There Isn't Nearly Enough Space | Teen Ink

There Isn't Nearly Enough Space

January 18, 2013
By Tafkas SILVER, Monrovia, California
Tafkas SILVER, Monrovia, California
8 articles 1 photo 2 comments

Favorite Quote:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believes in Him will have eternal life." John 3:16 <3
"Act your age, not your shoe size." ~PRINCE
"Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind."


If, while growing up, your father is the living, breathing essence of enigma, it is essentially your destiny to alternately be tormented, teased, and pacified by him – every single day. If, during your adolescence, you are constantly engaged in metaphysical debates with this man, it is plausible that you will frequently find reason to reevaluate your entire life under a philosophical microscope, as he victoriously takes satisfaction in his irrefutable rebuttals (hypothetically, of course). And if, upon attempting to undertake the task of writing a paper tantamount to his person – in only 500 words, mind you – you find it enormously difficult, it may be your express, cherry-picked affliction. It is completely understandable to exhibit feelings of frustration and adoration in trying to explain his many facets concisely. It is also normal to vociferate unintelligible sounds regarding this polygonal man and the paper you have commenced to write about him. And, naturally, it was your own decision. You could have chosen to write about political issues instead.

Well, this man – is my father.

A man with renowned penchants for funk (music) and philosophy, my father never ceases to astonish me. He is the epitome of the adage “Just when you think you know a guy….” He is a scrupulous businessman, a meticulous musician, and a responsible, loving father, giving up his dreams in order to support his family. He is the kind of man who works incessantly for those he loves – and yet, he is not indefatigable. Frequently, he has returned home from work, exhausted and sore. Nevertheless, somewhere, from the deepest reserves of his core, perhaps, he found the energy to spend time with his children – even if that meant serving as a jungle gym for us, in our fledgling years. I am his second eldest child, and as I grew into a teenager, the days of his providing a human playground evolved into his becoming my counselor. I am still climbing all over him, but not as a child at the park – I’m scaling a man who sustains me, allowing me to grow, and touch the skies.

From the time I’d developed signs of cognitive thought, he has always encouraged me to be a free-thinker, allowing me to explore the abstract and to taste the intangible. He placed nothing beyond my grasp. He taught me to read when I was two years old, and since then, the world was mine to explore and alter.

From him I learned lessons such as the virtues of rectitude, responsibility, and unshakeable resolution. My father also emphasized the importance of self-respect. He’d counsel me through my insecurities, affirming that if I’d love and esteem myself, I would be loved and esteemed by others – all lessons I currently carry in my heart, and hope to pass on.
In trying to select topics to cover about my dad, I’ve realized just how much he has done for me.

Reviewing this paper, I’ve also observed that my recapitulation hasn’t come even close to revealing it all.


The author's comments:
My dad is a many-sided figure - almost like those crazy shapes in geometry that have 20 sides. I wanted to write about how he's influenced me, and the truth is, it's more than just my academic life or my personality. Even though my dad can sometimes make me want to scream or tug on my hair, I know that without him, I would most likely be nothing, have nothing, care about no one, and be headed nowhere.

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This article has 2 comments.


Tafkas SILVER said...
on Feb. 7 2013 at 5:24 pm
Tafkas SILVER, Monrovia, California
8 articles 1 photo 2 comments

Favorite Quote:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believes in Him will have eternal life." John 3:16 <3
"Act your age, not your shoe size." ~PRINCE
"Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind."

Hey! :) I really appreciate your feedback. It's funny, but even though I read and re-read this essay, I never noticed how many SAT words I used. I'm accostumed to using those words a lot, actually (especially since I am taking/have taken a lot of AP Courses). I guess I didn't take into consideration that not everybody (not even college admissions representatives) understands college-level vocabulary. No offense taken; I am grateful for any opportunity I get to improve. :) Maybe you could read my other articles sometime! I'd appreciate any help you offer;  Thank you! ~Cheers,  Tafkas

Jessbug SILVER said...
on Jan. 28 2013 at 11:45 pm
Jessbug SILVER, Jersey City, New Jersey
9 articles 22 photos 52 comments

Favorite Quote:
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
—Ernest Hemingway

No offense, but it seems like you tried to stuff every SAT word you know into 500 words. This is a headache to read. The idea is nice and the title is great, but put the thesaurus down and speak like a real person. Your audience will appreciate it.