Alexander Hamilton Hardship

Words: 833
Pages: 4

In today’s world, many universities ask applicants to write an essay on a hardship they’ve overcome and how that affects their lives today, otherwise known as adversity. Facing a hardship in life, whether it is financial, physical, governmental, mental, or emotional, is a universal experience around the world, and more times than not, out of our control. The way an individual responds and chooses to overcome adversity is what truly defines them, not merely the challenges they encounter. For some individuals, adversity will eat them up and let the negative control their lives forever, while some will look it right in the eye and fight back; either way, it changes a person drastically. Adversity may not be wanted, but it is critical in discovering …show more content…
Historically known as a “diamond in the rough,” Hamilton experienced a multitude of pressures, shaping him into a successful historical figure- demonstrating the effects of applying pressure to coal, as it turns into a diamond. He grew up without a father, as a poor orphan working at a trading charter at the age of 14. A hurricane destroyed any chance of a future he had, until he wrote a collection of books, allowing him to be sent for education, making a prominent name for himself. In his early years, his mother had passed from illness, forcing him to live with his cousin who committed suicide, leaving him with nothing. Instead of giving up and dwelling on his misfortune, he got a good education at King’s College, and put his mind to changing the world. Do we know that if he didn’t battle this adversity, he wouldn’t have made the historical impact he did? No. What we do know is that it taught him a sense of independence and strength, inspiring him to put his life on the line for his country, giving me the opportunity to write this essay, and for you to read …show more content…
You could get out 7/10 times and still be considered an amazing player in a stat book. I have been in many slumps, I have played awful when a college coach came to watch my games, but never once have I thought of quitting. The adversity itself may not feel great at the moment, but the comeback is such a rewarding feeling, making me a stronger individual. Softball has taught me that everyone “strikes out” in life, but it is how you handle it that shows your character- are you feeling sorry for yourself or are you figuring out a way to overcome the struggle? While for most people, adversity makes them stronger, some may feel weighed down by it, unsure of what to do. There is only so much pain and struggle a person can take to the point of breaking down a person's character, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. Mental health issues have gone up drastically in the last couple of years for a multitude of reasons. This being said, there are ways to get through it- and I have experienced