Essay Sample: What Is the True Meaning of Life?

I believe life's true purpose is to better the lives of other individuals. The countless philanthropic actions of Lebron James have greatly influenced this way of thinking. We are all aware of his athletic aptitude, yet his true inspiration comes from his feats off the court. Lebron grew up in a very rough part of Akron, Ohio, and had a childhood that was anything smooth sailing. He often hopped from house to house and had very little money growing up as his mother struggled to find a permanent job. However, Lebron powered through and used basketball as a way to escape his predicament. Yet, with all the fame and fortune paired with being a top player in the NBA, he never turned his back on the place that shaped him. This formidable compassion for his hometown was the impetus for his various philanthropic deeds. In particular, Lebron's "I Promise School" is helping a multitude of at-risk kids. Through this school, Lebron gifts hundreds of kids a chance to get through the "struggle" and chase their dreams. These kids and their families receive endless resources such as uniforms, food for their families, career placement services, bikes and helmets for each student, transportation for qualified individuals, and GEDs and job placement services for parents. The all-encompassing goal for Lebron is to create generational change from the roots up. With this school and his additional acts through the LeBron James Family Foundation, Lebron is fighting to give people in disadvantaged communities a chance to be more than a statistic. Giving them a chance to reach their full potential in every aspect of their life, giving them a chance to influence the world around them, giving them a chance to break free of the chains that society says they're bound to due to their place of birth. The pure solicitude Lebron holds for his hometown is incredibly motivating and drives me to reciprocate this same generosity to my homeland of Nigeria. While I reside in the US, my trips back to Nigeria bring a subtle impulse of guilt. I'm blessed to have the ability to pursue my dreams and goals, yet many people back in my village don't have this same opportunity. While Nigeria is a beautiful land filled with abundant culture and pride, the economic disparities in various regions are unsettling. I am determined to obtain the financial affluence needed to give back to my community, similar to Lebron. As I pursue a career as a Medical Doctor, I refuse to turn a blind eye to my motherland. Lebron has ingrained the idea of never neglecting your community, regardless of how successful you may become, deep into my spirit. An idea that will continue to drive and motivate me through inevitable struggles in my life. Ultimately, life's true purpose is to support those who need it most, and Lebron has undoubtedly fulfilled that task.