2008
Parents' Weekend Essay Contest
Winning Essay
by Rebekah Ostosh, class of 2012
Floating warmly next to my mom in her endless sea of covers, I stared at her ceiling and asked her, "why is your chandelier not in the middle?" I remember this morning, it was early and we had just moved into our new house, my brothers were not yet awake, and it was just me and my mom tucked away on the shore of a lazy Sunday morning. "Well my dear", she began, "life isn't always centered and certainly not perfect."
Although I laughed at her for answering my silly question so seriously, I sat there for moments after wondering to my little self what she meant. At this point I had never really struggled with anything, what problems was I going to have? It was hard to understand and relate to. But if anyone knows what it is like to struggle with life, it is my mom. Through a disastrous divorce, raising four children on her own while working two jobs, going to school for her masters at the same time, and battling cancer; my mom has had her fair share of hardships.
My mom alerted her four children that there would be many battles in life, she prepared us extensively and made it known to us that some are meant to be won and others not, but either way you find the strength within yourself and your family to fight the fight and give it your all.
Through life's unpredictable moments, I have learned first hand not to take anything for granted. Life itself is sacred, and how you play it out and overcome the challenges is a great reflection of the person you are. My mom has taught me to find balance and strength deep within myself, and to be independent and confident when undertaking life's unpredictable strides. I struggled through high school trying to find balance between academics, caring for my family, extracurricular activities, athletics and work. I now understand how terribly "off-center" life can be, but at the same time am able to accept what life gives me. Her encouragement and knowing how strong she has been through it all has influenced me to do the same. She encouraged me, even when she was weak in her hospital bed, to succeed by making the fight and putting the effort forward whether it was towards academics or being emotionally strong for my family.
Upon transitioning here at Hope College, I am aware that many things will be thrown my way, and I feel confident and prepared to overcome those challenges. I know that the challenges that I will face here will only make me stronger as a student and as a person. I am eager to have these new experiences and eager to achieve them. Thanks to my wise mother, I know to expect everything other than perfection, and am able to live each day knowing that I am a strong woman and can handle life's obstacles no matter how "off centered" they are.
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