Following Tegan Morcott’s feature regarding the struggle seniors are facing with the Common App essay, The Forest Scout will be publishing a successful example essay from an LFHS alumni each day this week. 

This first example comes from Ms. Catherine Mory (’15). Catherine attends Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Her essay centers around her relationship with her brother, Jack Mory, a young man with special needs, and her involvement with the Scout Buddies Physical Education class. 

“Right here, right now.  Let go of anything that makes you an introvert. Keep an open mind and remember you are here for them, to help them.”  Naturally, young people tend to get nervous when asked to spend time helping disabled peers. Maybe it is a lack of exposure; maybe they do not think they have the patience. Being in contact with disabled peers nearly every day of my life has assured me that I would be well prepared to do a simple gym class with some of the handicapped students that go to our high school. Not to mention, having a brother with Downs Syndrome ceded any feelings of worry and gave me an advantage amongst the other neutral students—a natural sort of leadership in a group that was already chosen as leaders. Completely misguided by what I had been exposed to, I spent the class period unsure if I was capable of positively affecting these kids’ lives. I walked into the auditorium naïve, unknowing of how severe some disabilities can be.

Cassie has a hard time simply saying “hello” when she walks into class. She reminds me of someone who is trapped in their body and has so much to say, but cannot get it out. She completely comprehends what is happening, which, at times, is hard to believe. There was a time where she overheard a few girls say, “Cassie can’t do anything, she is so stupid.” Right as they left the room, Cassie was in the corner with alligator tears streaming down her face.

Stubborn Clayton –afraid of talking in front of the class, will put his hand in his ears so he cannot hear any question being asked to him—communicates through inscription.  He has perfect O’s, slanted lines as Y’s, and always crossed T’s and dotted I’s; a true perfectionist.

Playful Dottie has a circus going on in her head. I catch her mid-conversation looking away and reciting an old memory. She has a hard time focusing on the “now.” Although she struggles with Autism, she has the best memory I know.  On the second day of class we all introduced ourselves with our name and birthday.  She later approached me saying “Catherine Mory, December 3^rd.” An incredible attention to detail.

Having a sibling with Down syndrome is more than just the complication of an extra chromosome. It entails the occasional tantrum in the mall trying not to notice the judgmental people staring and pointing at the struggling disabled boy; having a new friend over and explaining the differences that they cannot understand. Often, I find myself staying home from a party to watch him play a rigorous game of Mario Cart on the Wii.  As I have grown up, being only one year older than my brother Jack, I have never understood and developed as close of a relationship with anyone—no best friends, no boyfriend, not even my parents—like I have with him. I have become a second parent to this misunderstood boy and have learned to accommodate his troubles, but dually see the love and beauty he radiates to anyone who encounters him.  Throughout the years, watching him struggle pronouncing his name transforming into his own perfect inscription of “Jack”, I have noticed the improvements and successes he has made through hard work and practice. In aspects of life such as handwriting, but more importantly in the areas of independence and behavior; he has become a wonderful young man and a tremendously caring little brother. He works just as hard, if not harder than anyone I know.

Bestowing time and commitment to these kids, I realized that this was exactly where I needed to be in my life. Needing to help them grow into independence. Some people think when people do integrated wellness, or even say hi or have a simple conversation with a disabled peer, that they deserve a pat on the back. Or better yet, entry into the school of their choice. For me, though, it is a natural way of life.

Stay tuned for more Common App essay examples posted every day this week at 9:00 PM.