Humanity is plagued by adversity. It is not something we can get rid of easily, nor is it something we can take lightly. While people may see them simply as an obstacle in the middle of their already perfect life, adversity goes far beyond the basic understanding that most everyone has come to believe. Without the challenges and struggles of basic human existence, what would life be if not meaningless? Adversity challenges us; it pushes us to do better, become better, and can bring life-changing leadership qualities. Adversity affects everyone and shapes the way you live your life. Overcoming adversity is the truest test of one's character, never more exemplified than John F. Kennedy. He is best known for coming from a wealthy Irish-American family, yet Kennedy fought adversity quite often and usually in the public eye, whether it was the Bay of Pigs, the Cuban Missile Crisis, or his involvement in the Vietnam War. From an early age, he was forced to leave his hometown of Boston and move to New York due to discrimination. Even though he was wealthy, his family did not have the “status” that came with it due to his Irish origins. While this may seem minor compared to what he experienced during his presidency, discrimination still affected him, pushing him to learn patience and keep an open mind. Later in Kennedy's life, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where the challenges he faced as commander of PT-169 during World War II led to him being recognized as a war hero. After suffering a back injury during an attack by the Japanese ship Amagiri, he dragged a comrade to safety, too badly injured to swim alone. Not only did he spend his time in... middle of paper... in my community and abroad. I like to focus my efforts on improving those who are unable to improve themselves. I recently traveled to Puerto Rico to work at an orphanage for abused children rescued by the government. It was amazing to be involved in these kids' lives and be able to help heal a new generation. Just like Kennedy, I have been able to turn an accumulation of strenuous situations into something good, something that will impact the lives of many people. If it weren't for the hardships I endured as a child, I would never have become myself. I am a confident person and I am blessed for that. Kennedy and I both had to struggle to get to where we wanted to be and who we wanted to be in life. Everyone wants to be successful; it just takes someone who wants it bad enough and is willing to overcome all the obstacles life puts in your way.