Mettle - Personal Challenge Essay

Throughout my life, I have had many challenges to conquer. Some were substantial, most were minuscule. Nevertheless, what irks me is that I failed to learn from these challenges. Were they challenges that everybody faced? Were they challenges at all? I did not battle a dragon nor did I save a village. I did not change in any way. My life was flourishing, but it had no meaning, no greater purpose. I was looking, scavenging, for a reason to be someone that means something. I wanted to find my place in the world. Little did I know that I would find this hidden meaning flowing through my veins and giving me life, again. Blood.
I am in 10th grade when I start experiencing my young-life crisis. The day I realize my calling is almost like every other day. The only difference is the mass school publicized blood drive. The blood bus stops at my school. I have all the necessary forms signed. But I am skeptical about donating. I am horrified by needles, let alone needles that slowly take a part of you. I almost surrender to my fears, but I force myself in. I am so nervous that my body starts to react, in the form of a 99.4 body temperature. The donor nurse asks me if I am feeling okay. I have a last chance to get out alive. I nervously answer “yes”, and explain that I’m nervous. Later, I am feeling well, and slowly advance to the long inviting seats to donate. The nurse brings the necessary tools, including the needle, which is bigger than I could ever have expected. My mind races, but as she leaves to make some final preparations, I read a nearby poster. “Every pint can save three lives”. The tension in my veins slowly subsides. A feeling of happiness, wellbeing, creeps over me. It’s as if the reality of my situation has faded, and the result of my actions is all I can think about. Three lives saved, by the action of one individual. The nurse administers the needle, and I start donating. My fear turns into my motivation. My mettle was tested and I have come up triumphant. I finish donating and return to class.
This experience has made me more appreciative and optimistic for my life and my well being. I have since donated four times, and have gotten more involved in community service. I feel a better self confidence knowing that the things I am doing are realistically changing the lives of others. I also try to get as many of my friends as possible into donating. I constantly look back and thank myself for taking that brave first step; if it wasn’t for donating, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.