Teresa Wang
"Achieving My Dream"
Colin Powell once said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”
My first year at Clairbourn was the most challenging year because I had just arrived in America and I did not know any English. I didn’t know what to expect in the American schools except from what my older sister had told me. She described Clairbourn as a warm school that is like family. My first weeks of school felt like a sudden crash of cultural shock, but I was very fortunate to have many friends and classmates to help me with the transition. For the past three years, Clairbourn has guided me like a parent, teacher, and friend in giving me the strength to believe that any dream is possible. Not only did Clairbourn mold me to work hard to achieve my dreams, it also shaped me to become more confident.
Running for Student Council Treasurer was one of my memorable experiences because I had to force myself out of my normal social range. Campaigning for the election was challenging because I had to talk to everyone and really communicate with all my schoolmates in English. I worked tirelessly for a week making posters and composing my speech. When it was my turn to speak, I exhaled and began. It was the longest two minutes of my life, but I kept pushing forward towards the finish line. At the end, I received a thunderous ovation. Although I did not win the office, I am still happy with my success because I feel that I am still a winner. Through this experience, Clairbourn has given me the chance to become a stronger and more positive person who is not afraid to go outside my "comfort zone". I have now achieved two Honor Rolls with the help of my friends and teachers…. My three unforgettable years at this school has prepared me to have the courage to face whatever is coming.
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