SAT II Writing ~9 (timed essay - 20 minutes)
It was June 18, 2001. The auditorium of Tappan Middle School was packed with students and parents, dressed neatly, and smiling proudly. Everyone was busy taking photos and receiving flowers. In the middle of chaotic, yet happy atmosphere, I stood in the back of the auditorium and fell into the memory of Fall 2000.
I was sitting in Ms. Hoadley's English class with an eager face. I was the most attentive student in the whole classroom; only, I didn't undersatnd a thing. The words out of my teacher's mouth danced ferociously in y head like some alien words, and I was constantly frustrated at my pathetic inablity. That day, staring at Ms. Hoadley's face blankly, I made a resolution; I would not let myself to be the same a year later.
For one year, I worked harder than I had done in the past 13 years. I never failed once to turn in an assignment and never took shame in asking questions, even if I sounded stupid to the other studnets. Remember the resolution, I pushed myself further and further, eager to prove what kind of person I could be, and how much better I could do.
After having the memories go by like a quick panorama in my head, I came back to reality and took a seat in the auditorium. That day, I received two unexpected awards; one from the Detroit Free Press Writing contest, and another for the academic excellence which was given to the student with the highest GPA. Back in my seat, staring at the trophies, I felt endlessly proud and worth, not because I receive the awards in front of 800 people, but becase I realized that I kept the promise I had made a year ago, and were holding solid proofs of my efforts.
After the ceremony, I walked out of the auditorium, thinking what it would be like in the future; I wouldn't be able to come back to the auditorium, or be an eighth grader of Tappan Middle School again, but I knew one thing for certain; I would always remember the gloriest day of my life and would cherish every moment of it.