First Diagnostic Writing Assignment

I would consider myself a really competitive person; while others may assume athletics or other aspects, my competitiveness comes out through school and academic validation. I cannot remember a single time when I got lower than an 85 on an assignment and did not freak out. Growing up going to a private high school, everyone wanted to be the best. Oddly enough, we were one of the only schools in the area that did not rank students. Even so, we all kind of knew who the top 10% were. In hindsight, I am glad that we didn't have rankings because it would've been way worse for my mental health. One of the hardest challenges I encountered was honestly the college application process. Because I was considered top 10% of my class and was inducted into the Cum Laude Society my junior year, my peers and friends were confused why I didn't apply to "better schools" come senior year. These included the Ivies, UC schools, and any other institution that was deemed academically excellent. I had imposter syndrome at some points and felt like I really should have applied to these so-called "better schools." The one person in my life that recognized this inner conflict I had with myself was my mom. Although she constantly reminded me not to compare myself to others and apply to schools for other people, it happened involuntarily. That being said, I had the worst breakdown right before applying Early Decision to Duke last fall. I went to my mom and she sat me down. She gave me tissues, a hug, and one of the best pieces of advices that I've ever heard: she said, "there is no good school, there is no bad school, there is just the school for you." It clung with me throughout my entire application process and I was extremely grateful to have her by my side through it all. Another phrase that is near and dear to our family is "everything happens for a reason." We are not religious but we believe that fate ties each person to a specific journey; through all the bumps and hassles we encounter, there will always be something rewarding at the end. I do believe that any institution could be the "right fit;" however you make it to be is what you're going to get out of it too. I miss my family a lot, but I am already having so much fun in college and I thank my mom everyday for giving me that pep talk; her words continue to motivate me and I want to make her proud.