The memory of that Christmas Eve years ago still lingers in my mind. Who would have known that a simple candle made of wax and wick would change my way of thinking forever…
Christmas Eve was a special time for Momma and Poppa. Even though there never was enough money to go down to the neighborhood stores to buy presents, Momma and Poppa always made sure I had one present on Christmas morning. In years past I had received a doll made from worn out clothing, with a painted face and hair of yarn. A box made of wood carved by Poppa with my name encircled with a heart. One gift to a young child may not be much, but Momma and Poppa always made sure there was something under our tiny Christmas tree.
But this year Momma was not home for Christmas. The Angels had come for her earlier the summer before. Poppa had grown weary working jobs that paid very little and kept him away for days on end. Leaving me to tend to the house and to keep up with my schooling. Momma always knew what the perfect gift would be that would make my Christmas complete. She was the one who made the doll and suggested the box that I still hold dear today. But now Momma was gone and Poppa was away, leaving me alone on Christmas Eve.
I sat alone reading by the dim light of the last candle that I found in Mommas nightstand. Momma made such beautiful candles, dipping each wick lovingly into the hot wax over and over until the candles took form. Before gently hanging them up to dry she would take a knife and carve a word on each one. Through the years, I had seen the words hope, love, giving, along with a multitude of others. I took the candle down from stand and this one had one word cut delicately in its side…remember.
How odd a word to put on one of her lovely candles. It seemed strange not to see a word of hope, love, charity or even family. Remember. Why would Momma put such a simple word on this last candle? Taking the candle down from the shelf, memories of Momma flooded into my mind. Her soft golden hair, the smell of her favorite perfume, even the memory of her voice seemed to echo in my ear.
College Admissions Essay: Seeking Wisdom
Seeking Wisdom
My neighbors aren’t too surprised to see me in my front yard at midnight frantically scraping off the back window of my car. A couple of months ago, I began to write messages there, on the smooth glass. This week’s is “A candle loses nothing of its light by lighting another candle.” Project Wisdom inspired me to transform the back of my car into my billboard to the world.
At my high school the “Words of Wisdom” are read every day. Several of the daily readings ask the question “What are you waiting for?” As Student Council President, I am always encouraging students in my school to participate in community service projects and school pride activities, but I didn’t think I could have any impact outside of school. With Project Wisdom’s reassurance, I have opened my arms to the rest of the community. My favorite “Words of Wisdom” inspired me the most:
“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences.”
Besides volunteering at the city court and the hospital, I am exploring other avenues to help my fellow man. I started a school tradition that is sure to last: “Bowie Community Service Month.” At work, I initiated and coordinated a community activity involving about 40 kids ages 5-10. But greater still, I have inspired. My little sister and her group of friends are now volunteering in the city. Project Wisdom has given me the confidence, by speaking directly to me, to venture into the community.
I know the words of wisdom reach other students and teachers at school as well. It is difficult to exactly measure the effectiveness of Project Wisdom, except by careful observation of the students’ facial expressions while they listen to the daily “Words of Wisdom,” and to attribute the general improvement in