Some students have a background or story that is so central to their

identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If
this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Upon my indecision, the lady standing three positions behind approached me.
You dont want to bungee-jump? she asked. I replied, I am doubting, and
nervously I stated, I will try. Hearing my answer she praised the words: there
is no such word as try, there is only do or did not do, and with a smile on her
face she left, leaving me perplexed. Immediately, my mind started working as a
machine, searching for the real definition of try, but there was none. I put on the
harness and walked towards the platform. I looked into the city beneath my feet,
as the words of the lady resounded in my head. And then, more decided than
ever, I stepped into the emptiness.
Ever since then those words were cemented in my mind and permeated in my
body: they have shaped me.

Years later in order to mitigate the confusion caused by resounding questions of:
What to do and what will my future be? I decided to enjoy my passion for nature
and was lucky to accompany a group of researches to the heart of the Amazon
jungle.

After a two-hour flight on a bi-motor plane, a four-hour bus drive through jungle
dirt roads and a five-hour canoe trip, we reached the Tiputini Biodiversity Station.
I hopped out of the canoe as fast as I could and started walking towards the
campsite, as I explored my surroundings. Suddenly, I was overcome by
astonishment as my eyes met a colossal tree trunk. I looked up, searching for the
top, but its dimensions were limitless. Then, I heard our guide say, Who is up to
the challenge? Who wants to try climbing it? as a smirk appeared in his face. I
laughed while pronouncing the words There is no such word as try, there is only
do or did not do. Instinctively I started climbing the ladder that leaned on the
tree.

To my surprise, the famous NatGeo photographer Steve Winter was at the
top of the 160 foot tree, waiting for the perfect moment to take a picture that will
later appear in the January 2013 NatGeo Magazine (Rainforest for Sale). He let
me see through his huge lens. Far away, in the middle of the pristine jungle, I
saw what seemed a stream of fire; one of the many oil wells burning its excess
gas. This image aggravated the turmoil I already had in my mind: How can
people destroy this heaven just for money?

Then, without previous notice, a typical jungle downpour started. It was
over as fast and unexpected as it had begun. I realized that Steve had a big
smile. Amidst the noise, I asked him why he was smiling, and he said that from
his experience, the best pictures of nature are those taken after the storm. It felt
like deja vu because as soon as I heard those words, I perceived the same
feeling I had years before when the lady behind the line had taught me that the
word try does not exist. It was as if his words were also words of wisdom.

I have extrapolated Steves words to my daily life. Every time I feel that
there is only darkness and confusion in my mind, and that things seem
unsolvable, I close my eyes, remember the view atop the tree in the Amazon
jungle, feel the rain and know that after the storm passes, everything will be
clear. Experiences have showed me that in the least expected moment,
someone will say something that will profoundly shape me and influence the way
I will act. I wonder what will the next words be? When would they come and from
whom?