Narrative Essay On Pancreatic Cancer

Thank goodness for me. I cured cancer…Pancreatic cancer. I was leading the Defenders of Wildlife in Canada to combat the recent decline in the black furred mink population. I traveled to upper Ontario to obtain samples of the native Phragmites australis, an invasive reed I thought might be threatening the mink’s aquatic food sources. There, a mink nipped my left pinkie and I contracted a puzzling pancreatic infection. Back in the U.S., I dedicated my recovery time to research. Was there a link between my infection and the saliva of the mink that bit me? Indeed! The saliva of the black coated mink contains the enzyme that pancreatic cancer patients lack.

This ludicrous fib is an overt misrepresentation of my accomplishments. It would take only …show more content…
I had never encountered such a profoundly contrasting ideology. Until that evening, I would have concealed my opinion to appease a friend, but how would protecting myself from conflict advance my growing definition of integrity? Sure, a verbal lie is dishonest, but I had never considered the deceit of not speaking my mind to those with whom I disagreed. Having a friend who challenges my viewpoint furthers my quest for truth. I can now profess my convictions more confidently because Martina questions me. That realization marked a step in my transition to adulthood. My anecdote about cancer makes me cringe, but the suppression of my beliefs is equally agonizing.

I have learned that integrity means so much more than what I say; it also includes what I don’t say. I have become a strong communicator and I do not let opposition silence my voice. Surrounding myself with contrasting views has enabled me to discover and express my own principles. I have not cured cancer and I have not traveled to Canada to solve the world's environmental problems, but my openness to all angles of truth makes this and so much more possible. Hopefully, however, my plans won’t get cut short by a mink