Personal Statement - Kenna Z.

Around two years ago, my family and a few of my closest friends’ family went to the beach with us. We had a very normal schedule, eat breakfast, head to the beach, go back to the beach house, eat lunch, clean up, watch TV, and go to the pool. We spent tons of time talking and playing on the beach, getting sand in our shoes and swimming suits. I had never been afraid to go into the water until my friends and my brother got stung by jellyfish.

Earlier that day, I was laughing with my friends, playing along the waves, and constructing sand balls and hurtling them at our opponents. I was riding the wave on a boogie board when I heard someone cry out in pain. I looked to see who it was, and I cried out in surprise. It was my brother! I hurried toward him with the straps of the boogie board still pinching my wrist. Something brushed by my ankle and I felt a sting. I ran one foot onto the soft, grainy sand. My brother sat next to me and I caught a glimpse of the bright red rash right underneath his neck.

The life-guard sprayed vinegar-water on both of us and we thanked him. I headed toward our blanket and sat down, not willing to head back into the beach. My friends came out of the water trying to convince me to come back in the sea, but I was too scared to go in. Who knew if a random jellyfish or shark would come by and attack or sting me? I told them to go back and have their fun while I sat on the soft blanket talking to my mom. I could tell my friends were becoming lonely without my laughter and sarcastic comments. They came out multiple times to tell me that only in the morning there was a group of jellyfish that came by. I wasn’t so sure. I was not confident and scared out of my skin.

But somehow, my friends, using the magic of friendship convinced me to come back and join them in the salty waves of the vast blue sea. I learned that I shouldn’t just sit around and do nothing. I should be courageous and step out of my comfort zone. There wasn’t always room for fun for people that were scared and convinced the wrong thing. I knew that bravery wasn’t the only thing that I had picked up from that day, but also the true power of friendship and how it can bring you closer than ever with your companions that will always be there for you. Facing fears and friendship are all unforgettable lessons from the day at the beach.