My College Essay

Growing up in Chinatown in New York City has had a great impact on my life.  The environment that I have had to overcome and the people that I have encountered has taught me a lot and made me the person I am today. As a kid growing up I have seen people getting beat up by gangsters and people getting mugged.  It has always been a fear of mine to get into trouble
with one.  I have been faced with the obstacle of joining gangs and doing drugs as I have seen many of my friends get seduced into doing.  My father was really into Chinese culture as a kid.  He had learned Kung-Fu and the Lion Dance most of his life.  As a kid I would watch him every Chinese New Year.  I have always aspired to be as popular as he is and gain the respect
that he has.  Two years ago my dads best friend Douglas, help started a Martial Arts school.  I was very anxious to join and train hard.  I enjoy learning martial arts and the Lion Dance till this day.  Almost a year ago, one of my masters past away.  He was a big influence when I started to learn. Although I showed much enthusiasm at first, I was not very good at the Lion
Dance.  No matter how bad I looked he always tried his best to help me.  As I continued to learn, he watched me improve every time I practiced.  When I was at a point where I was greatly admired by other members of my school he was
the one that had confidence in me.  He was my strength through the begining, the middle and hopefully the end.  When he passed away, I had great saddness within my soul.  I would remember all the times when he would teach me more
moves and I would try my best.  He always had a big smile on his face. Although we never spoke much, I felt that we had a special bond between us. He gives me strength till this day.