Essays that Worked!
Benjamin Stepansky '12, Sharon High School, Sharon, MA
My mom said that I couldn't have a girlfriend my junior year so that I could focus on my studies. Believe me, I was not happy with that house rule. When summer rolled around, I finally found someone. We met once a week.
Marion, a ninety-four year old woman, was still living in the same house in which she was born. Although mobile and clear-minded, Marion was unable to make weekly runs to the supermarket so I volunteered to help. My first experience as Marion's shopper proved to be a major challenge. After exchanging greetings and chatting for a minute, Marion handed me her shopping list. My eyes drifted nonchalantly over the items and then screeched to a dead stop at the words, "Depends Adult Diapers." Oh, great!
As I drove to the supermarket I tried to convince myself that I was being an idiot. Who cared what I was shopping for? Who would notice what I had in my shopping cart? With my luck, only the entire world!
Fortunately, the sane side of me won the mental and emotional battle that raged within. I courageously plucked the huge purple and white package with monstrously large letters identifying its contents from the shelf, fending off the piercing glances of those who found my purchase somewhat peculiar. I advanced towards the check out counter and defiantly dropped the diapers on the register. I even refused a bag when asked "paper or plastic?" I walked out into the sunny parking lot with my head held high and my prize in hand. I had won the humiliation battle for the fair maid Marion.
As the weeks passed, I found that Marion and I clicked and made a real connection. Each week I stayed with Marion just to talk and soon discovered what an amazing woman she was. She had worked in Japan where she taught children of WWII American soldiers. She had spent her childhood summers at camp in Maine and her winters sledding down the hills outside her home. Marion was selfless enough to ask whether I was getting bored, but I always reassured her that I loved listening to her stories. Her enthusiastic personality and contagious laughter kept me enthralled for hours. I can sincerely say that Marion is one of the happiest people I have ever met.
As the summer passed, Marion was no longer a ninety-four year old woman to me. And it may sound odd, but the two of us became real friends. I learned so much from her in the eight weeks we spent together. She temporarily removed me from my upper-middle class, materialistic bubble and refocused me on what really counts in life: time spent in simple conversation with friends and family is a necessity for happiness.
When I think back at how annoyed I was with my mom when she told me that a girlfriend was out of the question, I have to smile. My time with Marion turned out to be a real gift, and our friendship is something that I will cherish forever. As we said our good byes, Marion thanked me for doing her shopping, but more importantly, for allowing her to relive so many of her past experiences. I could feel my eyes water as I got up to leave, but I held back my tears and promised that I would stop by again soon. What began as a mitzvah turned into a true friendship. I guess that's only fitting. From good deeds come great rewards and my time with Marion proved to be the greatest prize of all.
Last Modified: Friday, August 15, 2008 12:24