Personal Narrative: How School Has Changed My Life

Improved Essays
The socio-economic conditions of New York City teach us to dwell more on where we’ve come from and where we’re headed rather than bring our attention to the present moment. It has become natural to get lost in our busy schedules so much that we forget to wrap our minds around our purpose. As a result, we forget to channel our inner-selves or even be cognizant that one exists. While it is important to use this inner-being to reflect on moments of our past and plan strategically for those of the future, it is equally important to be mindful, and to acknowledge and live in the present. But what exactly is mindfulness and how does one go about achieving it?
I have always taken school seriously but the death of my father marked a drastic shift in what school meant to me. It began when my mom was left with the responsibility of taking care of me and my brother on a single
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My life felt like an unfortunate chain of events from the day I lost my father and it seemed as though my only escape was school. However, it was the way I perceived these events that was my mistake. Learning to accept my personal and financial circumstances in a positive light, and becoming a more active student, I was able to acquire a deeper meaning from my day to day life rather than allow it to past me by. I have realized that I am achieving my goal of helping my family progress out of our hardships each day that I live, each day that I go to school and engage in activities that I am passionate about. This path towards mindfulness began with perception and positivity. It allowed me to let go of the past, look only as far the present moment allows, and think positively even in the worst of situations. As a result, I no longer wish my personal circumstances were different – not because they have changed, but because the way I perceive them

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