Common App Essay: Navigating Grief and Building Resilience After Loss

This essay recounts the profound impact of the loss of the author's half-sibling, James, who died in a tragic road accident. The author details the initial shock, grief, and depression that followed, highlighting the challenges of coping with such a significant loss. The essay then shifts to the journey of healing and resilience, emphasizing the importance of support systems like family, church, and counseling groups. Ultimately, the author transforms their personal tragedy into a proactive initiative, starting a road safety awareness campaign to prevent similar incidents and support others who have experienced loss. This experience underscores the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the potential for personal growth even in the face of immense adversity. Desklib provides similar essays and resources for students.

Running head: CHALLENGE IN LIFE
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CHALLENGE IN LIFE 2
The death of my half sibling, my response to it and how it shaped the rest of my life
My half-sibling, James had a bright future basing on an excellent performance in school
and the co-curriculum activities he was engaging in while schooling. Even though James was not
from my blood mother, I consider him as a brother. We always studied, played and planned
everything together. The demise of James through accident almost took away my breath. The
world was not as friendly as before. I was full of depression on what is awaiting me in the world.
Up to his demise, his existence was imperative in my life with advice enthusiasm he brought to
my life.
I remember very well the day me the fatal accident. He had come to our home to share
with me about the plans for his twentieth birthday. We enjoyed the better part of the day, full of
drinks and food. After that moment, it was time for James to head back to their residential area
just outside the town. I accompanied him to board a public vehicle. We hugged each other not
knowing that was our last moment together when he is alive. James had not gone far when I
heard hooting of cars with break scratches. It was a trailer that had lost control and rammed into
their vehicle.
The saving process took the better part of that evening. It was not an easy time for me
regarding the condition of the public vehicle James had boarded. I prepared for the worst but
hoped for the base. After gaining m conscious, I went to the mission hospital to check for James
condition. It was very challenging, every family shedding tear all over. I knew now I had lost my
brother. The truth dawned on me when nurses were ferrying the body of the deceased to the
mortuary.

CHALLENGE IN LIFE 3
Several questions went around my mind. Why could this happen to me? Why did God
allow this to happen? A brother who had a bright future now no longer breathing. The pain was
unbearable. I felt depressed for months. Everything in this world would not bring back the
happiness James was giving in my life according to Reid, Nolan & Scott, (2018). My parents
started teaching me on the importance of strength at that particular moments. After some weeks,
I said enough was enough, it was now vital for me to develop resistance. Despite growing thin at
that moment, my parent reminded me of going to church to associate with other people. Joining
church was a good strategy at this moment to encounter my depression according to Effendy,
Vernooij Dassen, Setiyarini, Kristanti, Tejawinata, Vissers & Engels, (2015)‐ . I met a counselling
group who assisted me to manage my situation. However, the healing process took longer, I
sometimes found myself remembering the moments we had together and could not control my
tears. James could remind me that everything was possible, even during the examination period
he used to tell that I was going to make it no matter the ups and down. My friends reminded me
of the say, and I realized it was time to be strong in reference to Nouwen, (2016).
Consequently, while I was healing from the pain of losing my half sibling on that fatal
road accident, I wondered how many people are facing the same situation. The issue prompts me
to tell other church members to come up with a campaign that would counsel other people who
have lost their beloved according to Maharaj, Kazanjian & Haney, (2016). It comprises
emotional support and consistent counselling. Another thing was to start creating awareness of
the traffic rules given James died because of an accident. Many drivers do not observe traffic
rules. Besides that, some policemen allow those drivers to drive still.

CHALLENGE IN LIFE 4
After one year of pain, I trained myself to accept the situation and move on. James had
left a massive vacuum in my life. However, through counselling, I have prepared to adapt to the
situation and focus ahead.

CHALLENGE IN LIFE 5
References
Effendy, C., Vernooij Dassen, M., Setiyarini, S., Kristanti, M. S., Tejawinata, S., Vissers, K., &‐
Engels, Y. (2015). Family caregivers' involvement in caring for a hospitalized patient
with cancer and their quality of life in a country with strong family bonds. Psycho‐
Oncology, 24(5), 585-591.
Maharaj, N., Kazanjian, A., & Haney, C. J. (2016). The human–canine bond: A sacred
relationship. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 18(1), 76-89.
Nouwen, H. J. (2016). Life of the Beloved. Hachette UK.
Reid, J., Nolan, A., & Scott, M. (2018). When is the right time?. Vet Rec, 182(3), 85-86.