<p>hey you guys I just finished a rough draft on the applytexas essay for UT and A&M and I wanted your feedback/constructive criticism. </p>
<p>When I stopped looking at him as an innocent child and started to see him through the eyes of an adult, I saw the grown man before me and I realized two years ago that I did not know my brother at all. It is said that as we progress through life, we are unknowingly influenced by the people we find it hardest to relate to. The people we believe we have no common resemblance to, are sometimes the ones we realize we can understand on a different level. Its the little things that pile together: the worries, the laughs, and the tears, which in the end make us appreciate what we have. Its when we owe them our entire being and our soul, that we realize how truly blessed we are. My rock, my shoulder, and my savior are my younger brother, Noshir.<br>
Through all the ups and downs in his life he has persevered in any task he sets his mind to, and with his guidance and inspirational demeanor even I have succeeded. My brother has taught me to find my inner strength and to never give up optimism. Hes shown me the brighter side of life and how to view its challenges with a determined mindset and eventually prevail. The bond we have is one that cannot be described with words. We are two distinct halves to a whole. Our paralleled personalities give us balance in our lives and give us a clearer understanding of each other. Its true what people say- opposites attract. Ive watched my brother struggle through numerous pitfalls in his life and I see the end result now as a product of a strong will and dedication to do the right thing. He is able to change for the better, showing compassion and understanding to the world around him. He gives me solace and advice when needed and gives love and security when words fail. To me, we are two peas in a pod.<br>
I never would have believed my brother could be my influence. Noshir is a football player and fit the stereotypical aspect. I cant help myself but worry, and rightly so because I am his older sister. This attitude comes from the ingrained concern I have and the yearning for him to understand that his actions hurt me more emotionally than anything else. Looking at the situation now I see his turn around. He deviates away from the norm and people show their respect and acknowledgement of his choice. I tried to help him at that time yet he never accepted it. In the end, I would ask myself why I even bothered because deep down I knew he was never going to leave the comfort of his life.
Leaving the comfort of his football friends and the life he knew would seem like failure in his eyes but he eventually changes. He gives up everything he has ever known and takes help from someone. He was very strong-willed and set in his own ways to allow someone to change his perception on something. Yet he has changed and allowed a single person back into his life, me. Now my brother takes responsibility for his actions and makes choices according to how they will impact those closest to him. The one wish I had was to help him as he has unknowingly helped me. I know he has impacted me in a different light. Hes shown me that life is to be lived but not at the expense of those that you love.<br>
One thing I know is that my brother has guts, he has drive. He knows what he wants and works hard to get it in the end. I was never strong like my brother- maybe if I had his perseverance and self confidence, I would have learned strength and individuality earlier in my life. Watching him quit a concept he had delved into for two years was much harder than I anticipated. He fought off peer pressure and restrained himself from the self-wanting in order to become sober. From seeing how he cleaned himself, I have developed strength and respect for him. I may not have noticed it at the time but my brother has constantly been shaping my personality and my attitude in the most positive way anyone could ask for.<br>
It is difficult to think that someone younger can have such a positive effect on you. I look up to him much more than he realizes but the truth is that Im supposed to be the big sister. Im supposed to be the one he looks up to, the one who guides him and helps him through the rough times. I dont think he sees me as a role model, yet I want and need to be the person he sees and feels an urge to emulate. Hes impacted me and shaped me to be the woman I am today and I feel as though I am unable to reciprocate the gesture. Sometimes I feel like Ive cheated him in life.<br>
Noshir is the one force that is unwavering in my life and in my heart. If I need a friend, an open ear, or open arms, I can trust in him to be there for me. My brother has shown me that life can take you by surprise; it can pressure you to make decisions on the spot and it is up to you to decide how you deal with them with what you have. Hes shown me that life is never a smooth sail-there are ups and downs which can make or break you. Most of all, he has given me strength to make the right choices in any situation, a strong will to persevere, and a reason to live my life to the fullest. I am forever indebted to him for shaping the woman I am today.</p>