Whitlow 1

Mallory Whitlow

Mrs. Cramer

College Comp Pd. 8

18 September 2020

College Application Narrative

Anytime you hear of a child who is going through a life changing experience, they

always say “Oh, children are resilient, they will bounce back quickly”. From the other side, you

feel as if your life will forever be altered. When I was thirteen, I had an eight-hour surgery on my

spine, having to relearn how to do everything that once came naturally. In all honesty, I was most

worried about having a scar that would permanently be with me. Little did I know, I came away

with much more than that.

I woke up from the surgery surrounded by my entire family. I don’t remember much from

that night, other than the jokes and relief in their eyes. I attempted to walk for the first time two

days later. It was early December, and I walked with my parents on both sides to the floor-to-

ceiling windows. Looking outside at the snow falling over the city skyline, I started tearing up,

but did not cry.

I didn’t start until I set up a handrail to get out of my bed. Reality set in. I knew that

nothing was going to be as simple as it was a couple days prior. I spent the next month trying to

stand up and walk myself ten steps to the bathroom. My family would always be there to help me

up when I couldn’t myself. When I went back to school, the positivity from my friends and
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family fueled me. The doctors cleared me six weeks earlier than most. My life was almost back

to normal, other than the scar.

The scar, for me, didn’t symbolize strength or perseverance like some said. It didn’t look

“gnarly” like others had told me. It was an ugly pink line that was twelve inches long. I wouldn’t

let anyone see it, and when I was asked, I felt ashamed. I was still struggling to find the beauty of

it. That was until I learned about tattooing over scars from people who had went through similar

procedures. I had always told myself that I would never want a tattoo, something I was too afraid

of regretting further down the line. I realized, though, that I already had a permanent mark on my

body. Now I had the opportunity to make it what I want.

I have spent the past year since then trying to find what I want to keep with me forever.

Should I get a cheeky zipper tattoo or a flower to show the growth in myself? I honestly don’t

know what I should do. Whatever I do pick, I know I will be completely happy with my choice. I

am not trying to cover the not-so-ugly scar, but I’m trying to showcase the most meaningful

experience I went through.