Essay

Perseverance is important in many cases and is often the difference between conquering and failing. Sometimes everyone finds they are ready to quit, but sometimes one must make the most of their situation. I was once in a situation that definitely needed a lot of patience and perseverance. In the summer of 2012, my family decided to go camping. We had never been and decided it was about time to go. So, we packed up whatever we assumed we would need and drove to the nearest camping grounds. I stepped out after the long drive. I slumped after taking one glance at the grounds. This looks like a giant trampled all over it, I mumbled, trying not to trip on the hills and rocks. My sister rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. She tapped her foot as she thought. I looked up hopefully, waiting for her to say she doesnt want to stay either. This isnt so bad! she said instead to my dismay. She marched around the grounds, looking for other campers. I looked back to my parents as a last resort. They were pulling out tent supplies and other things we brought. I knew that I was going to have to make it through this day in order to get a new game for my Nintendo, so I reluctantly joined them. Where did Elena go? My dad asked as soon as I neared. I glanced around for my sister and shrugged and then peered into the trunk. A big cooler still sat in the back, squished in between blankets and air mattresses. What can I do to help? I started to grab the cooler, but gave up on the heavy block. My dad pointed to the tent, Want to help me set it up? he asked with a smile. I nodded and pulled out the supplies. We tugged the stuff over to an open spot and set them down in a pile. My dad first grabbed tent sheet and spread it out. I watched intently as he staked in the pegs and pulled out a few large poles. He rubbed his hands and looked back at the car.

Can you put in the poles while I check with your mom? I nodded and he strode away. He looked back one more time and then continued away. I stared back down at the poles and put my hands on my hips. Just how exactly do I do this again? I mumbled to myself. I frowned and picked up the poles. I attempted to connect some together, and after some twisting and turning they locked into place. I then picked up the tent, a triumphant smile on my face. I pushed the poles into the sockets, but realizing they wouldnt go in, attempted to pull them out through the other side. I pulled ferociously, not giving in so quickly. Are you trying to break the tent? Cause if so, keep doing what youre doing, my sister walked up to me right as I let go of the pole in surprise. I screamed in shock as I fell back into a pile of mud. The pole swung forward, hitting my sister square in the face. Ow! She yelped and stumbled backwards. She grabbed her nose as she fell back into a puddle. AHHH! We both screamed. Our parents came rushing over as I brushed my scratched and muddy hands against my jeans and my sister rubbed her nose. Tears blurred our eyes, as we stared at each other, and then they began to fall. Ha-ha! You are such a mess! Your hair, My sister burst out laughing and I joined in. Our hair looked like birds had just made nests in them and our clothes were stained all over with mud. Tears streamed down our cheeks from laughing so hard. We were in such hysterics. You look like a pig! I snorted. My mom put her hands on her head, looking at the mess we had made. My dad bent down and unlatched the pole while my mom helped me up. My sister got to her knees, still laughing. Come on you two! My mom grabbed both our arms, You have made such a mess! We apologized and helped our dad clean up. My sister then left to find a bathroom as my mom and I returned to the car. My dad stayed behind to set up the tent. At the car, I grabbed all the cans of food and brought them to our

area while my mom followed with the cooler. We placed the items in a little circle around the burner. My mom set up chairs as I looked around our stuff for a can opener. Uh mom? I asked slowly, We dont have a can opener, do we? My mom stopped what she was doing and began to look for one. After a while, she appeared concerned. Apparently not, wait here, she walked back to the car as I looked down at the can of beans. I glanced around and soon spotted a large rock. Pulling it over, I smashed it down on the can. The reaction was instantaneous. The top popped open, the contents splattering out through the top and other holes newly created in the sides. The beans splattered on me, over the mud, and all over the ground. I screamed as ants started to crawl to the scene. They marched and quickly went to the beans. My dad rushed over as they started to crawl up my leg. My legs tingled as they climbed. I shrieked again and my dad hurried over to brush them off. My sister joined, stomping on the ants and on the beans. My mom hurried over, and we all looked up. We were a mess, covered in beans and mud, my sister and I laughed and my dad soon joined in. My mom put her hands on her hips and pulled us over. We watched the beans get trampled over by ants and get carried away. My mom and dad started cleaning up as my sister and I changed into clean clothes. We rejoined our parents at the little fire and sat down. The sky was bright with stars and the moon. I looked up in awe and then back to my mom. She passed me a smore and I munched happily. We burst into chatter in our little camp. We all smiled, recounting the events of the day. Perseverance can help one get through a difficult situation, no matter how sticky or muddy the situation may be. By persevering through the events of the camping trip, I was able to have a fun time with my family. I conquered my situation, and so can anyone with a little determination and resilience.