Catharine Hanna
John B. Connally High School
Class of 2007
For many high school students, the decision of whether or not to go to college is probably the most important decision of their lives. However, for many others, the choice of where to go to college is equally as significant. Personally, college has always been in my future. Since a little girl, I have been writing, editing, and re-editing my list of “colleges to apply to.” As of today, I can honestly that I am extremely pleased with my finalized list, and I am very happy that the process of applying to colleges is over – starting in late August, I shall commence classes at the university I feel is absolutely perfect for me: Cornell.
When I first chose to add this college to my list, I considered it my “reach” school. I did not truly believe I would be accepted, and I even considered not applying at all. Though, due to the events that occurred during the summer of 2006, I decided to apply anyway and merely await the conclusion.
During that summer, I attended Leadership Camp. Not only where my physical skills tested, but my mental stability and capabilities were also put to the test as well. During camp, we had to put our trust in the hands of others, come together as a group to get numerous tasks accomplished, cooperate with one another to achieve goals, and overcome our fears to perform the unthinkable. We had to help each other get through a rigorous rope course, we had to unite as one in order to get a measly little golf ball to the opposite end of a soccer field, and we had to break down our personal barriers so that we could accomplish that which we never before believed we could ourselves do.
The final task was, by far, the most nerve wracking. We were to climb on 50 foot high rope courses with only one rope attached to our harnesses. The most popular rope course was a climb of about sixty feet up one wooden pole. Once at the top, a golden ring was placed just out of reach in front of the pole. Thus, the idea was to jump off the pole and grab the ring in mid air. The climb was a rigorous one. With each step, my nerves increased. I did not once think about turning back. All I thought about was taking the next step; I could achieve my goal one step at a time. Standing up on the top of the pole proved to be the hardest task, but once that was accomplished; all I had to do was jump out and grab the golden ring.
Climbing that one rope course has led my way of life ever since. Every time I come across a hard task, I merely proceed through the task step by step. Occasionally I will fall or trip, as everyone does, but I know that I can only succeed if I stand back up and proceed onward. Because of accomplishing that which I never thought I could actually do, I made my final decision to apply to Cornell University. I am very delighted that I did apply (as come August, I will officially be a student there), and I know that had I not, I would forever wonder what the outcome would have been. Every night I go to sleep looking at my most precious treasure, the treasure that reminds me of tomorrow’s new day, a chance for new adventure, a chance to accomplish new achievements, a chance to eliminate the fear of failure, a chance to jump out and reach for my goal – my golden ring.
Of course, I admit I am a bit apprehensive about leaving Austin, as this city is the only home I have known during my lifetime. Thought, Ithaca seems like an amazing city and I know in my heart that when I finally move into my down, I will be perfectly fine. Part of growing up is experiencing new things and making that transfer from relying on one’s parents to becoming self-sufficient and independent. Not only that, but Cornell is one of the most prominent schools in the nation and I know I will get a wonderful and fulfilling education there. Thus, no matter where I go after college, I can be a part of the strong labor force that helps our world and community grow each day. When I come back to Austin, whether to live or just to visit, I can help make a difference by giving back to the community and by just being there to provide what I learned through my experiences in college.
I plan to major in civil engineering. Therefore, specific to my major, I can help cities and communities expand through planning and construction of bridges, roads, and other structures needed for survival. Austin is among the fastest growing cities in the nation.
New York will definitely be a different scene than that of Austin, Texas, but I do believe I am very skilled at adapting to my surroundings. I am a bit saddened to leave the people I have grown up with from elementary school to high school, but I know that they will go on to better things, and so will I. Nevertheless, I will still see most of them during winter break and over the summer as many are attending the University of Texas at Austin come fall.
I am extremely excited to depart and begin my experience as an adult in college, and as my days at Connally High School end, I shall be more eager to begin the next chapter of my lie. As Winston Churchill once said, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”