深圳中学高三 杨粤祺

I cried when I got my SAT score last winter. My fingers were trembling as I sent text message to my dad telling him that I didn't want to go home.

After that it seemed everything went wrong for me. I used to be a well-behaved girl who lives a healthy life and scores highly in exams and enjoys praise from teachers and parents. I was so addicted to my success, taking it for granted like the air I breathe.

Then I lost them one by one: My parents became increasingly anxious and lost confidence in my future after learning of my disappointing scores. I suffered from "anorexia", an eating disorder, and I was forced to drop out from school temporarily for medical treatment.

The pills and smell of disinfectant in the hospital only made my illness worse. Worrying about unfinished application essays nearly drove me insane.

I used to attach too much importance to things like exam scores, popularity, and even my appearance. But I became frail in mind and deed.

A turning point came when an invitation from Wharton arrived. All I did that morning was stare at the invitation letter beginning with "Congratulations!"

After that I regained my confidence and appetite.

I started to think what would become of me if I had not gained that invitation?

In fact, I am still an ordinary person, irrelevant to the showy labels that I used to be obsessed with. My life shall build on the belief that with my perseverance, determination, and courage, I can succeed in my pursuit.

The Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, "You bear God within you, poor wretch, and know it not." That inside God, the supreme Self, is what we should eventually build our confidence on.