Essays That Worked!

Christina Fogarasi '13
Seoul Foreign School, Seoul South Korea

I chopped the reeking onions with my sister’s swim goggles over my eyes. William mixed the pesto, Stephanie stirred the potato-leek soup, and my brother grilled the pork tenderloin. The onions were to be sautéed – my first time sautéing – for an unusual balsamic pasta sauce. A seven-course meal was in the making.

I honestly cannot believe we went through with it. Hypothetical suggestions between my friends and me are consistently put forward, but rarely acted upon. Even in the midst of stirring, garnishing the plates, and tearing the oversized lettuce, I was stunned. We were catering to our parents, who were just as astonished. There was no longer a need for my mother to fake an expression of surprise, as she had when I was young; her shock at our spontaneous act was genuine.

While the adults feasted on the second course (tomatoes and mozzarella), the pinkie nail on my left hand rapidly disintegrated due to my neurotic gnawing. William’s sudden realization prompted this anxiety: Whatever happened to dessert? Improvisation proved essential. According to the menu, “Oreo Surprise” was the finale, so The Oreo Cookbook found underneath my Seoul subway map became our inspiration. The substitution of melted marshmallows for Marshmallow Fluff culminated our efforts, and the concluding dish was to be brought before the diners.

For the first time during the meal, I took a turn as a waiter. However, I found myself having second thoughts regarding the entire event. In retrospect, I identify the dinner as an act of gratitude, to thank our devoted parents, but at the time it was merely an amusing challenge. Thus, embarrassment overtook me as I considered the impulsive task, completed without logical reason. I expected the ensemble of parents to view the dinner as a frivolous waste of time.

My outlook, nevertheless, has changed since this incident. Although I am limited in my perspective, I trust that there is purpose in the seemingly random happenings in my life. Despite the fact that I walked into the dining room that day with my head down and my face somewhat flushed, I returned with a contagious, pleasurable aura around my being. I understand now that the parents not only welcomed our offer for “supper on us,” they also celebrated, observing the productivity of their hard-working sons and daughters. Though the gourmet meal was not meant to be a gift, the impacts and consequences of the act were deeply felt. 

When reflecting on my life, I see a number of actions I use as means to achieve objectives, intrinsic or extrinsic. I like to edit my brother’s essays to help him comprehend his mistakes, or read over my assigned English books twice so I may have a better understanding of the novel. Yet, other actions I carry out almost without reason, such as painting my sister’s nails or choosing an inspirational quote each week for the page in my assignment planner. Like the gourmet dinner, though, these tasks generate effects far beyond those I anticipate.   

Having lived in a variety of foreign environments, I notice that the end result of an action is emphasized, whereas the means are usually overlooked. Tragically, this forms an attitude of obligation within the doer; the joy of experimenting with a task disappears. I have therefore come to value creativity and spontaneity, which highlight the process as opposed to an outcome. This week in my assignment notebook I will write: “Success and happiness are not destinations, they are exciting, never-ending journeys.” (Z. Ziglar, American author) and remember that my mother’s new favorite dessert recipe is Oreo Surprise.

Last Modified: Friday, July 24, 2009 13:13