Man, I've been applying for all kinds of science research internships and various college stuff. It has been very emotionally taxing to write a personal essay. I've been self-reflecting and pouring my soul into it. I had to reflect on a lot of adversity and look at my progress. (I'm not very good at receiving compliments, and especially not good at giving myself credit.) I was accepted into one, and the validation in the pursuit of self-actualization was an emotional roller coaster.