<p>I would really appreciate it if anyone could give me a grade for this essay with any feedback/suggestions. Thank you!</p>
<p>Topic: Do you think that ease does not challenge us and that we need adversity to help us discover who we are? </p>
<p>It is a common assumption that overcoming adversity allows one’s voyage of self discovery; however, experiencing life at ease may be just as important. Without having lived at ease for comparison, one may not be able to distinguish hindrances which may accelerate the self discovery process. This is exemplified through Marji’s experience in a shift of cultures in Persepolis, as well as in my own personal experience as a competitive swimmer.</p>
<p>Marjane Satrapi reflects on her search of self identity through the use of a graphic memoir , Persepolis, set in the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Growing up in the last reign of the Shah who advocated westernization, she attended a bilingual schools with no gender segregation. However, as the oppressive Iranian regime takes over, she experiences a new life of rebellions, war and discriminating codes of the Islamic republic. No longer allowed to attend bilingual schools and discriminated as a result of her sex, Marjane is able to see obstacles by contrasting the shift in societal ideals. Her later travels to Austria allow further comparison which aids in her voyage of self discovery. She finds her identity when she achieves an equilibrium between the ideals of western society and that of the Islamic Republic. </p>
<p>Furthermore, in my career as a competitive swimmer, experiencing a combination of ease and adversity allowed me to discover my full potential. I always feared swimming long distance, not only because I was scared of the pain but also because I lacked self confidence. I prefered shorter races where I felt at ease and I was doing just that when things took a sharp turn. I dislocated my right shoulder in the middle of British Columbia’s provincial championships where I was scheduled to swim a 1500 meter race- the longest in-pool race that existed. My right shoulder became swollen within minutes, but as a member of a team, I knew that certain personal sacrifices were necessary. Swim teams compete for points at each competition, meaning that each swimmer I pass would bump one place higher, allowing me more points. Despite my condition, I decided to swim with a swollen right shoulder but by the end of the race, my left shoulder was swollen as well because I had put most of my force into my left. I had help getting out of the pool at the conclusion of the race, and spent ten minutes in the bathroom vomiting. The climax came when I caught a fever on the last day of the meet, but finishing the competition represented a great sense of achievement. The “ease” I experienced served as a foundation for comparison, allowing me to discover my capabilities. Now, whenever I feel scared to swim a race, I think back to that weekend last July and gain confidence that I’ve already experienced so much pain, a little more would be no different. </p>
<p>It is on the basis of comfort that one is able to see obstacles and it is the whole experience allows personal growth. Allowing ease into one’s life may not be so bad afterall.</p>