I sat before my computer
Wondering how I could ever write something so meaningful
In less than two pages.
I had to make myself stand out from students nationwide.
Thinking this task would be impossible,
I pondered all the things that defined Catherine Marie.
Could it be my academic achievements,
Or perhaps my desire to help others?

For some reason,
Regardless of the importance of these aspects in my life,
They just weren’t enough.
But then it struck me,
Not every student has the ambition I do.
Naturally, I dug deep as to why my hopes and dreams were set so high.
Could it be my academic achievements?
Or perhaps my desire to help others?

For some reason,
Regardless of the importance of these aspects in my life,
They just weren’t enough.
But then it struck me:
Not every child had the father I did.
Not every girl’s daddy worked to get her this far in life.
So why should I let him down?
Why should I put all his struggles to waste?

Now, surely enough –
My fingers moved rapidly writing down all the reasons why I admired my father,
Continuing to reflect on the gifts and talents I was given
That somehow all related me to Alfred Rivera.
After an hour,
I had about two pages and a thousand reasons why I desired to succeed in life.

So that day not only did I finish my college essay,
But I figured out quite a few things about myself I had never stopped to think about.
Wondering how I could have never known this all before,
I was sure this would distinguish me from students nationwide.
Not because of Catherine Marie,
But more because of the person who shaped my molding.