had a tremendous effect on me because he battled five different types of cancers over the course of 15 years and eventually died from leukemia. I spent most of my time from the eighth grade to the end of my sophomore year caring for my dad because of the severity of his illness. Even though this was sad and overwhelming at times, I am glad that I was as involved in my dad 's care because we were extremely …show more content…
Some people give up when life deals them multiple negative cards, but I only see the path to success. As I prepare for graduation and to start attending college, I strongly believe that all of my life experiences have prepared me for success. I am more mature that the average 17 year old, I have also experienced more personal challenges than most of my friends, but I embrace these experiences. I have the drive, motivation, and tenacity to be successful. I view my experiences during high school not as challenges, but as life