Sat Practice Essay

SAT Style Essay

If a teacher asked a class of first graders, Ð''What do you want to do when you grow up?' How many of them would say they wanted to be an entrepreneur, or a stock broker, or a high ranking executive of a large corporation? The answer is none. Generally, children picture themselves helping others as Police Officers, Firefighters, Doctors, or Lawyers and so forth. This illustrates the natural motivation of people to achieve by personal satisfaction, but unfortunately, the influence of money and fame can radically change an individual's frame of mind when it comes to motivation. Although the media, governmental system, and corporations tell the average person they want money and fame, the great majority of people are still motivated more to achieve something for personal satisfaction, even those that are already rich and famous.

It's truly amazing what a person is capable of achieving when correctly motivated. A person who is, without a doubt, the prime example of this truth is none other than cycling legend Lance Armstrong. In 1996, Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs, abdomen, and brain. Doctors told him he had less than a 50% chance of survival. At this point in his career Armstrong had not won the Tour de France (the holy grail of cycling) but had won various stages. Unbelievably, Armstrong made a full recovery and went on to win a record seven Tours, and dominated the sport until his recent retirement, but his story does not end here. Back in 2004 Armstrong started the Lance Armstrong Cancer Foundation, raising money by selling elastic yellow wrist bands with the engraved message "Live Strong" to raise awareness. Despite only being founded three years ago, the foundation has raised over $15 million, and sold over 55 million "Live Strong" wristbands world wide.

In a variety of ways, this statement also applies to me and my schoolwork. Over the years, I have not garnered a reputation regarding me as a great student,