UChicago Supplemental Essay Example - 2

"Ah, but I was so much older then / I'm younger than that now” – Bob Dylan. In what ways do we become younger as we get older?:

Younger Than That Now: Rediscovering My Inner Child on the Path to Adulthood

As I sat in my grandmother's living room, surrounded by the comforting aroma of her homemade cookies, I couldn't help but reflect on Bob Dylan's words: "Ah, but I was so much older then / I'm younger than that now." At seventeen, I've experienced moments that made me feel weighed down by the world, but it's the journey of rediscovering my youthful spirit that has shaped me into the person I am today.

Growing up, I was always the "responsible" one. My parents relied on me to help with my younger siblings, manage my schoolwork, and even assist with household chores. By the time I was twelve, I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. I remember one particular evening, sitting at the kitchen table, poring over my math homework while my younger brother played with his toys. I sighed, feeling a pang of envy as I watched him, carefree and lost in his own world. It was then that I realized I had lost touch with the joy and wonder of childhood.

As I entered high school, the pressure only intensified. I joined numerous clubs, took on leadership roles, and pushed myself to excel academically. I was determined to build an impressive resume for college, but in the process, I lost sight of what truly mattered. I was so focused on achieving and proving myself that I forgot to enjoy the journey. My days were filled with endless to-do lists and a constant sense of urgency. I felt like an old soul trapped in a teenager's body.

It wasn't until my junior year that I had a wake-up call. My grandmother, the one who always seemed to have a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, was diagnosed with cancer. As I spent more time with her during her treatment, I was struck by her resilience and her ability to find joy in the smallest moments. She would often tell me stories of her childhood, her eyes lighting up as she recounted the adventures she had with her siblings. It was then that I realized the importance of embracing my inner child, of finding wonder and delight in the world around me.

Inspired by my grandmother's spirit, I made a conscious effort to reconnect with my youthful self. I started by joining the school's improv club, a decision that felt both terrifying and exhilarating. As I stepped onto the stage, I felt a rush of adrenaline and a sense of freedom I hadn't experienced in years. I laughed, I made mistakes, and I learned to embrace the unexpected. Through improv, I rediscovered the joy of play and the power of being present in the moment.

I also began to prioritize spending time with my siblings, engaging in silly games and imaginative play. One afternoon, as we built a fort out of blankets and pillows, I found myself laughing uncontrollably as my little sister launched a "pillow attack." In that moment, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and I realized that it's okay to let go of the need to always be in control.

As I look back on my journey, I understand now that becoming "younger" as we get older is about rediscovering the parts of ourselves that we may have lost along the way. It's about embracing curiosity, finding joy in the present moment, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. My grandmother's battle with cancer taught me that life is too short to take ourselves too seriously, and that the most meaningful experiences often come from the simplest of moments.

So, as I move forward, I carry with me the lessons I've learned about the importance of staying young at heart. I may still have responsibilities and challenges ahead, but I now approach them with a renewed sense of wonder and a willingness to embrace the journey, no matter where it may lead. In the words of Bob Dylan, I may have been "older then," but I'm "younger than that now," and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue growing, learning, and rediscovering the joy of being me.