Assessment: 4 I think that the design of my OR card is simple and not cluttered giving it a more "professional" look. The graphics that I chose were effective and really gives insight on the overall book. My conflict and solution was straight to the point and the quote I chose shows what the main theme of the book is.
USC’s speaker series "What Matters to Me and Why" asks faculty and staff to reflect on their values, beliefs, and motivations. Presenters talk about choices they have made, difficulties encountered, and commitments solidified. Write an essay about an event or experience that helped you learn what is important to you and why it is important.
A Close Call
Another day drifts by and yet it seems like every day is the same old routine. I sit there on my desk trying to keep my heavy eyelids from closing itself. Sadly, the chair has already taken in my form from our multiple encounters. It was still early, the clock beside me read 8pm but I could already feel a rush of exhaustion overwhelm me. My red eyes are slowly drooping down to the words that looked like another form of alien language. Two science test, a math exam, and an english essay was due the next day and I can’t fall asleep knowing what needs to be done.
This is how it is at least every week and the stress that comes with it is like a never ending flu that I have caught. After a long day from school, lectures, work, dance, acting in videos, and meetings for various clubs, I still have come home to a load of homework and a messy house. As I continue to study, I can hear the stairs creek. My mom comes downstairs all dressed up and ready for her second job. I can see her reflection on the computer screen staring at me with a disappointed look on her face. I wasn’t in the mood to get into another argument, so I continued on with my work. I already know in the back of my mind, that she is going to tell me to clean up the house because it’s a wreck. Of course, that’s exactly what happened. To my utter dismay, I sigh and slowly rise from the seat that has turned into a memory foam pillow. I straighten up the house with a grumpy expression on my face and as always, she nags me about my attitude. We get into that argument that I was trying to avoid and we both ended our night on a bad note. She storms out of the house and I continue straightening up. I glanced back at the clock to see it display 10pm which makes me even wearier. I slowly drag my feet to the computer and finish studying.
It was now 1am and I can barely keep my eyes open. The paper in front of my face became a blur and I began to doze off. Only thirty minutes passed by when my nap was disturbed by an unknown phone call. It was my uncle. I can hear grief in his voice as he told me that my mom was in the hospital. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. As I continue listening, I can feel my heart sinking. Tears rimmed my eyes and for a split second I couldn’t breathe. I started to imagine not having my mom around anymore, which made me cry even harder. The last time I saw her, there was so much hatred. She is the person who has been there for me through everything, the one who raised me, and the reason why I even exist. My uncle promised he would call me back as soon as he knows more about the situation. I paced around the room for an hour or so until uncle called again. This time he had great news, because my mom was going to be okay. I was so relieved to hear that I was still going to have her in my life.
I understand that my mom has to work two jobs to support me and my two little sisters. She is a woman that has put up with so many things and has been through so much. I have everything that she never had and she tries her best to put a roof over our head. The most I can do is help out. My mom will always be in the back of my head and one of these days, I will repay her for everything she has done for me. We don’t come from a rich family and have the privileges that some most families have. I was raised with not much and that’s why I work so hard. But when it comes down to it, family is all you’ve got. They are the ones that are going to be there for you through thick or thin, rich or poor, and dumb or smart. I am not saying that nothing else is important but I have come to a point in life where I know that everything else doesn’t matter compared to your family. I will always be committed to my education and strive for the best so one day I can support my family.
