Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

As a child, I was born in weak health. Combined with my introverted nature, I had a hard time making friends early on and was alienated by many people of my own age. Given my perfectionism, I always felt that I was too ordinary to make any difference in the society. I went to a little extreme at that time as I wanted so much to realize myself and be recognized of my values. As a result, I immersed myself in books, participated in countless academic activities, and conducted my own experiments. I enjoyed the long stretches of working alone because I find the solitude calming and enriched.

At that time, my desire to work was so intense that I ignored my parent’s concerns and the various warning signs of my own body. Once during a science competition, I worked for two weeks continuously with very little sleep. Finally, I collapsed from exhaustion. My mind was filled with thoughts of fear and hopelessness as I lost consciousness.

I woke up after being revived in the emergency room. As the competition was close, between the competition and my health, I chose the latter as I suddenly realized the importance of physical and mental health and the fragility of life. During my time convalescing in the hospital, I made friends with another patient, who acted as a bridge for me to reconnect with the society.

I constantly reflected on my actions and learned to be mindful of their consequences not only for myself but also for the people around me. After my recovery, I started to listen more to other people’s opinions and actively engage with others. My routines have been re-adjusted and my mind became clearer and more accepting of new ideas. I feel that this challenge was a great lesson as well as a chance for me to reborn. I came out better-rounded with my horizon expanded. I never go extremes when encounter new tasks in life and I learned that only by keeping a balance in life can I develop my skills sustainability and accomplish my goals in the long-term.