College Entrance Essay..TISSUES NEEDED!!!

[CecesMommy210]

, do paper, plastic, no, Cookie Monster?  Pretty please?"  This is a common request from my sister, who eyes the computer while I am trying to do my homework and decides that she wants to go on Sesamestreet.org.  As a little sister, she is able to take my heart into her hands, convincing me that a break is needed from homework anyway, and that we should spend a little time together.  In the few years that we have known each other, she has had a significant influence on my life, and I would never be able to live without her.  She has taught me many life lessons in this short time, the most valuable of which is to enjoy and appreciate childhood while I have the chance.  Before she was born on February 10, 2006, I believed that I would be ready to go to college when the time came, and the feeling of being homesick would last only a short while.  Now, I cannot bear to deal with the thought of leaving my baby sister, yet it is something that I have to do.  My little sister, Cienna Renee, is my best friend in the entire world, and the influence that she has on me will last for the rest of our lives.

            Childhood is the period of time that spans from the day that one is born until the day that his or her parent's, willingly or not, ship them off to college.  As I reflect now on the years before my sister's birth, I realize that I let my childhood slip through my hands like grains of sands, and treated it as if it would last forever.  It is not that I did not appreciate all of the opportunities that were presented to me during childhood, but I only felt as if it did not last as long as it should have.  After I started high school, I saw that I only had a few years left to spend in my childhood, before having to take on the responsibilities of having an adult life.  The day that my other younger sister and I were told that we would have a new baby brother or sister coming was one of the best days of my life, because I would get to live my childhood once again through my new sibling.  Gaining a new brother or sister would also mean that I would gain a new friend, and, as a bonus, I would have the opportunity to play with baby toys and watch Sesame Street without being made fun of.  Over the last two and a half years, I have therefore had the chance to reminisce on my own childhood while playing a role in making my sister's childhood one to be remembered. 

            The first time that I saw my baby sister in the hospital, the two of us formed an unbreakable bond, one that could not be broken in even the worst of circumstances.  At that moment when I rocked her and looked into her tiny, precious face, I knew that we would be destined to be best friends.  From the day that she came home, she and I have always been special buddies, and I have a relationship like no one else has with her.  My other sister, Brianna, could easily prove this point, as she frowns in dismay when the baby refuses to play with her and wants me to come along instead.  With an ever-increasing load of homework, Cienna and I spend less time together now then when she was a new baby and I was a freshman, but her little face does not judge me as I sadly walk away from our playtime session.  The reason why our relationship is so strong is that she does not judge me based on my flaws alone, and I can talk to her at times when I am not comfortable with talking to anyone else.  When I come to sit by her during these times, she senses that I am sad, and puts her arms out to give me a hug.  At the same time I care for her, whenever she needs a diaper change, to be fed, or just a friend to play with.  I also help her learn new things everyday, which has really paid off.  She now knows all of her colors, the alphabet, how to count to twenty, and she speaks in sentences.  Watch out, because fifteen years into the future, it will be time for her to apply to college!  Even college will not break this bond, as neither of us are willing to let go of each other just yet, and I will be close enough to come back home if she needs me.

            When I embark on my journey to college next fall, two very important people in my life will be there to help Cienna and I adjust to the painful separation.  These two people are my mom and my sister, Brianna.  My mom has been behind me for all of my life, and will continue to be proud and supportive as I move into a new period of my life.  She and I share a special bond, since I was her first child, and we have the longest history together out of her three children.  Brianna, on the other hand, is always there to tell me the truth when I am in need of hearing it, and is also there with a shoulder to cry on.  She, in a way, could be my opposite, since she does not want to follow my shadow, and is destined to make her own path in life that is separate from anyone else's expectations.  There is no doubt in my mind that my mom, Brianna, and the baby shaped me into the person that I am today, and I dedicate all of my successes to them.

            The date at which I begin my college life is rapidly approaching as senior year flies by.  Before my baby sister was born, I believed that I would be able to leave for college and leave most of my homesickness at home.  Now that she is here, I will miss her more and more everyday, and the relationship that we have has influenced me to apply to schools that are close to home.  Academically, I am more than ready to start my post-secondary education, but emotionally, time will tell how I will fare being away from my sister from such long periods of time.  I know that my mom and sister will be there to support both my baby sister and me when the last day of my childhood comes to an end, but the only people that can fully understand my relationship are her and I.  So, as I embark on this new journey called college, I will remember three things: I will never forget the time that my baby sister and I were able to spend together and how she grabbed hold of my heart the moment we met; to never take life for granted, and to live every moment like it is the last one; and to never take Cookie Monster shopping with me, because he will eat all of my groceries.  I love you Cienna Renee, who I am lucky enough to call both my baby sister and my best friend, and thank you for all that you have done.

           

[cntrygrl213]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 10:40 AM

OMG...that is sooo beautiful...she is so much wiser than her 17 or so years...she has an understanding of how quickly life passes us by and of NOT taking her childhood for granted...i wish i'd had such wisdom at her age... i do now, at 36, but not at 17! she is awesome and so very well spoken....thank u for sharing w/us all!!!~cindy

[adri1275]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 11:06 AM

That is such a beautiful essay.  I wish the best for your oldest and the rest of your family.

[Abzters24]

Oct. 2, 2008 at 4:26 PM

Sounds to me like you have raised one great young lady that holds lots and lots of love in her heart. Great Job!