Minutes a day n e w y o r k

S A M P L E   E S S AY   E X A M   Q U E S T I O N S   A N D   A N S W E R S
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1 5 9
An influential person is one who leaves a footprint in the sand of our soul. To me, the most influential
person I can think of is  
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parents got divorced when I was 12, but I always knew that Grandma’s house was a source of stability when the
rest of my world seemed tumultuous. This sense of security has helped me face other challenges as they come
along in life, like when we moved during my freshman year of high school.
Grandma also inspired me to pursue my goals. Because of the trials she faced without shrinking back, I am
able to have the strength to work hard and try to realize my dreams. Grandma didn’t have it easy. Because she
was a single parent from a fairly young age, she had to work and sacrifice to support her children. She worked
full time cleaning offices to save for her children’s college educations. She received no help from the outside and
was totally independent from her own family’s help. Grandma always stressed the importance of education to
all of us in achieving our goals. Grandma’s example of hard work and her emphasis on education have strength-
ened me to pursue a college degree, and eventually a PhD. Even though I will have to work to get through school,
I know that if Grandma worked while raising seven children alone, I can handle taking care of myself. Her tireless
example is truly inspirational. She has also encouraged me in my chosen career, teaching, because she feels it
will blend well with family life when I eventually have my own children.
Perhaps the most significant legacy Grandma has left me is her example of always voicing her opinion despite
what others may think. Grandma would never bow down to prejudice; she never cared what people would say behind
her back. In an age where segregation in social circles was common, Grandma’s dinners after church on Sundays
would look like a United Nations meeting. She would include all races and nationalities, and became close friends
with a very diverse group of people. If someone tried to put down another race, she would quickly voice her dis-
agreement. This refusal to be swayed by “popular” opinion had a huge impact on me, and is a guiding principle in
my life today.
I certainly would not be the person I am today, inside or out, without the influence of my grandmother upon
my life. I can only aspire to imitate her in her stability, her work ethic, and her refusal to be silenced by other peo-
ple’s disapproval.