Looking for Me free essay sample

Comparing yourself to others is not only extremely unhealthy, it is hindering to self progression. Until recently, this is something I have struggled with. Growing up, I could see I was different, not only physically, but mentally as well. No one seemed to understand or relate to me. I had plenty of friends that I genuinely liked and got along with; nevertheless, I did not feel a true connection with anyone. I had no one to let my guard down with and just talk candidly for hours about nothing and everything. Feeling this way, often times made me isolate myself and naturally, that led to observing and comparing. Constantly striving to change yourself is exhausting. In some cases, change is good and necessary. However, when nothing is particularly wrong, change is not needed and essentially, all it did was make it more difficult for me to find myself. I had noticed that certain qualities were idolized or sought after. We will write a custom essay sample on Looking for Me or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I had spent so much time and effort altering my appearance, actions, and emotions to imitate said qualities, I lost who I was. In fact, I do not think I even knew who that was. That was the problem. In that instant, I knew I had to change. My progress is something I am truly proud of. Upon entering high school, a time when children feel especially judged and insecure, I did everything in my power not to fall into that entrapment. I had been feeling that way most of my life and I was done. Initially, I could not seem to shake old habits of comparing and putting myself down for not measuring up, but I did not stop trying. That perseverance is what ultimately got me to where I am today. I focused on building new relationships and creating genuine connections with people. This was a great foundation to help me feel more secure and involved. In time, I began to stop comparing myself to others and started gearing my attention toward the person who needed it the most, me. As I grow older, I hope to grow as a person and I believe I can do so at Penn State. While visiting Penn State, I get this overwhelming feeling of welcome. It feels like home: comforting and inviting. Everyone has so much pride in the school and in each other. There is such a large foundation of Penn State alumni who still support one another years after they graduate. This is especially enticing to me because I still have not truly found that sense of belonging but I know I am well on my way; Penn State can and will grant me that. I am unsure of what it is exactly I plan to do with the rest of my life, but considering there are hundreds of reputable majors offered at Penn State, I am certain I will find one that is right for me.

Scarlet Letter Chapter 8 Essay Example

Scarlet Letter Chapter 8 Essay Example Scarlet Letter Chapter 8 Paper Scarlet Letter Chapter 8 Paper Essay Topic: The Scarlet Letter Jeremiah Young Period-2nd 11/6/12 Chapter 8 At the beginning of chapter 8, Hawthorne brings back the main characters from the first scaffold scene; Hester, Pearl, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth; as well as representatives of the Church and the State. Also, that underneath the surface action, Hawthorne offers several strong hints concerning the difficult relationships of his characters. In Hesters pleading to Dimmesdale for help, in Pearls solemnly caressing his hand, and in the ministers kiss give you solid hints that Dimmesdale is Pearls father. Hester calls on her inner strength in her attempt to keep Pearl. She argues that the scarlet letter is a badge of shame to teach pearl a lesson and help her benefit from Hesters sin. However, Pearls refusal to answer the question causes the decision of the Church and the State to go against her. Now Hesters only appeal is to Dimmesdale, the man whose reputation she could crush. Pearl once again reveals her wild and passionate nature. In saying that her mother plucked her from the wild roses that grew by the prison door, she goes against both the Church and State. While such an answer seems intelligent for a small child, the reader must remember that Hawthorne uses character symbolism to present meaning. Pearls action brings back Hesters audacity on the scaffold when she refuses to name the father of her child. The dual nature of Pearls existence as both happiness and torture is restated in Hesters plea, and this point is taken up by Dimmesdale. The ministers weakened condition and his obvious nervousness suggest how terribly he has been suffering with his latent guilt. Nevertheless, Dimmesdale adds to Hesters plea when he states that Pearl is a child of its fathers guilt and its mothers shame but still she has come from the hand of God. As such, she should be considered a blessing. The minister argues that Pearl will keep Hester from the powers of evil. And so she is allowed to keep her daughter. Those powers of evil can be seen in both the strange conversation with Mistress Hibbins and also in the change in Chillingworth. As if to prove that Hester will be kept from evil by Pearl, Hawthorne adds the scene with Mistress Hibbins. While Mr. Wilson says of Pearl, that little baggage has witchcraft in her, Hester says she would willingly have gone with the Black Man except for Pearl. These evil powers are also suggested by the fourth main character, Chillingworth. The change noted by Hester in Chillingworths physical appearance, now more ugly and dark and misshapen, is a hint that in Chillingworths desire for revenge, evil is winning the battle within him and is reflected in his outward appearance. That Chillingworth is Dimmesdales personal physician and supposedly his friend gives him the opportunity to apply psychological pressure on the minister. Chillingworths comment on Dimmesdales strange earnestness and his statement that he could make a shrewd guess at the father suggest that he may already have decided on Dimmesdales guilt.