The Asset, The Essay

For 20+ years, I have been involved in writing or critiquing career management and marketing materials. Every once in a while, I am asked to read a personal essay with a "tell me what you think" directive attached to it. I have read some really good essays, some terrible ones, and then, there are the ones that make me pause. This essay, for me, was of the pause variety...it was written by a young woman who hoped to win a new computer to advance her life, and her career. The following essay is reprinted with permission:

When I was born both my mom and I almost died. I had the umbilical-cord wrapped around my neck 5 times. The doctors put me in the neo-natal unit of the hospital because something was very wrong with me.

At the age of 4 my parents had me evaluated to see what was causing my delay in development. They found out that I had a mental disability do to the lack of oxygen at my birth.

With a mental disability, it is hard to learn at school, at work or at home. Everything is hard for me, but I do not let it get in my way. I do the best I can at everything I try. For example I had to take driver's test 7 time's, but I never quit trying. I now have a car that I bought with money I saved since I was little.

It is hard to make new friends when you have a mental disability. Lots of times I have been left out because of my disability. My family and my dog love me for who I am.

Did you know that my name Tessa spelled backward's mean's Asset? I even had to tell my mom that. My SCL worker's think that I am very funny with a good since of humor. Since I was born, I have had good instincts. My mom say's that I have a good antenna and that I am smart in many way's.

If I could win a computer, I would use it to educate myself, Right now, I am learning how to use Excel and Word. Hopefully I could use the computer to start my own dog-walking business. Another big way to use the computer to achieve independence is to stay in touch with all the people who make my life work.

Thanks you for your time,

Tessa

Today, the young woman sat on the steps of her home, overcome with emotion as she held the letter in her tiny hands...the opening line said: Dear Tessa, Congratulations, you have won...

 

Comments

[Jill Clark]

Billie

Please tell Tessa that I love her. She is a beautiful, loving young woman

Jill Clark

[Billie]

Jill!

Tessa sends her sincere thanks for your amazing comment! She'll see you soon!:)

[resume writing]

Wow Impressive!
Your blog is very informative. However, it is pretty hard task but your
post and experience serve and teach me how to handle and make it more
simple and manageable.
Thanks for the tips… Best regards.

[Skin Care Reviews]

I've been reading a few posts and truly and enjoy your writing. I'm just setting up my own blog and only hope that I can write as well and give the reader so much insight.

[Skin Care Reviews]

I've been reading a few posts and truly and enjoy your writing. I'm just setting up my own blog and only hope that I can write as well and give the reader so much insight.