My Little Inspiration: College Admission Essay Sample

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K… As I enter the house, I hear the sweet melody of this song being sung in the playroom by a vivacious voice that can do nothing but bring a smile to my face. I tiptoe as quietly as I possibly can towards the entrance of the room and peek around the frame. Sitting on the floor is the most precious child I have ever laid my eyes on. Although his back is toward me, he somehow senses a visitor in the room and turns around to look at me with those beautifully almond-shaped eyes that define him. I call out, “Hi Booger Bear! What are you doing?!” He smiles and stumbles to his feet before saying, “Hi Katie,” in his stilted speech. I envelop him in a hug and wonder how I got so lucky as to have him in my life. This little boy is John Archer Fulenwider, and he has been blessed with God’s eternal innocence called Down’s Syndrome. He has changed my life in more ways than ever could be imagined and I will forever hold him near and dear to my heart.

I began babysitting Archer when he was just two years old. Having never dealt with a special-needs child before, I was more than a little scared of this first venture and that radiated unsure expectations. Questions like: what if he did not like me? Was there a certain way I need to deal with him? How would he react when his mother leaves? All of these questions danced through my head upon our first meeting. However, all my fears were washed away the moment I laid eyes on his beautiful smile that can only be described as pure childish innocence. I came to realize that although Archer differs from other children his age, his differences radiate an essence of beauty. He is less demanding than his peers, unless of course, I don’t read him his books. Then he tends to get a bit testy! He also doesn’t cry like other children. He simply says, or demonstrates, what he wants and waits as patiently as a three-year-old can until he receives it.

Patience is one of the many lessons I have learned from him. Although this is not a hard concept, it seems to be more and more difficult for people as we age. Archer has not only taught me that lesson, but he has also taught me so much about myself. He has helped me to be a more caring individual and to take a different outlook on life. Through this outlook, he has shown me that life doesn’t always have to be black and white. There is always a gray area that sometimes we, as humans, lose sight of that. I was one of these people. It took a three-year-old boy to remind me about the most important things in life.

Although most people consider Archer in conjunction with a disability, I look at him more as having a blessing from God. Our Father loved Archer so much that he wanted to create him in such a special way so as whenever Archer encountered someone, he touched his or her heart. I was no exception. Archer may not be old enough at his four years of age to fully comprehend the extent of his disabilities; but even if he does recognize it, he is not letting it stop him. His blessing is just one more characteristic that makes him who he is. Already he knows what he wants, and he will do everything he can to reach his goal. Archer’s perseverance is something I deeply admire. He never gives up, and I strive to follow in his footsteps. He has also taught me to be a better person in many aspects of my life. I feel that if every person in this world had the same mentality as Archer that our society would be a better place. Since when is striving to be the best a bad thing? Archer has helped me realize that with a little effort, it can all be accomplished.

I can honestly say that I have learned from this little boy in more ways than one. The world is constantly telling us yes, but we don’t take advantage of it. Archer, on the other hand, is constantly being told no, yet he doesn’t let it get him down. He perseveres. If he doesn’t achieve success on the first try, there is always a second and a third. I find his persistence to be an extremely admirable quality. As I continue to watch Archer grow, I notice that he is not letting, nor do I believe will he ever let, his Down’s Syndrome define him. He chooses to define Down’s Syndrome. He is saying that he will continue to overcome any and all obstacles that come his way. Because of him, I tell myself each and every day that no obstacle is too great nor challenge too difficult to overcome. If it takes learning from a very special four year old, then I welcome the change. Archer has impacted my life in so many ways, and he has made me a better person because of it.

I thank God every day for bringing John Archer Fulenwider into my life and allowing him to teach me some of life’s hardest lessons through the eyes of a child. He is the most caring, sincere, and absolutely wonderful child that would find joy and excitement out of doing something as simple as singing childish songs on his playroom floor. Archer has taught me so much about myself that no one, not even myself, could uncover. Sometimes, having a blessing in disguise is just what it takes. Although I’m not sure where life will take either of us, I do know that he will continue to be one of the strongest people I know and will forever be my special Booger Bear. I cannot thank him enough for impacting my life in such a positive way.