Jenn - My Sister

The following is an excerpt from Rebecca’s college application essay.  Rebecca’s parents are Mentors in Rhode Island. 

Just two words changed my life as I knew it: MENTOR program.  I’m not going to lie; when my parents explained the program to me I was very apprehensive.  Imagine a stranger coming to live in your house and becoming a part of your family.  My parents described the program as a ‘rewarding new experience.’  I thought of it as a major inconvenience and interference.  I know, I sound mean right?  Who wouldn’t want to help someone out?  Well I didn’t, at least not at first. 

That was until Jenn told me how her parents when on vacation and never returned.  She explained that there was no more mommy and daddy and that her house is all broken down.’ She told me she liked the new house, shower and toothbrush and wanted to sleep over every day of the week.  I told her that she could stay as long as she wanted to. 

From that point I learned a lot about my new sister.  I learned that the color pink brings a smile to her face, she likes polish on her nails, and knows the words to practically every 80s song.  Jenn had a tough life prior to living with us, and now she describes herself as a ‘new woman with a new situation.’ The same can be said about me. 

In helping Jenn to better her own life, she has bettered mine.  My life wouldn’t be the same without Jenn.  She is a part of my family.  Jenn is my sister.”