Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?”

this is my essay.
Two summers ago was the most challenging period of my life. My family immigrated to the United States, and I had to leave behind my school, my closest friends, and my extended family in Taiwan. Transitioning in my second year of high school made the move even harder because in Taiwan, high school only takes three years, there’s one more year to graduate, and the thought of not being able to walk graduating with my friends was heartbreaking.
Arriving in the U.S., I faced the learning of a new language and adapting to an unfamiliar culture. At school, English surrounded me, and I struggled to find my voice in a place where everything felt foreign. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, things didn’t go well like how it was. Three months after arriving, my parents had to return to Taiwan for work, leaving my younger sister, we were only 17 and 15 years old, to manage on our own. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a student adjusting to a new country—I was also responsible for taking care of my sister.
Together, we learned to navigate daily life: cooking our meals, doing laundry, getting to school, and supporting each other through moments of homesickness and uncertainty. My sister became my anchor, and her presence turned my fear into motivation. Knowing that she was counting on me inspired me to adapt more quickly and push through the discomfort of our new reality.
This experience taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of family. I became more responsible and focused on my academics, knowing that my sister looked up to me. Today, I am not only more comfortable with the language and culture but also more confident in my ability to overcome challenges. The bond I shared with my sister gave me strength and a deeper sense of purpose, and this challenge has become the foundation of my growth and academic success.