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8 Overcoming Challenges College Essay Examples

The purpose of the Overcoming Challenges essay is for schools to see how you might handle the difficulties of college. They want to know how you grow, evolve, and learn when you face adversity. For this topic, there are many clichés , such as getting a bad grade or losing a sports game, so be sure to steer clear of those and focus on a topic that’s unique to you. (See our full guide on the Overcoming Challenges Essay for more tips).

These overcoming challenges essay examples were all written by real students. Read through them to get a sense of what makes a strong essay. At the end, we’ll present the revision process for the first essay and share some resources for improving your essay.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Essay 1: Becoming a Coach

“Advanced females ages 13 to 14 please proceed to staging with your coaches at this time.” Skittering around the room, eyes wide and pleading, I frantically explained my situation to nearby coaches. The seconds ticked away in my head; every polite refusal increased my desperation.

Despair weighed me down. I sank to my knees as a stream of competitors, coaches, and officials flowed around me. My dojang had no coach, and the tournament rules prohibited me from competing without one.

Although I wanted to remain strong, doubts began to cloud my mind. I could not help wondering: what was the point of perfecting my skills if I would never even compete? The other members of my team, who had found coaches minutes earlier, attempted to comfort me, but I barely heard their words. They couldn’t understand my despair at being left on the outside, and I never wanted them to understand.

Since my first lesson 12 years ago, the members of my dojang have become family. I have watched them grow up, finding my own happiness in theirs. Together, we have honed our kicks, blocks, and strikes. We have pushed one another to aim higher and become better martial artists. Although my dojang had searched for a reliable coach for years, we had not found one. When we attended competitions in the past, my teammates and I had always gotten lucky and found a sympathetic coach. Now, I knew this practice was unsustainable. It would devastate me to see the other members of my dojang in my situation, unable to compete and losing hope as a result. My dojang needed a coach, and I decided it was up to me to find one.

I first approached the adults in the dojang – both instructors and members’ parents. However, these attempts only reacquainted me with polite refusals. Everyone I asked told me they couldn’t devote multiple weekends per year to competitions. I soon realized that I would have become the coach myself.

At first, the inner workings of tournaments were a mystery to me. To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side. I learned everything from motivational strategies to technical, behind-the-scenes components of Taekwondo competitions. Though I emerged with new knowledge and confidence in my capabilities, others did not share this faith.

Parents threw me disbelieving looks when they learned that their children’s coach was only a child herself. My self-confidence was my armor, deflecting their surly glances. Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

Despite the attack, I refused to give up. When I saw the shining eyes of the youngest students preparing for their first competition, I knew I couldn’t let them down. To quit would be to set them up to be barred from competing like I was. The knowledge that I could solve my dojang’s longtime problem motivated me to overcome my apprehension.

Now that my dojang flourishes at competitions, the attacks on me have weakened, but not ended. I may never win the approval of every parent; at times, I am still tormented by doubts, but I find solace in the fact that members of my dojang now only worry about competing to the best of their abilities.

Now, as I arrive at a tournament with my students, I close my eyes and remember the past. I visualize the frantic search for a coach and the chaos amongst my teammates as we competed with one another to find coaches before the staging calls for our respective divisions. I open my eyes to the exact opposite scene. Lacking a coach hurt my ability to compete, but I am proud to know that no member of my dojang will have to face that problem again.

This essay begins with an in-the-moment narrative that really illustrates the chaos of looking for a coach last-minute. We feel the writer’s emotions, particularly their dejectedness, at not being able to compete.

Through this essay, we can see how gutsy and determined the student is in deciding to become a coach themselves. The writer shows us these characteristics through their actions, rather than explicitly telling us: To prepare myself for success as a coach, I spent the next year as an official and took coaching classes on the side.

One area of improvement of this essay would be the “attack” wording. The author likely uses this word as a metaphor for martial arts, but it feels too strong to describe the adults’ doubt of the student’s abilities as a coach, and can even be confusing at first.

Still, we see the student’s resilience as they are able to move past the disbelieving looks to help their team. The essay is kept real and vulnerable, however, as the writer admits having doubts: Every armor is penetrable, however, and as the relentless barrage of doubts pounded my resilience, it began to wear down. I grew unsure of my own abilities.

The essay comes full circle as the author recalls the frantic situations in seeking out a coach, but this is no longer a concern for them and their team. Overall, this essay is extremely effective in painting this student as mature, bold, and compassionate.

Essay 2: Starting a Fire

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the garb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

This essay is an excellent example because the writer turns an everyday challenge—starting a fire—into an exploration of her identity. The writer was once “a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes,” but has since traded her love of the outdoors for a love of music, writing, and reading. 

The story begins in media res , or in the middle of the action, allowing readers to feel as if we’re there with the writer. One of the essay’s biggest strengths is its use of imagery. We can easily visualize the writer’s childhood and the present day. For instance, she states that she “rubbed and rubbed [the twigs] until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers.”

The writing has an extremely literary quality, particularly with its wordplay. The writer reappropriates words and meanings, and even appeals to the senses: “My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame.” She later uses a parallelism to cleverly juxtapose her changed interests: “instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano.”

One of the essay’s main areas of improvement is its overemphasis on the “story” and lack of emphasis on the reflection. The second to last paragraph about changing perspective is crucial to the essay, as it ties the anecdote to larger lessons in the writer’s life. She states that she hasn’t changed, but has only shifted perspective. Yet, we don’t get a good sense of where this realization comes from and how it impacts her life going forward. 

The end of the essay offers a satisfying return to the fire imagery, and highlights the writer’s passion—the one thing that has remained constant in her life.

Essay 3: Last-Minute Switch

The morning of the Model United Nation conference, I walked into Committee feeling confident about my research. We were simulating the Nuremberg Trials – a series of post-World War II proceedings for war crimes – and my portfolio was of the Soviet Judge Major General Iona Nikitchenko. Until that day, the infamous Nazi regime had only been a chapter in my history textbook; however, the conference’s unveiling of each defendant’s crimes brought those horrors to life. The previous night, I had organized my research, proofread my position paper and gone over Judge Nikitchenko’s pertinent statements. I aimed to find the perfect balance between his stance and my own.

As I walked into committee anticipating a battle of wits, my director abruptly called out to me. “I’m afraid we’ve received a late confirmation from another delegate who will be representing Judge Nikitchenko. You, on the other hand, are now the defense attorney, Otto Stahmer.” Everyone around me buzzed around the room in excitement, coordinating with their allies and developing strategies against their enemies, oblivious to the bomb that had just dropped on me. I felt frozen in my tracks, and it seemed that only rage against the careless delegate who had confirmed her presence so late could pull me out of my trance. After having spent a month painstakingly crafting my verdicts and gathering evidence against the Nazis, I now needed to reverse my stance only three hours before the first session.

Gradually, anger gave way to utter panic. My research was fundamental to my performance, and without it, I knew I could add little to the Trials. But confident in my ability, my director optimistically recommended constructing an impromptu defense. Nervously, I began my research anew. Despite feeling hopeless, as I read through the prosecution’s arguments, I uncovered substantial loopholes. I noticed a lack of conclusive evidence against the defendants and certain inconsistencies in testimonies. My discovery energized me, inspiring me to revisit the historical overview in my conference “Background Guide” and to search the web for other relevant articles. Some Nazi prisoners had been treated as “guilty” before their court dates. While I had brushed this information under the carpet while developing my position as a judge, i t now became the focus of my defense. I began scratching out a new argument, centered on the premise that the allied countries had violated the fundamental rule that, a defendant was “not guilty” until proven otherwise.

At the end of the three hours, I felt better prepared. The first session began, and with bravado, I raised my placard to speak. Microphone in hand, I turned to face my audience. “Greetings delegates. I, Otto Stahmer would like to…….” I suddenly blanked. Utter dread permeated my body as I tried to recall my thoughts in vain. “Defence Attorney, Stahmer we’ll come back to you,” my Committee Director broke the silence as I tottered back to my seat, flushed with embarrassment. Despite my shame, I was undeterred. I needed to vindicate my director’s faith in me. I pulled out my notes, refocused, and began outlining my arguments in a more clear and direct manner. Thereafter, I spoke articulately, confidently putting forth my points. I was overjoyed when Secretariat members congratulated me on my fine performance.

Going into the conference, I believed that preparation was the key to success. I wouldn’t say I disagree with that statement now, but I believe adaptability is equally important. My ability to problem-solve in the face of an unforeseen challenge proved advantageous in the art of diplomacy. Not only did this experience transform me into a confident and eloquent delegate at that conference, but it also helped me become a more flexible and creative thinker in a variety of other capacities. Now that I know I can adapt under pressure, I look forward to engaging in activities that will push me to be even quicker on my feet.

This essay is an excellent example because it focuses on a unique challenge and is highly engaging. The writer details their experience reversing their stance in a Model UN trial with only a few hours notice, after having researched and prepared to argue the opposite perspective for a month. 

Their essay is written in media res , or in the middle of the action, allowing readers to feel as if we’re there with the writer. The student openly shares their internal thoughts with us — we feel their anger and panic upon the reversal of roles. We empathize with their emotions of “utter dread” and embarrassment when they’re unable to speak. 

From the essay, we learn that the student believes in thorough preparation, but can also adapt to unforeseen obstacles. They’re able to rise to the challenge and put together an impromptu argument, think critically under pressure, and recover after their initial inability to speak. 

Essay 4: Music as a Coping Mechanism

CW: This essay mentions self-harm.

Sobbing uncontrollably, I parked around the corner from my best friend’s house. As I sat in the driver’s seat, I whispered the most earnest prayer I had ever offered.

Minutes before, I had driven to Colin’s house to pick up a prop for our upcoming spring musical. When I got there, his older brother, Tom, came to the door and informed me that no one else was home. “No,” I corrected, “Colin is here. He’s got a migraine.” Tom shook his head and gently told me where Colin actually was: the psychiatric unit of the local hospital. I felt a weight on my chest as I connected the dots; the terrifying picture rocked my safe little world. Tom’s words blurred as he explained Colin’s self-harm, but all I could think of was whether I could have stopped him. Those cuts on his arms had never been accidents. Colin had lied, very convincingly, many times. How could I have ignored the signs in front of me? Somehow, I managed to ask Tom whether I could see him, but he told me that visiting hours for non-family members were over for the day. I would have to move on with my afternoon.

Once my tears had subsided a little, I drove to the theater, trying to pull myself together and warm up to sing. How would I rehearse? I couldn’t sing three notes without bursting into tears. “I can’t do this,” I thought. But then I realized that the question wasn’t whether I could do it. I knew Colin would want me to push through, and something deep inside told me that music was the best way for me to process my grief. I needed to sing.

I practiced the lyrics throughout my whole drive. The first few times, I broke down in sobs. By the time I reached the theater, however, the music had calmed me. While Colin would never be far from my mind, I had to focus on the task ahead: recording vocals and then producing the video trailer that would be shown to my high school classmates. I fought to channel my worry into my recording. If my voice shook during the particularly heartfelt moments, it only added emotion and depth to my performance. I felt Colin’s absence next to me, but even before I listened to that first take, I knew it was a keeper.

With one of my hurdles behind me, I steeled myself again and prepared for the musical’s trailer. In a floor-length black cape and purple dress, I swept regally down the steps to my director, who waited outside. Under a gloomy sky that threatened to turn stormy, I boldly strode across the street, tossed a dainty yellow bouquet, and flashed confident grins at all those staring. My grief lurched inside, but I felt powerful. Despite my sadness, I could still make art.

To my own surprise, I successfully took back the day. I had felt pain, but I had not let it drown me – making music was a productive way to express my feelings than worrying. Since then, I have been learning to take better care of myself in difficult situations. That day before rehearsal, I found myself in the most troubling circumstances of my life thus far, but they did not sink me because I refused to sink. When my aunt developed cancer several months later, I knew that resolution would not come quickly, but that I could rely on music to cope with the agony, even when it would be easier to fall apart. Thankfully, Colin recovered from his injuries and was home within days. The next week, we stood together on stage at our show’s opening night. As our eyes met and our voices joined in song, I knew that music would always be our greatest mechanism for transforming pain into strength.

This essay is well-written, as we can feel the writer’s emotions through the thoughts they share, and visualize the night of the performance through their rich descriptions. Their varied sentence length also makes the essay more engaging.

That said, this essay is not a great example because of the framing of the topic. The writer can come off as insensitive since they make their friend’s struggle about themself and their emotions (and this is only worsened by the mention of their aunt’s cancer and how it was tough on them ). The essay would’ve been stronger if it focused on their guilt of not recognizing their friend’s struggles and spanned a longer period of time to demonstrate gradual relationship building and reflection. Still, this would’ve been difficult to do well.

In general, you should try to choose a challenge that is undeniably your own, and you should get at least one or two people to read your essay to give you candid feedback.

Essay 5: Dedicating a Track

“Getting beat is one thing – it’s part of competing – but I want no part in losing.” Coach Rob Stark’s motto never fails to remind me of his encouragement on early-morning bus rides to track meets around the state. I’ve always appreciated the phrase, but an experience last June helped me understand its more profound, universal meaning.

Stark, as we affectionately call him, has coached track at my high school for 25 years. His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running. When I learned a neighboring high school had dedicated their track to a longtime coach, I felt that Stark deserved similar honors.

Our school district’s board of education indicated they would only dedicate our track to Stark if I could demonstrate that he was extraordinary. I took charge and mobilized my teammates to distribute petitions, reach out to alumni, and compile statistics on the many team and individual champions Stark had coached over the years. We received astounding support, collecting almost 3,000 signatures and pages of endorsements from across the community. With help from my teammates, I presented this evidence to the board.

They didn’t bite. 

Most members argued that dedicating the track was a low priority. Knowing that we had to act quickly to convince them of its importance, I called a team meeting where we drafted a rebuttal for the next board meeting. To my surprise, they chose me to deliver it. I was far from the best public speaker in the group, and I felt nervous about going before the unsympathetic board again. However, at that second meeting, I discovered that I enjoy articulating and arguing for something that I’m passionate about.

Public speaking resembles a cross country race. Walking to the starting line, you have to trust your training and quell your last minute doubts. When the gun fires, you can’t think too hard about anything; your performance has to be instinctual, natural, even relaxed. At the next board meeting, the podium was my starting line. As I walked up to it, familiar butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Instead of the track stretching out in front of me, I faced the vast audience of teachers, board members, and my teammates. I felt my adrenaline build, and reassured myself: I’ve put in the work, my argument is powerful and sound. As the board president told me to introduce myself, I heard, “runners set” in the back of my mind. She finished speaking, and Bang! The brief silence was the gunshot for me to begin. 

The next few minutes blurred together, but when the dust settled, I knew from the board members’ expressions and the audience’s thunderous approval that I had run quite a race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough; the board voted down our proposal. I was disappointed, but proud of myself, my team, and our collaboration off the track. We stood up for a cause we believed in, and I overcame my worries about being a leader. Although I discovered that changing the status quo through an elected body can be a painstakingly difficult process and requires perseverance, I learned that I enjoy the challenges this effort offers. Last month, one of the school board members joked that I had become a “regular” – I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Just as Stark taught me, I worked passionately to achieve my goal. I may have been beaten when I appealed to the board, but I certainly didn’t lose, and that would have made Stark proud.

While the writer didn’t succeed in getting the track dedicated to Coach Stark, their essay is certainly successful in showing their willingness to push themselves and take initiative.

The essay opens with a quote from Coach Stark that later comes full circle at the end of the essay. We learn about Stark’s impact and the motivation for trying to get the track dedicated to him.

One of the biggest areas of improvement in the intro, however, is how the essay tells us Stark’s impact rather than showing us: His care, dedication, and emphasis on developing good character has left an enduring impact on me and hundreds of other students. Not only did he help me discover my talent and love for running, but he also taught me the importance of commitment and discipline and to approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The writer could’ve helped us feel a stronger emotional connection to Stark if they had included examples of Stark’s qualities, rather than explicitly stating them. For example, they could’ve written something like: Stark was the kind of person who would give you gas money if you told him your parents couldn’t afford to pick you up from practice. And he actually did that—several times. At track meets, alumni regularly would come talk to him and tell him how he’d changed their lives. Before Stark, I was ambivalent about running and was on the JV team, but his encouragement motivated me to run longer and harder and eventually make varsity. Because of him, I approach every endeavor with the passion and intensity that I bring to running.

The essay goes on to explain how the writer overcame their apprehension of public speaking, and likens the process of submitting an appeal to the school board to running a race. This metaphor makes the writing more engaging and allows us to feel the student’s emotions.

While the student didn’t ultimately succeed in getting the track dedicated, we learn about their resilience and initiative: I now often show up to meetings to advocate for a variety of causes, including better environmental practices in cafeterias and safer equipment for athletes.

Overall, this essay is well-done. It demonstrates growth despite failing to meet a goal, which is a unique essay structure. The running metaphor and full-circle intro/ending also elevate the writing in this essay.

Essay 6: Body Image

CW: This essay mentions eating disorders.

I press the “discover” button on my Instagram app, hoping to find enticing pictures to satisfy my boredom. Scrolling through, I see funny videos and mouth-watering pictures of food. However, one image stops me immediately. A fit teenage girl with a “perfect body” relaxes in a bikini on a beach. Beneath it, I see a slew of flattering comments. I shake with disapproval over the image’s unrealistic quality. However, part of me still wants to have a body like hers so that others will make similar comments to me.

I would like to resolve a silent issue that harms many teenagers and adults: negative self image and low self-esteem in a world where social media shapes how people view each other. When people see the façades others wear to create an “ideal” image, they can develop poor thought patterns rooted in negative self-talk. The constant comparisons to “perfect” others make people feel small. In this new digital age, it is hard to distinguish authentic from artificial representations.

When I was 11, I developed anorexia nervosa. Though I was already thin, I wanted to be skinny like the models that I saw on the magazine covers on the grocery store stands. Little did I know that those models probably also suffered from disorders, and that photoshop erased their flaws. I preferred being underweight to being healthy. No matter how little I ate or how thin I was, I always thought that I was too fat. I became obsessed with the number on the scale and would try to eat the least that I could without my parents urging me to take more. Fortunately, I stopped engaging in anorexic behaviors before middle school. However, my underlying mental habits did not change. The images that had provoked my disorder in the first place were still a constant presence in my life.

By age 15, I was in recovery from anorexia, but suffered from depression. While I used to only compare myself to models, the growth of social media meant I also compared myself to my friends and acquaintances. I felt left out when I saw my friends’ excitement about lake trips they had taken without me. As I scrolled past endless photos of my flawless, thin classmates with hundreds of likes and affirming comments, I felt my jealousy spiral. I wanted to be admired and loved by other people too. However, I felt that I could never be enough. I began to hate the way that I looked, and felt nothing in my life was good enough. I wanted to be called “perfect” and “body goals,” so I tried to only post at certain times of day to maximize my “likes.” When that didn’t work, I started to feel too anxious to post anything at all.  

Body image insecurities and social media comparisons affect thousands of people – men, women, children, and adults – every day. I am lucky – after a few months of my destructive social media habits, I came across a video that pointed out the illusory nature of social media; many Instagram posts only show off good things while people hide their flaws. I began going to therapy, and recovered from my depression. To address the problem of self-image and social media, we can all focus on what matters on the inside and not what is on the surface. As an effort to become healthy internally, I started a club at my school to promote clean eating and radiating beauty from within. It has helped me grow in my confidence, and today I’m not afraid to show others my struggles by sharing my experience with eating disorders. Someday, I hope to make this club a national organization to help teenagers and adults across the country. I support the idea of body positivity and embracing difference, not “perfection.” After all, how can we be ourselves if we all look the same?

This essay covers the difficult topics of eating disorders and mental health. If you’re thinking about covering similar topics in your essay, we recommend reading our post Should You Talk About Mental Health in College Essays?

The short answer is that, yes, you can talk about mental health, but it can be risky. If you do go that route, it’s important to focus on what you learned from the experience.

We can see that the writer of this essay has been through a lot, and a strength of their essay is their vulnerability, in excerpts such as this: I wanted to be admired and loved by other people too. However, I felt that I could never be enough. I began to hate the way that I looked, and felt nothing in my life was good enough. I wanted to be called “perfect” and “body goals,” so I tried to only post at certain times of day to maximize my “likes.”

The student goes on to share how they recovered from their depression through an eye-opening video and therapy sessions, and they’re now helping others find their self-worth as well. It’s great that this essay looks towards the future and shares the writer’s goals of making their club a national organization; we can see their ambition and compassion.

The main weakness of this essay is that it doesn’t focus enough on their recovery process, which is arguably the most important part. They could’ve told us more about the video they watched or the process of starting their club and the interactions they’ve had with other members.

Still, this essay shows us that this student is honest, self-aware, and caring, which are all qualities admissions officer are looking for.

Essay 7: Health Crisis

Tears streamed down my face and my mind was paralyzed with fear. Sirens blared, but the silent panic in my own head was deafening. I was muted by shock. A few hours earlier, I had anticipated a vacation in Washington, D.C., but unexpectedly, I was rushing to the hospital behind an ambulance carrying my mother. As a fourteen-year-old from a single mother household, without a driver’s license, and seven hours from home, I was distraught over the prospect of losing the only parent I had. My fear turned into action as I made some of the bravest decisions of my life. 

Three blood transfusions later, my mother’s condition was stable, but we were still states away from home, so I coordinated with my mother’s doctors in North Carolina to schedule the emergency operation that would save her life. Throughout her surgery, I anxiously awaited any word from her surgeon, but each time I asked, I was told that there had been another complication or delay. Relying on my faith and positive attitude, I remained optimistic that my mother would survive and that I could embrace new responsibilities.

My mother had been a source of strength for me, and now I would be strong for her through her long recovery ahead. As I started high school, everyone thought the crisis was over, but it had really just started to impact my life. My mother was often fatigued, so I assumed more responsibility, juggling family duties, school, athletics, and work. I made countless trips to the neighborhood pharmacy, cooked dinner, biked to the grocery store, supported my concerned sister, and provided the loving care my mother needed to recover. I didn’t know I was capable of such maturity and resourcefulness until it was called upon. Each day was a stage in my gradual transformation from dependence to relative independence.

Throughout my mother’s health crisis, I matured by learning to put others’ needs before my own. As I worried about my mother’s health, I took nothing for granted, cherished what I had, and used my daily activities as motivation to move forward. I now take ownership over small decisions such as scheduling daily appointments and managing my time but also over major decisions involving my future, including the college admissions process. Although I have become more independent, my mother and I are inseparably close, and the realization that I almost lost her affects me daily. Each morning, I wake up ten minutes early simply to eat breakfast with my mother and spend time with her before our busy days begin. I am aware of how quickly life can change. My mother remains a guiding force in my life, but the feeling of empowerment I discovered within myself is the ultimate form of my independence. Though I thought the summer before my freshman year would be a transition from middle school to high school, it was a transformation from childhood to adulthood.

This essay feels real and tells readers a lot about the writer. To start at the beginning, the intro is 10/10. It has drama, it has emotions, and it has the reader wanting more.

And, when you keep going, you get to learn a lot about a very resilient and mature student. Through sentences like “I made countless trips to the neighborhood pharmacy, cooked dinner, biked to the grocery store, supported my concerned sister, and provided the loving care my mother needed to recover” and “Relying on my faith and positive attitude, I remained optimistic that my mother would survive and that I could embrace new responsibilities,” the reader shows us that they are aware of their resilience and maturity, but are not arrogant about it. It is simply a fact that they have proven through their actions!

This essay makes us want to cheer for the writer, and they certainly seem like someone who would thrive in a more independent college environment.

Essay 8: Turned Tables

“You ruined my life!” After months of quiet anger, my brother finally confronted me. To my shame, I had been appallingly ignorant of his pain.

Despite being twins, Max and I are profoundly different. Having intellectual interests from a young age that, well, interested very few of my peers, I often felt out of step in comparison with my highly-social brother. Everything appeared to come effortlessly for Max and, while we share an extremely tight bond, his frequent time away with friends left me feeling more and more alone as we grew older.

When my parents learned about The Green Academy, we hoped it would be an opportunity for me to find not only an academically challenging environment, but also – perhaps more importantly – a community. This meant transferring the family from Drumfield to Kingston. And while there was concern about Max, we all believed that given his sociable nature, moving would be far less impactful on him than staying put might be on me.

As it turned out, Green Academy was everything I’d hoped for. I was ecstatic to discover a group of students with whom I shared interests and could truly engage. Preoccupied with new friends and a rigorous course load, I failed to notice that the tables had turned. Max, lost in the fray and grappling with how to make connections in his enormous new high school, had become withdrawn and lonely. It took me until Christmas time – and a massive argument – to recognize how difficult the transition had been for my brother, let alone that he blamed me for it.

Through my own journey of searching for academic peers, in addition to coming out as gay when I was 12, I had developed deep empathy for those who had trouble fitting in. It was a pain I knew well and could easily relate to. Yet after Max’s outburst, my first response was to protest that our parents – not I – had chosen to move us here. In my heart, though, I knew that regardless of who had made the decision, we ended up in Kingston for my benefit. I was ashamed that, while I saw myself as genuinely compassionate, I had been oblivious to the heartache of the person closest to me. I could no longer ignore it – and I didn’t want to.

We stayed up half the night talking, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. Max opened up and shared that it wasn’t just about the move. He told me how challenging school had always been for him, due to his dyslexia, and that the ever-present comparison to me had only deepened his pain.

We had been in parallel battles the whole time and, yet, I only saw that Max was in distress once he experienced problems with which I directly identified. I’d long thought Max had it so easy – all because he had friends. The truth was, he didn’t need to experience my personal brand of sorrow in order for me to relate – he had felt plenty of his own.

My failure to recognize Max’s suffering brought home for me the profound universality and diversity of personal struggle; everyone has insecurities, everyone has woes, and everyone – most certainly – has pain. I am acutely grateful for the conversations he and I shared around all of this, because I believe our relationship has been fundamentally strengthened by a deeper understanding of one another. Further, this experience has reinforced the value of constantly striving for deeper sensitivity to the hidden struggles of those around me. I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story.

Here you can find a prime example that you don’t have to have fabulous imagery or flowery prose to write a successful essay. You just have to be clear and say something that matters. This essay is simple and beautiful. It almost feels like having a conversation with a friend and learning that they are an even better person than you already thought they were.

Through this narrative, readers learn a lot about the writer—where they’re from, what their family life is like, what their challenges were as a kid, and even their sexuality. We also learn a lot about their values—notably, the value they place on awareness, improvement, and consideration of others. Though they never explicitly state it (which is great because it is still crystal clear!), this student’s ending of “I won’t make the mistake again of assuming that the surface of someone’s life reflects their underlying story” shows that they are constantly striving for improvement and finding lessons anywhere they can get them in life.

Where to Get Your Overcoming Challenges Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Overcoming Challenges essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story

Questions to Consider:

• How can your academic journey develop skills needed for college success?
• How can your personal story prepare you for applying to college?

Your Academic Journey

Now that you have a better understanding of what college can do for you, it is time to focus on how high school is preparing you for college, or better yet, how you can prepare yourself in high school to become college ready. It is clear that what you do (or don’t do) in high school can affect your ability to get into the colleges of your choice, but there is more to preparing yourself than just earning a high GPA or class rank. Your high school education can provide you with ample opportunity to help you hone your academic skills.

Take Difficult Courses

Any student who is serious about applying to college should consider taking challenging classes while in high school. Why? Because those classes can help lay a foundation of high expectations and hard work and they are often highly regarded by college admissions counselors. These classes are sometimes called Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors/advanced classes. If you are considering taking such courses, talk to your guidance counselor or current teachers. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to get selected (if there is an application process) and give you a realistic picture of what will be expected. There is no need to take all AP, IB, or advanced classes to prove you are ready for college, but taking a few can provide a college admissions committee evidence that you are open to challenge.

Manage Time and Tasks

If there is one skill that you can develop now that will help you throughout your college career, it is the ability to manage your time and complete tasks. If you already use a planner to track what you need to do and when it is due , then you are on the right track. You can enhance these skills by setting reminders for yourself—and not relying on teachers or parents to tell you when to complete or submit an assignment. The most important part of managing your time and tasks effectively is to build in time well before something is due to complete the work and to overestimate (at least initially) how long you need, which can provide time “buffers” that will keep you from rushing through work to finish it.

Learn to Learn

Earlier, you were introduced to the argument that the purpose of college is to become a learner. You don’t have to wait until college, though, to figure out how best to learn different subject matters. This is one reason you should consider taking challenging classes–they require that you put more time and effort in them to learn the material. And those skills will make transitioning to college much easier. How can you “learn to learn”? You may have little control over what you are learning and how you are tested, but you can control how you approach the learning. One way to learn how to learn is to space out your learning over time (as best as you can—sometimes teachers like to give you a pop quiz when you least expect it!). Reviewing a bit of material for a short amount of time over several days (as opposed to cramming it in right before a test) produces better results. Another way to learn how to learn is to monitor how well your learning strategies work. Did you do well on a test? Take some time to reflect on what you did that resulted in a good grade. Did you space out your studying? Did you look for connections in the material? Likewise, if you do poorly on a test, determine what led to the result. The more you can identify what works and doesn’t for you, the easier it is to make improvements in your learning strategies.

Demonstrate Integrity and Ownership of Learning

Being a high school student often means having a lot on your plate. It can be easy to put off homework and studying, not do it at all, or cut corners to complete the work. While you may be able to get away with some stumbles like forgetting to turn in an assignment, other behaviors, such as getting someone (including Artificial Intelligence software) to do your homework or write a paper for you can get you into trouble. Now is the time to build the skills you will need later in college. Taking full responsibility for your learning as well as demonstrating integrity in all assignments no matter how big or small are the foundation of those skills. How do you do this? For one, you acknowledge that every action or inaction will produce a result. If you put in the work to write the paper, you will earn the grade you receive. If you do not put in the work or find a way to shortcut the process by using someone else’s writing, then you have missed an opportunity to improve your writing, your thinking, and your project management skills. Plus, you may get into trouble for academic dishonesty, which could mean failing an assignment or a course, or getting a more substantial punishment, such as expulsion. The stakes only get higher when you are in college.

Keep Test Scores in Perspective

You will learn more about standardized test scores and their purpose for getting into college later in this chapter, but it is worth noting that while what you make on the ACT, SAT, or equivalent standardized test, may factor into your ability to get into and pay for the college of your dreams, it is not necessarily a reflection of who you are and what you are capable of. Definitely do all you can to raise your test scores through practicing, prepping, and doing your best on the day of the test. But do not assume that a low test score will be the end of your long-term goals or educational journey. They are just one piece of information by which an institution may evaluate your potential, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that tells who you are.

Your Personal Story

Just as important as your academic journey is your personal story. You will need to develop and reflect on both for your applications to college and scholarships. Those who read about you will want to know not only about your accomplishments, but also your challenges and how you have overcome them.

What Makes You Unique

It may seem cliché to say “There is only one you!” But there is some truth in the fact that you are unique—there is no one else like you. To that end, you may want to draw upon those unique characteristics as you begin to shape the story that you will share with college admissions staff and scholarship committees. Will you be the first in your family to go to college? Do you live on a working farm and feed the goats, cows, and horses every morning before school? Can you ride a unicycle or juggle or both? There may be both personal characteristics as well as experiences that make you stand out from others, and if there are, consider weaving these details into the tapestry of your story. Start by making a list of your characteristics—no trait is too small or typical at this point. You can eliminate items later when you start building your story, but for now, create the list and add to it as you think of new things that you are or can do.

Getting Gritty

Many college essay prompts include an opportunity to share a time in your life in which you faced adversity and overcame it. For some students, this prompt is difficult for they have either not experienced a life-changing setback or not considered themselves challenged. It is important to remember that any setback or disappointment—no matter how inconsequential it may seem to you—can be the basis for an essay that responds to such a prompt. There is no need to embellish the circumstance if it is truly not harrowing, but it is acceptable to frame the experience as something that was difficult for you. Most readers of essays are less looking for a made-for-Hollywood story and more wanting to see someone who has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and reflection no matter how big or small the adversity is. Even if you are not required to write an essay on a time in your life in which you failed or experienced disappointment, having a story handy for interviews (for scholarships, internships, or jobs) can help you share insight into your personality and strengths in a succinct way.

Finding the Themes of Your Life

In Katharine Brooks’ (2010) book You Majored in What? 3 she shares a writing and reflecting activity called “Wandering Pathways and Butterfly Moments” that guides readers through a series of prompts to develop a list of life experiences for the purpose of discovering what career pathway may be most fruitful for them to pursue. These life experiences could be as monumental as moving to a new state and starting a new school or they can be as mundane as spending the summers fishing. The goal of the exercise is to record what you have done or what has happened to you to get a sense of a “story.” These stories are built upon the connections and themes that you see in the experiences. Here are some of the life experiences Brooks wants you to consider when you are crafting your personal story.

• What have you done during the summer or holiday breaks from school?
• What did you play when you were a young child?
• What are some of your major life experiences (e.g. family events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces)?
• What do people say you do well or have a talent for or seek you out for?
• What do you consider your greatest achievements?
• What jobs have you had?
• What groups have you belonged to?
• What awards have you won?
• What lessons have you learned?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What kind of “secret” talent do you have?

The goal of answering the questions is to capture as much about who you are and how you have been shaped to develop clear connections among the life elements and create themes. These themes can drive your personal story that can share on a deeper level who you are or who you are becoming.

Consider this scenario: Raphael has taken the time to write down his life experiences so he can build his personal narrative. Some of the answers to the questions above include the following:

• Raphael’s jobs: lifeguard, babysitter for his nieces and nephews, tutor, art teacher for elementary students
• Raphael’s hobbies and interests: watching old movies, volunteering at the library, creating original jewelry from natural objects
• Raphael’s awards and accolades: he won a writing contest in 11th grade, his friends come to him for advice, he has earned high grades in all of his classes
• Raphael’s major life events: parents divorced when he was 6 years old, he started a new school in junior high, his aunt passed away when he was 14 years old

From this short list, Raphael can begin to draw out themes that he can use to create a detailed picture of who he is. He has found himself in teaching roles with his jobs. He has a love for the arts as evidenced by his hobbies. He is a good communicator evidenced by his awards and accolades, and relationships are an important part of his life. Raphael can use those themes—and details from his experiences—to craft his story as someone who has demonstrated an interest in connecting with and helping others by sharing his expertise and experience.

Recognizing the themes in your life helps you to describe how you've become the person you are now, and helps you to understand who you will become.

"For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end" —former First Lady Michelle Obama , Becoming (2018)

Analysis Question

In what ways is your academic journey in high school shaping your personal narrative? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become":

• The classes that you are taking
• The activities you participate in as part of school (e.g., sports, performing arts, etc.)
• The learning that you are doing outside of school (e.g., community language class)

In what ways are your personal experiences shaping your story? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become”:

• Major life events
• Favorite activities
• Awards and accomplishments
• Jobs or volunteer work
• 3 Brooks, K.(2010). You majored in what? Plume.

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Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-introduction

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• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Preparing for College Success
• Publication date: Jul 12, 2023
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/preparing-for-college-success/pages/1-2-your-academic-journey-and-personal-story

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Describing a difficult journey

Students write about a challenging journey, using a choice of four images as a prompt, or their own imagination. The images feature escape from oppression, white-water rafting, physical training and a polar expedition. 

There is also a word bank to support students' vocabulary choices.

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Essays About Journeys: Top 5 Examples and 7 Easy Prompts

Essays about journeys require recounting the events of your travel. Discover our guide with examples and prompts to help you write your essay.

No two journeys are the same, and various factors will always be at play. It’s the reason many documents their expedition through different mediums. Writing about journeys is similar to telling a real-life story that influenced your character or perspective. 

Writing essays about journeys helps to develop your writing and observation skills as you recall and pick the highlights of your travel. Sharing your experiences can entice readers to take on a journey themselves. So, aim to inspire with this exciting essay topic.

5 Essay Examples

1. the best journey in my life by suzanne pittman, 2. road trips: everything you need for a comfortable journey by car by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. the first day of my journey to adulthood by anonymous on papersowl.com, 4. life is a journey essay by anonymous on paperwritings.com, 5. long essay on train journey by prasanna, 1. reasons to go on a journey, 2. trip vs. journey, 3. how to enjoy long journeys, 4. my most memorable journey, 5. what makes a journey meaningful, 6. my dream journey, 7. a hero’s journey.

“I had to save a lot of money because I wanted very much to go on this journey with my friends. We planned our trip to take us around Europe. We were going to stop in various parts of Europe with family members and friends.”

The essay mimics Pittman’s travel itinerary during her journey in Europe. She includes all the trip details from the first to the last day and makes the readers feel as if they’re traveling with them. Pittman also offers some travel tips to help anyone who wants to visit Europe on a budget. These tips include staying with friends and relatives and taking comfortable train rides despite long distances.

“With proper planning, everything else seems effortless. You need to consider all factors when planning in order for you to enjoy a successful, stress-free adventure.”

The author believes that the primary purpose of traveling is to relax and have fun. They use the essay to teach how to plan car trips properly. Travelers must learn to budget and estimate expenses, including accommodation, gas, activities, and food. Picking a transportation means is also crucial as one needs to consider factors such as capacity, range, and utility. 

“Although things didn’t go how I planned I’m still in college bettering myself and furthering my education. Anything is possible with a good support system and positive mindset.”

The essay narrates how the author’s journey into adulthood becomes a mini-vacation in Georgia after their top university rejects their enrollment. This rejection offers the opportunity to understand many great life lessons. Despite having five other universities to choose from, the writer realizes they only provide free tuition for the first semester. Ultimately, the author receives a full scholarship to a university closer to home.

“All people have the same journey to take – their life. As well as in the other journeys, there may be some inconveniences, disappointments and joys, and a lot depends on how we plan this particular journey and what attitude we develop towards it.”

In this essay, the writer shares that the best way to go on a life journey is with the most joy and minor damage you can endure. It’s constant work to continuously improve one’s life while developing positive qualities and thinking. But in doing so, you’ll have a solid foundation to achieve what you want out of life. However, the author still reminds the readers that they should always be ready to face unexpected events and deal with them in the best way possible.

“These days, people prefer traveling via airplanes because it is time-saving. But going by plane gets boring and monotonous. Train journeys are a relief from the monotony.”

For Prasanna, whether it’s a short or extended tour, a train journey offers an exciting travel experience. She talks about the local and regional trains in India, which are often overcrowded but still used by many as they are the cheapest, safest, and fastest mode of transport in the country. She also mentions that you’ll never get hungry when riding their local trains because of the vendors who sell Indian delicacies. 

7 Prompts for Essays About Journeys 

Everyone has different motives for traveling. Some go on a journey to appreciate beautiful sceneries, while some move to attend family or work-related gatherings. Some do so to run away from problems. For this prompt, research the common reasons to travel. You can also interview people on why they go on a journey and add any personal experiences. 

It’s a trip when a person travels from one point to another without any transfers. Meanwhile, a journey is a more extended voyage that includes transfers and several trips. Compare and contrast trips and journeys to make your readers understand their similarities and differences. You can also have the advantages and disadvantages of each in your paper.

If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

The idea of having a long journey and discovering new things is exciting. However, the excitement can disappear when you’re far away from home. This is especially true for longer and farther travels. This prompt will help readers have a safer, more affordable, and more enjoyable trip by discussing the best long-distance travel tips. You can present an imaginary itinerary with estimated costs to make the essay more digestible.

Write about an unforgettable journey you’ve had through this prompt. Include the purpose of your travel, how you planned it, and if your timetable was followed. Share what you’ll improve on next time to make your journey even better; you can also talk about your companions and the activities that make the adventure worthwhile.

Journeys become meaningful when they enrich lives. It can be because of the destination, the people you are with, or the travel’s goal. Use this prompt to suggest how journeys improve us as humans. You can section your piece based on an individual’s objectives. For example, someone who wants to recharge and get away from the city will find meaning in going to a location far from technology.

Although traveling can be tiring, 43% of travelers appreciate the experience they gain. Think of journeys you desire to be in and add your reasons. Then, you can share your plan on how to make it happen. For instance, you want to tour Southeast Asia and visit countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. To make this dream journey come true, you’ll save for an entire year and work around a tight budget.

It’s normal to see the main character in a movie or novel go through a character arc before they become a true hero. Use this prompt to explain a hero’s journey and why the character must go through it. To give you an idea, Peter Parker was a shy and introverted kid who lived an everyday life before becoming Spider-Man. This makes him relatable to the audience and lets them understand his decisions in the following scenes.

For more examples, check out our guide to movies that follow the hero’s journey .

You can also talk about real-life heroes, such as doctors and firefighters. Interview someone with that profession and ask them why they decided to have their current career.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Short Essay: As One Journey Ends Another Begins

Three short essay examples on as one journey ends another begins.

Table of Contents

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay Example 1

Life is a journey, and every journey has a beginning and an end. Along the way, we encounter challenges, opportunities, and experiences that shape us into the people we are today. Sometimes, these journeys come to an end, and we find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of what comes next. However, every ending is also a new beginning, and with every new journey, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. In this essay, we will explore the end of one journey and the beginning of another, and how these experiences shape us as individuals.

The end of a significant journey can be a bittersweet experience. On one hand, there is a sense of accomplishment and pride in having completed the journey. On the other hand, there may be a sense of loss, as the journey was a significant part of our lives. Emotions associated with the end of a journey can range from sadness to relief, excitement to anxiety. Reflection on the lessons learned during the journey is also an essential part of the process. Every journey has its ups and downs, and it is during these challenging moments that we learn the most. Reflecting on the lessons learned during the journey can help us to grow and evolve as individuals. It can also help us to appreciate the journey for what it was and to recognize the value it brought to our lives.

Starting a new journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. The purpose of the new journey may be different from the previous one, and this can bring up a range of emotions. Excitement, anticipation, and curiosity are common emotions associated with starting a new journey. At the same time, there may be anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the challenges that lie ahead. Reflection on the potential challenges and opportunities of the new journey is an essential part of the process. Every journey is unique, and there may be challenges that we have not encountered before. However, there may also be opportunities that we have not yet considered. Reflecting on the potential challenges and opportunities of the new journey can help us to prepare for what lies ahead.

Comparing and contrasting the two journeys is an essential part of the process of moving forward. There may be similarities and differences between the two journeys, and it is important to recognize these. Comparison of the lessons learned in the previous journey to those that may be learned in the new journey can help us to identify areas where we need to grow and evolve. Reflection on how the previous journey has prepared for the new journey is also an essential part of the process. Every journey prepares us for the next, and it is important to recognize the skills, knowledge, and experience that we have gained. Reflection can also help us to recognize areas where we may need to seek additional support or resources.

In conclusion, every journey comes to an end, and every ending is a new beginning. The emotions associated with the end of one journey and the beginning of another can be complex, but they are an essential part of the process of growth and evolution.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay Example 2

Life is a journey that is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected surprises. We all go through various journeys in our lives, and each one of them has its own unique experiences and lessons. Sometimes, these journeys come to an end, and we are left with a mix of emotions, ranging from accomplishment to sadness or relief. However, as one journey ends, another begins, and we are presented with new opportunities to grow and learn. In this essay, we will explore the end of a journey, the beginning of a new one, and the reflections on the transition between them.

The end of a journey can be a bittersweet experience. On the one hand, it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and successes that were achieved during the journey. On the other hand, it can be a time of sadness or relief, especially if the journey was challenging or difficult. For instance, graduating from college can be a moment of pride for many students, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and apprehension about the future. Similarly, completing a project at work can be a time of relief, but it can also be a time of sadness if the project was enjoyable and fulfilling. However, regardless of the emotions felt, the end of a journey is always an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the memories made during the journey.

The beginning of a new journey is often a time of excitement and anticipation. It is a chance to start fresh, to explore new opportunities, and to challenge oneself. However, it can also be a time of apprehension towards the unknown. Starting a new job, moving to a new city, or beginning a new relationship can all be overwhelming experiences. Nonetheless, it is important to set goals and aspirations for the new journey. For example, if starting a new job, one might set a goal to learn new skills or to make new connections. If moving to a new city, one might aspire to explore new places or to meet new people. Whatever the new journey may be, it is an opportunity to grow and learn.

Reflections on the transition between journeys can be insightful and thought-provoking. Comparing the old and new journeys can provide a better understanding of how the end of the old journey prepared for the new one. For example, the skills learned during college can be applied to a new job, or the experiences gained from traveling can be used to adapt to a new culture. Moreover, thoughts about the future and what it might bring can be both exciting and daunting. However, it is important to remember that each journey is unique and has its own set of challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, life is a journey that is full of transitions, and as one journey ends, another begins. The end of a journey can be a time of mixed emotions, but it is always an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the memories made. The beginning of a new journey can be exciting, but it can also be intimidating. Nonetheless, it is important to set goals and aspirations for the new journey.

As One Journey Ends Another Begins Essay Example 3

Life is a journey, and every journey has a beginning and an end. The end of one journey often marks the beginning of another, and this transition can be both exciting and daunting. In this essay, we will explore the emotions and thoughts that come with the end of a journey, the anticipation and challenges of starting a new journey, and the lessons learned and reflections that can guide us as we move forward.

The end of a journey can be a bittersweet experience. On one hand, it is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones achieved throughout the journey. On the other hand, it can be a time of sadness and uncertainty as we say goodbye to the familiar and comfortable. Emotions such as joy, relief, and pride may accompany the end of a journey, but so too can feelings of disappointment, regret, and even grief. For example, graduating from college is an exciting accomplishment, but it also means leaving behind the people and places that have become a significant part of one’s life.

The beginning of a new journey is a time of anticipation and excitement. It is a chance to embark on a new adventure, to explore new possibilities, and to challenge oneself in new ways. However, the start of a new journey can also be filled with challenges and uncertainties. For example, starting a new job may bring excitement about the new opportunities, but also anxiety about the unknown expectations and demands. It is important to approach the new journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Every journey has its own lessons to teach us, and the end of one journey can provide valuable insights into how we can approach the next one. Reflecting on the lessons learned and the personal growth achieved during the previous journey can help us to set goals and aspirations for the new journey. For example, if the previous journey taught us the importance of time management and prioritization, we can apply those lessons to the new journey to achieve greater success. Reflections on personal growth and development can also provide a sense of confidence and self-assurance as we embark on the new journey.

In conclusion, the end of a journey can be a time of both celebration and uncertainty, but it also marks the beginning of a new adventure. The anticipation and challenges of starting a new journey can be daunting, but the lessons learned and reflections from the previous journey can guide us towards greater success and personal growth. As we move forward, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with each new journey, and let us continue to learn and grow along the way.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

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10 Words to Describe a Difficult Journey

By Ali Dixon

If you want to present a challenging path a character in your book is taking, illustrate it using the following 10 words to describe a difficult journey.

Challenging or straining ; reaching or surpassing one’s endurance.

“The journey was a long and  trying  one, and by the end of it, they were all relieved to have finally reached their destination.”

“After their  trying  journey there, they took a long, well-earned rest.”

How It Adds Description

If a journey is difficult, then that can require a serious test of endurance.  Describing  the journey as a trying one can emphasize how difficult the journey was. You can use this word with some flexibility as well since a journey could be physically or emotionally trying.

Extending a significant distance or spanning a great length .

“Getting to the other side of the mountains would entail a  long , difficult journey.”

“If they wanted to reach their destination in time, they knew they would have to head out on their  long  journey as soon as possible.”

There are a lot of things that can make a journey difficult, including the length of the journey itself. Putting your character on a long journey can add even more tension to your story and make it more rewarding when your character finally reaches their destination.

Involving or imposing a burden .

“They all knew it would be a tiresome,  onerous  journey, so they made sure that they had packed all the supplies they would need.”

“She thought many times about giving up on her  onerous  journey, but she knew that what waited for her ahead would be worth all the trouble she had gone to.”

Onerous isn’t a word one sees often, so it can stand out to your readers. Seeing it can help to emphasize how much of a burden the adventure that your character is going on is to them.

4. Grueling

Punishing ; difficult to the point of exhaustion.

“After their long,  grueling  journey, they rewarded themselves with a hearty meal and a long, restful sleep.”

“Getting to the other side of the map would without a doubt be a  grueling  task, but it was one that the entire team was up for.”

Want to ensure that your readers know difficult the journey is on your character? Use the word grueling. This word can emphasize that not only is the journey hard, but it feels close to a punishment.

5. Exhausting

Extremely tiring .

“Since they had to plan for such an  exhausting  journey, they spent a long time beforehand making sure that they would have all the supplies they needed.”

“When he started on the road, he had been keen and bright-eyed, but by the end of the  exhausting  and challenging journey, all he wanted to do was rest.”

Something that is exhausting is more than just a little tiring. Calling the journey exhausting will help to describe both the physical state as well as the mental state your character is in when the journey is finally done.

Upward on an incline or hill ; against challenges.

“The  uphill  journey left them feeling nothing but tired by the end of it.”

“She knew that what she would find at the end of the road would be worth it, but the  uphill  climb was going to make things that much more challenging.”

The word uphill can be used literally to describe an inclined terrain your character must go up. You can also use it metaphorically to demonstrate that your character must face other challenges along the way to their destination.

7. Formidable

Causing feelings of apprehension or dread ; impressive of instilling feelings of wonder.

“He had no idea what he would find at the end of his  formidable  journey.”

“As she looked at the map in front of her, she considered what she would have to bring with her on such a  formidable  journey.”

If the journey that one of your characters is going on is quite daunting, then you can describe it as formidable. You can also use it in a slightly more positive sense to show that the journey inspires feelings of awe.

8. Intimidating

Causing a loss of confidence and inspiring feelings of timidity, fear, or anxiety .

“At first it had seemed like an easy adventure, but the more he thought about it, the more  intimidating  it became.”

“The map had seemed  intimidating  at the time, but now that she was well on her way, the road seemed much easier.”

If a journey looks like it’s going to be particularly long or hard, then it’s probably going to be pretty intimidating for the character going on it. This word will help describe the tension your character is experiencing.

Marked by difficult terrain ; challenging to travel through or across; not easy.

“The journey would be a  rough  one, and would require packing several days’ worth of supplies.”

“They would follow the  rough  road all the way to the end.”

The word rough can be used to describe the actual terrain that your characters are traveling across. You can also use it to describe the journey itself, as calling something rough means that it is challenging or not easy.

10. Satisfying

Rewarding ; causing feelings of contentment or pleasure by providing something needed.

“After such a difficult but  satisfying  journey, the team was rewarded with some good food and a few comfortable beds to sleep on.”

“She knew that despite all the challenges, the journey would be  satisfying , especially once she reached the hidden treasure.”

A difficult journey doesn’t have to be entirely negative! When your character finally reaches the end of their road, they’re likely to find a lot of satisfaction. Describing the relief and reward your characters have achieved through this journey will make it feel satisfying to your readers as well.

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A long and difficult journey ahead

(Forgive me, I’m just spilling my brain) Well as some of you know, after struggling with procrastination for almost a year, I stepped up to the plate recently over the past six months, not only finishing my first draft of my novel (part one of a larger story bound to me by an over the top imagination) I have written something near 200k words (Yes, yes, YES, for god sake I know). Which means either A) Cut 100,000 words or Cut/add another 20,000 and split the book into two (which is plenty enough to add further conflict/crisis and resolution, development and so fourth). One thing i have almost learned (As apposed to years ago with my early attempts) is pacing (even though you wouldn’t think so with 200k words so far and in my head, it only feels like the prologue to the main story. Anyway; What does bother me though was the first part of the story was somewhat of an introduction to the main characters (Protagonists) where the reader was to discover that each had their own weakness (Moral) which was to be resolved by books end, or at least truly rooted out and left bare to the wind (Like Alice in wonderland, while on the way to their ultimate destination). The Antagonists only were going to be in the Prologue and Epilogue (Again I know, but it was no info dump trust me) Building it up so a Major crisis could be born in book two (Which was to be predominantly more of the Antagonists side, creating the crisis). So now that I’m going to have to split what I thought was book one into two, its screwing with my brain how to deal with these Protagonists who I really don’t know yet. Which is the point of this. The thing is, even though I consider the first draft the most vital stage of writing (I mean if you don’t write a first draft your story can never exists, right)? It just 99.7% self conscious writing. I mean I know where and what I want, I truly do, but I never put much effort into the whole thing; I just trust my brain with its imagination and let loose. But I never figured that the second d draft would be so daunting. On one hand I have so much to do, I actually have to be conscious of every move I make now and it actually scares me, because deep down I love, hate and enjoy being with what I have created, so every move now effects everything in a million different shades. But on the other hand, I can do whatever I want, I can turn him into her, I can turn her into a dog or that stupid donkey into a Ninja pirate monkey who will save the world etc., which even though I’m scared crapless, I’m more excited then a junkie about to shoot up. Anyway I’ve only written about 10,000 words from the Antagonists side, and lick my lips in anticipation to go back their (I wrote the Prologue and Epilogue first, and the main chunk of the story last) So I have not touched them for over a year (Though I think I know them better then my main characters, who have only just discovered who they are themselves through circumstance). A year ago I wanted my Antagonists to be really awful, careless individuals hell bend in protection what they have and spilling blood to get what they needed, but now I don’t know. I’ve changed as a person over the past year, and I know its not nice but I have discovered I have a lot of hate within me, and I no longer see evil as evil and good as good. I mean its not like what I see change in my life as nothing new to everyone else, its just lovely how the difference between evil and good is only a matter of opinion, and today, as of 2009, what is off opinion anymore? Anyway from now until i finish my second draft and write my second proper book (Book 3) it should take another year to eighteen months and it’ll be somewhat interesting to see if my Good and bad mutate into the same horde, or pass each other by and become their opposites.. At the moment, if I could create something, I would love for my villains to have a romantic evil nature, one that is not of Hollywood illusion, but of true evil, the evil we see every passing day on the television, internet and so forth. I’d like my villains to actually have a soul, an opinion, morals and I hope that as “bad’ as they are, I hope that they can not just “develop” but become something that makes people question themselves and say, “You know what, his a bad arse mother, but I see where his coming from, maybe his not the man I think he is”. I want them to make the wrong decisions that break their loyalty to the dark side even if its for one moment, only to have a loneliness to take over and force them to do what they think is right, yet morally wrong and know it and feel sad for themselves. Indecisiveness’ Yet I would love for my Protagonists to come across decent, doing all the rights one would expect of such, yet somehow corrupt themselves into making wrong reckless decisions, and I don’t want them to know this at all!, I want them to fall into the pits of hell only to realise they walked the wrong path only to discover this when its too late to save themselves. If I can have my “hero’s” fall from grace to never redeem themselves and have my villain see a spark of white light for only one moment yet use that too forever chance the face of the humanity for good, then I myself would be pleased. I have a feeling its going to be a difficult, long journey. But I will attempt it nonelessless.

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Congratz on getting so much writing done. Good luck in your endevore to revise and continue on with your adventure/journey. I hope you can pull off all that you wish. Sometimes those characters won't always co-operate.

Well Done. You remind me of me. In which case accept my deepest sympathies. Making a split isn't easy. Especially when you've seen your characters start out in one guise, then develop into something else entirely at the end. This transformation that you have either subconsciously or actively crafted was always meant to occur through the events that enfold in your one book. To split that book doesn't just break your plot in half. It cleaves your characters in two, leaving them without purpose.They're only half evolved. Off course you can give them a new purpose or a new endpoint to their development, but those events were always only meant to take them so far, and you just know that your story could be so much better if it was left whole. Which is why if I've learnt one thing from all of this, its the fallacy of this one simple statement: "Write what's in your head and edit it later." It's a very bad idea for a first novel if you ever want to see it published. If a 300k tome is in your head, don't write that first, because if you wrote as a complete story, you'll never be able to get 3 complete smaller stories from it. Rather rethink your plan from the very beginning and conjure up a conclusion that occurs at 100k before you start. That way you will have a break-in novel, instead of something that only an established author could make work. Anywayz Speedy, I'm not sure how you wrote your book, so maybe all of this doesn't apply to you. Just as a matter of interest, how are you planning to execute this split?

Congrats on getting to 200k, the most i've ever written is 50k and it was for Nanowrimo I can't say that i fully understand what you're going through but I feel as though i am going through this stage of procrastination at the moment. I haven't written anything of any substance since November. I've also been trying to work on making the reader wonder about the intentions of the antagonist. In fact in my "perfect" fictional work, i would prefer to have readers divided in their loyalty to the protagonist and the antagonist, although im yet to try and figure out if the characters are in agreement with this plan. i've always wanted my antagonists to be fiercely motivated by something we see everyday, something so seemingly normal that it's almost questionable if he's the bad guy. But what spills forth from your brain is very insightful indeed, wonder what stays inside

Joker - You remind me, of me, so it’s all well The thing is my story is long, before I started word up I figured I could space the story into six book (now seven, though still doable in six) And I knew to do that id had to have a decent character development arc going on throughout (with a story of events arc being just as decent), so if I need to split it into two I believe I have the space to be able to bed my characters into nice featherbeds for that part of the journey. They should be nice and comfortable during it (The writer on the other hand has to sleep on stones for a while). Whereas book one was their "self discovery" of who they are (What they REALLY want to know, discover about themselves, the world, morals, values etc) I could easily further add to this in a second book, maybe twist the blade in on one or two and make them thing hang on, by believing in this, what have i know become) When it comes to characters questioning themselves its easy to develop that with unlimited choice. I would just have to consciously add it though. The hard bit is to add events, cause I’m going to have too. Which when i think a little on it, i think its not going to be TOO hard. I mean it feels a little like Alice in Wonderland so far, and I’m sure a lot more (Well not a LOT) be placed into the story to mould whatever I want. That said if its another book, it has to have another different crisis and resolution. (Though so far I have a lot of **** happening, which actually is a lot more than the books I have read recently, so maybe its not as bad as I think). Oh, in terms of books and publishing, i agree with you 100%. I have learnt enough to know and not tell anyone about this book (Agents and the likes). If I ever wanted THIS story published id go write a complete one off and one of the side quest I have in it (Easily Shadowfall). Which could stand well on it’s own. Than if (00.0001%) I got lucky I would write or hope to write half a dozen stand alone books before even talking to my editor/agent and stuff. I would neve risk harming my oversized "baby" How am i going to execute the split? good question. I have three months before I look at the first draft. But I think It’ll be a massive amount of edits first, probably like 1) Edit fix what stands out as poor/bad, possibly fixable (Normal edit) 2) Take out what is complete fodder (If its fodder to me, what’s it to a reader other than disgusting) 3) Insert new material (If there is flow issues and something I like) So far I have no idea where id make the split, though I’m feeling I’ll strengthen the story around the ¾ mark and put in some other growth/development point via some momentum of crisis (And then just strength the ending to cope with the added material. Maybe I’ll go build a house in the meantime and learn about building proper structures Sorry for the randomness of this, like everything I just type what I think. Rather than think too much and type!

Thanks Soujiroseta (Darn Nanowrimo seem like its just arond the corner now, though still some time to go). Dont worry much about the procrastination. If its going to be written it'll eventually be done. I feel if the Antag and Protag change somewhat, you should always get a split audience. Or i would hope you world, otherwise it would be an odd and borin reader base(Though we all know its not the character shift thats going to do that, rather the style the writer does it in. His or her execution).

I have a suggestion for your spliting/reorganizing. Just remember it's just a suggestion. Get a couple packs of index cards. On each one write the chapter name/number, and what happens each chapter. (I know you already know, but wait....) Look at what happens in the like the middle/semi middle chapters, and see where you could end book 1 at a decent point where something is resolved. Although you may still have to add/change things a bit. Then seperate the cards into two piles. One for book one, and one for book two. Then go back through the cards for the first book, and make sure you are getting all the progression you want to lead to book 1's new ending. This will enable you to tweak certain sections without having to read through the whole thing ever time. It will also make sure that you can make the needed changes to reach the new ending. Do the same with book 2, going thourgh each card, making sure the characters are doing what you want them to do, and getting to the ending you have devised. It might seem like a bunch of BS work, but it will help you 'visualize' what is going on where, etc. Like I said, just a suggest. If you don't like it, don't do it.

Interesting (had to read what you said a few times), but yeah i guess i could go down that route. I think i'll probably spilit it somewhere in the middle where everyone is becoming aware of everyones needs ad inner demons, and add in something major (rather then minor like i was preparing) that will ether A)Strengthen their neeeds or B) PUsh their inner demon (Which pushes theire questioning desires). Whie attempting these index cards. Quiet doable actually, and will help with my endevour of my OP and the Ant-Hero/Fallen from grace (Though only signs). Cheers.

I just thought it might be the quickest way to organize without having to go through everything lots and lots. You would know where to go back to to add hints, etc. Twists and tweaks sometimes make a story better.

Speedy;bt6152 said: Joker - Oh, in terms of books and publishing, i agree with you 100%. I have learnt enough to know and not tell anyone about this book (Agents and the likes). If I ever wanted THIS story published id go write a complete one off and one of the side quest I have in it (Easily Shadowfall). Which could stand well on it’s own. Than if (00.0001%) I got lucky I would write or hope to write half a dozen stand alone books before even talking to my editor/agent and stuff. I would neve risk harming my oversized "baby" Click to expand...

Becca - I have a good memory, i dont ever write notes for anything, writing wise, its all in my head. I mean i could write down a few notes, recapping major events but i know where it is and whats what and where (lol). When i look at my story in a few months i will realise how right you are though. Joker - I do, but right now im playing the game, as if its a retarted stupid, stupid dumb story lamearse hopeless dream/story. Thus i wont play the game of "Getting it published. When i have it 100% to my liking and half a dozen close people have read the final product (what im capable of) then trust me, i'll try and publush it. But im a person who takes EVERY step, and as many times as possible until i know i'll not fall over (Much) Even if i didnt, i would still like to be as business-like as possible. In case i self published it (though only if i HAVE too). Its sets a good trend thinking about smartly (splitting) even if i wasent thinking of poper publication (in my opinion) I just realise that if i wont to ever get published (that small ray of light) it would have t be another story, not this one. Nobody with a brain would touch a story thats seven books, with the events it has and y name Not in a million million parallel universes.

Oh okay, you gave me the impression that you were planning to write a standalone book first, before you try getting this series published. In that case you wouldn't need to split it...

Edit - Oh i get you (if i was to be published i could then keep my story large as is as they'd than publish the 200k word as an epic maybe?) Yeah, the thing is (maybe you understand) when you spend SOOO much time with you story, the thought of writing another book, thats not our "true story" can sound or feel really far away and difficult, thus why if i wrote a stand alone id write a story/novel basedon something to do with my Big story (though you wouldnt need know it). It seems a LOT of fantasy writers do ths, write either a stand lone novel (usually to do with the past) or Short stories. I have been thinking alot about other stories though, and im actually in the proceess of starting one now while i let the other sit (a stand alone).

Well you never know... Now that you've written 200k, a 90k standalone will be much quicker to write than say a year ago. So you just might have something to break into the market with and thus preserve your original vision for your current book. But i know, it's not easy focusing your energy on something completely different when you haven't given the first project its due

Age brings one annoying aspect of life. The ability to hate "change" or to stay with something a little to long (As apposed to being a kid and having the attentio span of a wasp) Your rigt, writing a stand alone story should be easier and fun actually (COnsidering a few drafts and it would be done in 12 months). Easier to motivate myself at 9am if i know im writing a 300 page book, then a 4,000 page epic that could turn out any colour it choices at this stage. I still would question if a publisher (knowing your series is gong to be say 7 novels) would really "like" to invest your first book into a 700 page novel? Now i as one, LOVE HUGE HUGE tomes, but they must think that people in numbers think if your new and not heard of and they see your book, and its 700 pages and at the back "Part one of epic fantasy adventure" that most these people would put it down.... Every epic these days seems to be the samesize from the book begining to the last book. (Reading Song of Ice and Fire and the first is 800 pages!) Like alwaysi think i go to far into thought and lose my sense of eality.

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Essay on Hardest Decision In Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Hardest Decision In Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Hardest Decision In Life

Introduction.

Life is full of decisions. Some are easy, like choosing what to eat for breakfast. Others are hard, like deciding on a career path. The hardest decisions are often those that can change our lives forever.

What Makes a Decision Hard?

A decision becomes hard when it involves big changes, like moving to a new city, changing schools, or choosing a career. These decisions can be scary because they mean leaving behind what is familiar and stepping into the unknown.

The Role of Fear

Fear plays a big part in making a decision hard. We fear making the wrong choice and regretting it later. We fear the consequences of our decisions and how they will affect our lives.

Overcoming Fear

To overcome fear, we need to gather as much information as possible about the decision. We can talk to people who have faced similar decisions, research online, or seek professional advice.

The hardest decision in life is different for everyone. But with courage, information, and support, we can make these decisions and move forward in our lives.

250 Words Essay on Hardest Decision In Life

Understanding tough choices.

Life is like a journey filled with lots of turns, twists, and crossroads. At these crossroads, we often have to make decisions. Some are easy, while others can be really hard. The hardest decisions are the ones that can change our lives forever.

The Nature of Hard Decisions

Hard decisions often involve a lot of uncertainty. It’s like standing at a fork in the road, not knowing which path to take. We might have to choose between two things we love, or maybe decide to leave something behind. These decisions can make us feel scared, confused, and even lonely.

Examples of Hard Decisions

Let’s look at some examples. Choosing the right career can be a tough decision. We might love music, but also have a passion for science. Which path should we follow? Another hard decision could be about moving to a new place. We might be excited about the new opportunities, but also sad to leave our friends and family.

Dealing with Hard Decisions

So, how do we deal with hard decisions? First, it’s important to take time to think. We should weigh the pros and cons, and consider the consequences of each choice. Talking to someone we trust can also help. They can give us advice, or just listen when we need to share our feelings.

Learning from Decisions

Even though hard decisions can be scary, they also help us grow. Each choice we make teaches us something new about ourselves and the world around us. So, even if we make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world. We can always learn from it and move forward.

In conclusion, hard decisions are a part of life. They can be tough, but they also make us stronger and wiser. So, the next time you face a hard decision, remember: it’s just another step in your journey.

500 Words Essay on Hardest Decision In Life

What is a hard decision.

A hard decision is a choice that is tough to make. It often involves a situation where you have to pick one option out of many, and each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. These decisions can be about anything, from choosing which school to attend, to deciding whether to take a job offer or not. They are hard because they can change your life in big ways.

One of the hardest decisions you might face in life is choosing your career path. This is a big decision because it can shape your future. You might love to paint, but you also know that it can be hard to make a living as an artist. So, do you follow your passion or choose a more secure job?

Another hard decision could be about ending a friendship or relationship. If someone is hurting you or making you feel bad about yourself, you might need to decide to let them go. This can be very hard, especially if you care about this person a lot.

How to Make Hard Decisions

Making hard decisions can feel scary, but there are ways to make it easier. First, it can be helpful to gather as much information as you can. This can help you understand the possible outcomes of each choice.

Second, you can try to think about what is most important to you. What are your values? What are your goals? These can guide you in making your decision.

Finally, it can be helpful to talk to someone you trust about your decision. They can give you advice, or just listen, which can make you feel better.

The Impact of Hard Decicisions

Hard decisions can have a big impact on your life. They can lead to new opportunities, or close off old ones. They can change your relationships, your career, or your whole way of living.

But hard decisions can also help you grow. They can teach you about yourself, about what you value, and about how to deal with tough situations. They can make you stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

In the end, everyone has to make hard decisions in life. They can be scary and stressful, but they are also a part of growing up. By gathering information, thinking about your values, and talking to people you trust, you can make these decisions with confidence. And no matter what happens, remember that every decision is a chance to learn and grow.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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• Short Story

My Difficult Journey – Written By Tamsyn Torcello.

• Tamsyn Torcello, Grade 11

‘When everything was out of control, I felt like a bubble, just floating helplessly in the wind. I felt as if I was sad, not me. I sat down and looked at my life and realized that if I didn’t do something, the bubble would get caught in the wind, drift away until there was nothing left. I decided to put my foot down and take control, to be happy again’ This was the end of my journey, now let me start at the beginning. I was born with a condition called Anaphylaxis, (a severe, life threatening allergic reaction to certain foods) so my life has always revolved around food. So it never was a surprise to my parents, when I developed Anorexia in my teens. Not that anyone expected me to, least of all me, but here’s my story about Anorexia and how I survived it. Obsessive exercise, thousands of sit-ups every day. A large bruise on the base of my spine, almost a permanent mark, something I thought was doing me good. Making my bed was an obsessive exercise too, everything had to be perfect. Layering my clothes, four layers and still I didn’t feel warm. Developing poor circulation was another symptom of Anorexia. Not that I knew it then, not that I cared, I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me, not even when I fainted. Breakfast was hidden before anyone awoke, because mum would nag, dad would yell. They made me feel that being myself wasn’t enough, not that I knew that all they wanted for me was to eat more. Watching mum make my lunch, I thought to myself, “I’m not going to eat that, I’m just going to chuck most of it away”, and I did, every day. My poor friends suffered to. My best friend Courtney didn’t walk to school, she ran to keep up with me! And if I caught her in her PJ’s, boy did I get her moving! At school I hid in the tiny gap between the Coke machine and the wall, in effort to not have people see me eat because I thought they’d probably yell at me too. Everything felt so hard, even to deal with the company of a friend. I didn’t feel worthy of that. Focusing was hard, I was exhausted. I felt my whole body breaking down. Maybe that’s why they didn’t let me on the volleyball team. Mum would tell me that if I ate, I would feed my brain, and then I would cope with my schoolwork. I just thought it was a whole load of ‘crap’ because there was nothing wrong with me. Hours of talking to mum was one of the only things that got me through. Even though I didn’t listen to everything she had to say, at least I could talk to someone. A short word after home room one morning, my teacher asked me to stay back after school. We talked for what felt like hours, but they were the words of wisdom I really needed. She didn’t have a go at me, but she listened and she spoke of someone, with the same experience. My confidence felt a little bit higher that night. Even though I felt she had confidence in me, I still tried to hide. With one psychiatrist (my parents were trying everything) well, I outsmarted him. I had him fully convinced that there was nothing wrong. That’s another sign of Anorexia. The turning point for me was the day I got taken to a doctor that understood. She looked me in the eyes and said that I had one year to turn this around or I would be like this forever. I think the truth just shocked me. I didn’t want to stay like this forever. The Bronte Foundation. The words hurt as they came out of mum’s mouth that day. Did she really have to go to this extent? I was actually prepared to hear the truth, to help me get out of this. This day I actually referred to my ‘illness’ as Anorexia Nervosa. I never really thought about dying, I just wanted to be accepted.

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Essay on Train Journey in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Trains are one of the best transport options for commuting long distances. Low fare, punctuality of time, and ease of travel make the journey by train, both economical and comfortable. Besides, there are several other advantages of travelling by train. You can relax, stretch, move around or even take a nap; something which could hardly be imagined while travelling in a car or bus.

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A journey on train also offers exclusive view of the landscape and culture as the train passes through the countryside. In journey across the states, one gets to see latter’s traditional dresses, agricultural crops and culture. One also gets the taste of local cuisine as it is served by the vendors in the railway stations and wagons. The journey is also entertaining as you can interact with fellow passengers from different regions and linguistic backgrounds.

Long and Short Essay on Train Journey in English

Below we have provided Long and Short Essay on Train Journey of varying lengths in English for your information and use.

These easy and simple Train Journey Essay will give you hands on experience of a train journey and its advantages.

After going through the essay you will be all praise about it and trains will become your favorite modes of transport.

These essays are good source of knowledge and will help you in your school assignments or essay writing/debate competitions etc.

Short Essay on A Journey by Train – Essay 1 (200 words)

A journey by train is among the most enjoyable journeys. I travel long distance quite often and have travelled via buses, trains as well as aeroplanes. While each of these journeys has its set of benefits, I personally love train journeys.

A journey by train is the best if you have enough time and have to travel long distance. This is the only means of transport that allows you to sleep comfortably during the journey. I prefer travelling at night. I can comfortably sleep in the train during my journey and wake up fresh and head to work during my official trips. One of my most memorable journeys by train was when I travelled from Delhi to Lucknow last year. I went to visit my relatives in Lucknow. During this train journey, I met a group of college students. The group was lively, cheerful and extremely friendly.

As I was sitting right besides them, they offered me some snacks and cold drink. They soon began conversing with me. They narrated some of their experiences and I shared mine. I also gave them career advice. The six hours journey passed very swiftly and we reached Lucknow. As we parted, we exchanged our phone numbers and promised to keep in touch.

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Essay on Train Journey – Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

Train journeys are always fun. They have always excited me. I have been travelling via trains ever since my childhood. My maternal grandparents lived in Kanpur and we stayed in Delhi. We always travelled via night train to reach Kanpur. We visited them twice a year and I really looked forward to this trip not only because I loved meeting my grandparents but also because I really loved the train journey. My sister loved it as much and together we had a lot of fun.

My Most Memorable Train Journey

We mostly went there with our mother during our summer and winter vacations. However, once my aunt and cousins also accompanied us. This was one of the best train journeys of my life. We took to the top berth after having the delicious biryani our mother had cooked for us.

We had already planned that we will stay awake until late at night to enjoy the journey in each other’s company. We began the fun by playing cards. As we finished a game or two, two boys sitting in the middle berth asked us if they could join us. Playing cards is always fun when there are greater number of players involved. So, we agreed. Our game became all the more exciting and we kept playing for about two- three hours. Since our compartment was occupied only by us and those two brothers and their parents, there was no fuss about turning off the lights.

After playing cards, we began a game of dumb charades. It was all the more fun. Since, we had been playing for almost four hours now, we felt hungry and it was snack time. We stealthily took out chips and biscuits from our bags. We chatted, cracked jokes and laughed heartily as we ate snacks. It was almost 2 at night when we decided to sleep.

This was indeed a great experience. I will remember this train journey all my life. I made memories to cherish forever.

Essay on My Train Journey: Best Experience – Essay 3 (400 words)

It was the month of September and the autumn break was about to begin in a few weeks’ time. Our first term exams had just been over and we were free from the burden of studies at least for a few days. Our school plans excursion trips to various places during the autumn break. I always wanted to go on such a trip and have fun with my friends.

My First Train Journey with Friends

While my parents allowed me to go on local school excursions, they had always been sceptic about sending me on out stationed trips. They thought I was too young and careless and thus feared sending me. I tried to convince them each year I saw the notice about these school trips pasted on the notice board but they refused. However, after a lot of persuading in class VII, my mother promised that she will send me when I reach class IX as I will grow older and become more mature by then.

So, last year I reminded her of her promise. Though reluctant, she agreed to send me on my school trip to Jaipur. She also convinced my father and he gave the written consent along with the amount that had to be deposited for the trip. My joy knew no bounds. Few of my close friends had also got consent from their parents and we were super thrilled about our trip. I was not only excited about visiting Jaipur but also about the train journey.

My Train Journey Experience

I was lucky to get the window seat. It was a day journey of around 5 hours and there was a lot to see outside the window. The sight of small sand hills, green fields and long roads fascinated me and I glued to the window for most part of the journey. For the rest of the journey, we played dumb charades and antakshari which was super fun. I just wished the journey never came to end. However, before we even realized, we reached the Jaipur station. As I roamed around from fort to fort in the Pink city, I dreamt of the train journey back to my home town as I thoroughly enjoyed train journeys. Our train journey back home was as much fun.

Train journeys have always fascinated me. I have gone on quite a few of them but this one was all the more special as I was accompanied by my friends. I am looking forward to more such train journeys.

Essay on My Awesome Train Journey – Essay 4 (500 words)

Train journeys have always fascinated me. Be it a day journey or a night journey I, always prefer travelling by train. During my day journey by train, I love sitting by the window to watch the view outside. I just love the sight of the green fields, huge trees, huts and water bodies. I can sit for hours watching this view from the moving train. What I like about the night journeys is that trains offer a lot of space and comfort. We can lie down comfortably and doze off to sleep. Sleeping in a moving train is an experience of its own and I just love it.

My Train Journey from Shimla to Kalka

While all my train journeys have been memorable there is one that I will cherish forever. This was my train journey from Shimla to Kalka. This train journey was like no other.

We had heard a lot about the Shimla – Kalka train journey and really wanted to experience it. It is said that the train comes under the world heritage list of UNESCO. However, since our plan was made all of a sudden, we could not get the tickets for travelling from Kalka to Shimla which was disappointing.

At first, we thought of cancelling or postponing the trip however then we decided to take a bus to Shimla. The tickets from Shimla to Kalka were available so we booked our return journey by the much talked about toy train that runs on this route. While I was all excited about my trip to Shimla and enjoyed every bit of it with my family, I was constantly dreaming about our journey back home as I couldn’t wait for the toy train experience.

My Awesome Train Journey Experience

We reached the station few minutes before the train departure time. I was thrilled looking at the train and couldn’t wait to board it. We soon kept our luggage in the train and sat on our seats. I grabbed the window seat to witness the scenic view outside. As the train started, I saw the mesmerizing view of the hills covered with pine trees. There was greenery all round. It had rained a night before and thus the flora looked even greener and fresh. It was a breathtaking sight.

The toy train covers a distance of 96 km and there was not a single moment when we got bored during this journey. There was so much to view and experience. The train travels at a slow speed and takes around 5-6 hours to reach Kalka so that we can experience the natural surroundings to the fullest. It goes through 102 tunnels and this makes the journey all the more amazing. It also passes over as many as 864 bridges and offers an experience which is one-of-its-kind. While I sat by the window for most part of my journey, I also went and stood by the train door for around an hour or so to have a closer look at the nature.

Every bit of my train journey from Shimla to Kalka was enjoyable. The experience was simply unmatched. Every train journey lover must experience this at least once in their life time. Nature lovers would love it all the more.

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Long Essay on Train Journey: Advantages and Disadvantages – Essay 5 (600 words)

Train journeys are preferred by many owing to the various benefits they offer. However, some people much rather prefer travelling by their own vehicle or buses to avoid the downside of the train journeys. At times, it becomes quite difficult to decide the mode of transport as all these have their own set of pros and cons. Here is a look at the various advantages and disadvantages of train journey:

Advantages of Train Journey

Here are the various advantages of train journey:

• Space and Comfort

Train is one of the best means of transports if we look in terms of space and comfort. There is enough space to sit and even lie down, a privilege we don’t get in the buses, cars or planes. Kids can easily play board games. Group outings become all the more fun as we can enjoy various games and activities sitting face to face.

• Long Journeys Made Easy

Since trains offer berths to sleep and washrooms to freshen up, travelling long distance via trains becomes quite easy. The washroom facility is especially one of the main benefits train journeys offer over bus and car journeys.

• No Restriction on the Amount of Luggage

There is a limit to the amount of luggage one can carry in the aeroplane. Buses also do not have enough space to accommodate a lot of luggage. However, there is no such restriction during the train journeys. If you require carrying a good amount of luggage then train journeys are certainly the best.

• Safe Option

Train is also considered a safer means to travel compared to buses, cars and aeroplanes. Travelling in hills is especially safer via trains compared to buses and cars.

• Allows Productive Use of Time

You can easily take out your laptop and work on it while you are travelling via train. You can also read your book comfortably or indulge in other tasks such as knitting and sewing while travelling through train.

Disadvantages of Train Journey

Here are some disadvantages of train journey:

• Planning Ahead

One of the main difficulties of travelling via train is that you have to plan your journey months or weeks before your travel date. It is difficult to get train tickets for trips that are planned instantly.

• Difficulty in Reservation

Train reservation is a difficult task. You have to visit the railway station and stand in the queue for hours to get the tickets reserved which is extremely tiring. You can also get the ticket reserved online but that is again a tedious task as the train booking site is too slow.

• Fixed Schedule

Trains run on a fixed schedule. You may be required to catch trains at odd times and this can be difficult at times. Delay in reaching the railway station even by a few minutes means missing the train and it is difficult to spend time on the railway station if you reach early.

• Slower Option

Travelling a long distance by train means investing a day or two in journey is unlike planes which can cover same distance within few hours. So it is not a good option for students or working professionals who cannot take so many leaves and spend so much time on travelling.

• Cleanliness Issue

While trains have washrooms which is considered to be a big plus of the train journeys these are mostly not maintained well. Un-kept and unclean washrooms are a big put off. Their use must be avoided as it can cause infection.

Thus, we see train journeys have a number of advantages however they also have certain disadvantages. While space, comfort and the facility to carry enough luggages attracts travellers to option for train journeys, difficulty of reservation and the need to plan the journey way ahead of the travel date makes them look for other options.

Related Information:

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Decoding the Enigma: a Journey through the DSM-5 Labyrinth of Schizophrenia

This essay about decoding the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia navigates the complexities of diagnosing and understanding this enigmatic disorder. It explores the challenges clinicians face in capturing its diverse manifestations and emphasizes the importance of a nuanced approach. By examining the dimensional assessments, differential diagnosis, and prognostic factors outlined in DSM-5, the essay underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of schizophrenia to provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

How it works

Schizophrenia, a labyrinthine puzzle of the mind, has captured the intrigue of both scholars and practitioners for generations. Within the intricate tapestry of psychiatric literature, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), stands as a guiding compass for understanding this enigmatic condition. Yet, delving into its depths requires more than mere academic prowess; it demands a voyage through the complexities of human experience and perception.

At the heart of the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia lies the challenge of capturing the essence of a disorder that defies easy categorization.

Like a chameleon, schizophrenia manifests in myriad forms, each as unique as the individual experiencing it. The manual’s delineation of positive symptoms such as hallucinations and negative symptoms like emotional blunting attempts to distill this kaleidoscope of experiences into diagnostic criteria. However, in doing so, it confronts the inherent limitations of language in encapsulating the richness of human consciousness.

Yet, within this sea of complexity, DSM-5 offers a beacon of hope through its dimensional approach to assessment. By recognizing the spectrum of symptom severity and functional impairment, clinicians can navigate the murky waters of schizophrenia with greater clarity. No longer confined to rigid diagnostic categories, patients are seen as dynamic beings existing along a continuum of experiences. This shift from a binary to a dimensional framework reflects a deeper understanding of the fluidity of mental illness and paves the way for more personalized interventions.

Moreover, DSM-5 serves as a roadmap for the arduous journey of differential diagnosis in schizophrenia. Like a detective unraveling clues in a mystery novel, clinicians must piece together fragments of clinical presentation to discern the true nature of the disorder. Bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and substance-induced psychosis lurk in the shadows, masquerading as schizophrenia in disguise. Only through meticulous assessment and keen observation can the true diagnosis be uncovered, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate treatment and support they need.

Yet, amidst the complexities of diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis, DSM-5 offers a glimmer of clarity in its discussion of prognosis. Like a weather vane pointing towards the future, specifiers such as the presence of catatonia or the predominant symptomatology provide valuable insights into the course of the illness. Armed with this knowledge, clinicians can chart a course for treatment that takes into account not only the present symptoms but also the potential trajectory of the disorder.

In the end, deciphering the DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia is not merely an academic exercise; it is a journey of discovery through the labyrinth of the human mind. It requires courage to confront the unknown, empathy to understand the experiences of those living with schizophrenia, and humility to acknowledge the limitations of our understanding. Yet, by embracing the complexities of the disorder and navigating the DSM-5 criteria with care and compassion, we can shine a light into the darkness and offer hope to those in need.

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Guest Essay

In Medicine, the Morally Unthinkable Too Easily Comes to Seem Normal

By Carl Elliott

Dr. Elliott teaches medical ethics at the University of Minnesota. He is the author of the forthcoming book “The Occasional Human Sacrifice: Medical Experimentation and the Price of Saying No,” from which this essay is adapted.

Here is the way I remember it: The year is 1985, and a few medical students are gathered around an operating table where an anesthetized woman has been prepared for surgery. The attending physician, a gynecologist, asks the group: “Has everyone felt a cervix? Here’s your chance.” One after another, we take turns inserting two gloved fingers into the unconscious woman’s vagina.

Had the woman consented to a pelvic exam? Did she understand that when the lights went dim she would be treated like a clinical practice dummy, her genitalia palpated by a succession of untrained hands? I don’t know. Like most medical students, I just did as I was told.

Last month the Department of Health and Human Services issued new guidance requiring written informed consent for pelvic exams and other intimate procedures performed under anesthesia. Much of the force behind the new requirement came from distressed medical students who saw these pelvic exams as wrong and summoned the courage to speak out.

Whether the guidance will actually change clinical practice I don’t know. Medical traditions are notoriously difficult to uproot, and academic medicine does not easily tolerate ethical dissent. I doubt the medical profession can be trusted to reform itself.

What is it that leads a rare individual to say no to practices that are deceptive, exploitative or harmful when everyone else thinks they are fine? For a long time I assumed that saying no was mainly an issue of moral courage. The relevant question was: If you are a witness to wrongdoing, will you be brave enough to speak out?

But then I started talking to insiders who had blown the whistle on abusive medical research. Soon I realized that I had overlooked the importance of moral perception. Before you decide to speak out about wrongdoing, you have to recognize it for what it is.

This is not as simple as it seems. Part of what makes medical training so unsettling is how often you are thrust into situations in which you don’t really know how to behave. Nothing in your life up to that point has prepared you to dissect a cadaver, perform a rectal exam or deliver a baby. Never before have you seen a psychotic patient involuntarily sedated and strapped to a bed or a brain-dead body wheeled out of a hospital room to have its organs harvested for transplantation. Your initial reaction is often a combination of revulsion, anxiety and self-consciousness.

To embark on a career in medicine is like moving to a foreign country where you do not understand the customs, rituals, manners or language. Your main concern on arrival is how to fit in and avoid causing offense. This is true even if the local customs seem backward or cruel. What’s more, this particular country has an authoritarian government and a rigid status hierarchy where dissent is not just discouraged but also punished. Living happily in this country requires convincing yourself that whatever discomfort you feel comes from your own ignorance and lack of experience. Over time, you learn how to assimilate. You may even come to laugh at how naïve you were when you first arrived.

A rare few people hang onto that discomfort and learn from it. When Michael Wilkins and William Bronston started working at the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island as young doctors in the early 1970s, they found thousands of mentally disabled children condemned to the most horrific conditions imaginable: naked children rocking and moaning on concrete floors in puddles of their own urine; an overpowering stench of illness and filth; a research unit where children were deliberately infected with hepatitis A and B.

“It was truly an American concentration camp,” Dr. Bronston told me. Yet when he and Dr. Wilkins tried to enlist Willowbrook doctors and nurses to reform the institution, they were met with indifference or hostility. It seemed as if no one else on the medical staff could see what they saw. It was only when Dr. Wilkins went to a reporter and showed the world what was happening behind the Willowbrook walls that anything began to change.

When I asked Dr. Bronston how it was possible for doctors and nurses to work at Willowbrook without seeing it as a crime scene, he told me it began with the way the institution was structured and organized. “Medically secured, medically managed, doctor-validated,” he said. Medical professionals just accommodated themselves to the status quo. “You get with the program because that’s what you’re being hired to do,” he said.

One of the great mysteries of human behavior is how institutions create social worlds where unthinkable practices come to seem normal. This is as true of academic medical centers as it is of prisons and military units. When we are told about a horrific medical research scandal, we assume that we would see it just as the whistle-blower Peter Buxtun saw the Tuskegee syphilis study : an abuse so shocking that only a sociopath could fail to perceive it.

Yet it rarely happens this way. It took Mr. Buxtun seven years to convince others to see the abuses for what they were. It has taken other whistle-blowers even longer. Even when the outside world condemns a practice, medical institutions typically insist that the outsiders don’t really understand.

According to Irving Janis, a Yale psychologist who popularized the notion of groupthink, the forces of social conformity are especially powerful in organizations that are driven by a deep sense of moral purpose. If the aims of the organization are righteous, its members feel, it is wrong to put barriers in the way.

This observation helps explain why academic medicine not only defends researchers accused of wrongdoing but also sometimes rewards them. Many of the researchers responsible for the most notorious abuses in recent medical history — the Tuskegee syphilis study, the Willowbrook hepatitis studies, the Cincinnati radiation studies , the Holmesburg prison studies — were celebrated with professional accolades even after the abuses were first called out.

The culture of medicine is notoriously resistant to change. During the 1970s, it was thought that the solution to medical misconduct was formal education in ethics. Major academic medical centers began establishing bioethics centers and programs throughout the 1980s and ’90s, and today virtually every medical school in the country requires ethics training.

Yet it is debatable whether that training has had any effect. Many of the most egregious ethical abuses in recent decades have taken place in medical centers with prominent bioethics programs, such as the University of Pennsylvania , Duke University , Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University , as well as my own institution, the University of Minnesota .

One could be forgiven for concluding that the only way the culture of medicine will change is if changes are forced on it from the outside — by oversight bodies, legislators or litigators. For example, many states have responded to the controversy over pelvic exams by passing laws banning the practice unless the patient has explicitly given consent.

You may find it hard to understand how pelvic exams on unconscious women without their consent could seem like anything but a terrible invasion. Yet a central aim of medical training is to transform your sensibility. You are taught to steel yourself against your natural emotional reactions to death and disfigurement; to set aside your customary views about privacy and shame; to see the human body as a thing to be examined, tested and studied.

One danger of this transformation is that you will see your colleagues and superiors do horrible things and be afraid to speak up. But the more subtle danger is that you will no longer see what they are doing as horrible. You will just think: This is the way it is done.

Carl Elliott ( @FearLoathingBTX ) teaches medical ethics at the University of Minnesota. He is the author of the forthcoming book “The Occasional Human Sacrifice: Medical Experimentation and the Price of Saying No,” from which this essay is adapted.

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