every class together since eighth grade. Nitin and I both love to shop and eat. What is different about shopping with Nitin, however, is that we argue about the necessity of a high sales tax or discuss the effectiveness of the acting welfare system. Yogita and I always go to the library together and “ pull all nighters” at her house. While I do enjoy accomplishing my academic goals and working with this highly motivated group of friends, I also enjoy “ the losers, ” who to me seem much more sincere and loyal. In retrospect, I wouldn’t change my ninth grade experience, because I learned many of life’ s important lessons from my friends and the ignorance of teachers and administrators. It’ s sad to say, but in many of my friends’ dangerous actions, I saw what I never wanted to become. In the future, I’ d like to continue helping adolescents, in addition to my studies. I have been fortunate thus far in being able to reach out to them through programs like C.H.A.N.G.E. For my efforts, I have been recognized and was honored to receive the 1998 Operation Pride Youth Award for my dedication to helping other kids live a substance free lifestyle. My familiarity with teenagers from all walks of life greatly enhances my ability to both identify with and influence others. I will be a successful adult in the future because I am willing to work with everyone and to give everyone a chance. Hopefully, I will also have the chance to change other kids’ lives for the better. ...
