(Reflection, Math, Fitness) Bridging Differences, Breaking Barriers
I’m a part-time community college student. Usually, I’m just grinding through classes, but lately, I’ve taken on this informal mentorship role with Mitchell.
Now, Mitchell’s kind of a “big baby” — he’s got special needs, sports pampers, and really loves the lighter things in life. Ice cream? Check. Gerber baby food? You bet. Bottles of formula? Absolutely. It’s kinda wild, but it’s also real.
Usually, after my buddies get out of class, we explore the community. Like, we might hit up the bowling alley, grab some fast food from the spot down the street, then end up wrestling in the parking lot — just messing around, you know? Sometimes we swing back to campus because someone has to do something at the business office or whatever.
But today, I decided to switch things up and hang with Mitchell instead. I wanted to bridge him into our friend group, show the guys that he’s just one of us — even if he’s rocking his pampers and all that.
So, the day started off kinda chill. Mitchell was in his usual gear, pampers and all, but he was pumped to be out with us. We grabbed some ice cream cones — he was stoked, licking his vanilla cone like it was the best thing ever. Then we hit the bowling alley. Mitchell wasn’t exactly knocking down pins left and right, but he was having a blast just rolling the ball and cheering when it went down the lane.
After that, we stopped by the fast food joint. Mitchell’s face lit up when he saw the menu — he went straight for the chicken nuggets and a bottle of formula. The guys were a little surprised at first, but they rolled with it. We all sat outside, eating and chatting, and Mitchell was right there with us, laughing and joking.
Later, we got a little wild in the parking lot — some classic wrestling, nothing serious, just goofing around. Mitchell was surprisingly tough, even with his “big baby” vibe. He was smiling ear to ear, clearly loving the attention and the fun.
Finally, we headed back to campus because I had to help with some paperwork at the business office. Mitchell came along, still in his pampers, still part of the crew. It was a mixed day for sure — a little unconventional, but honestly, one of the best days I’ve had in a while. It felt good to include him, to show that friendship isn’t about age or ability or what you wear — it’s about connection.
Essay Prompt:
Mixed Day with Mitchell
Imagine you’re the part-time community college student in the story above. You’ve taken on an informal mentorship role with Mitchell, a young man with special needs who wears pampers and enjoys baby foods and formula. Your task is to curate a mixed day that incorporates Mitchell into your typical day-to-day activities with your friends.
In your essay, describe:
How you would plan your day to include Mitchell’s needs and accommodations, such as his use of pampers, dietary preferences, and any other special considerations.
The activities you would choose to ensure Mitchell feels included and valued by your friend group.
How you would handle any challenges or social dynamics that might arise from having Mitchell join your usual hangouts.
The importance of transparency and communication with Mitchell’s parents or caregivers to ensure his safety and comfort.
Reflect on what you think you and your friends might learn from spending time with Mitchell.
Write a detailed narrative that blends your normal college life with the unique aspects of mentoring Mitchell, emphasizing respect, inclusion, and friendship.
Sample Essay Prompt Response (Excerpt)
Today, I planned to bring Mitchell along with my usual group of friends after class. We started by grabbing some ice cream — Mitchell’s favorite — and made sure to bring his formula bottle and some Gerber snacks. I explained to my friends beforehand what Mitchell’s needs were, so they were ready to be patient and supportive. We went bowling next, which was a bit challenging for Mitchell, but everyone cheered him on. Later, we hung out at the fast food place, where Mitchell enjoyed his chicken nuggets and formula. Despite some initial awkwardness, the group quickly accepted him, and we all had a blast wrestling in the parking lot. I made sure to check in with Mitchell’s parents before the day to keep them informed and ensure they were comfortable with the plan. This day taught me a lot about empathy and the power of inclusion.
Math Word Problems: Increasing Mitchell’s Toddler Activities
This week, Mitchell drinks 1 bottle of formula per day. Next week, you want him to drink 1 bottle every hour for 8 hours. How many bottles will he drink next week?
Mitchell wears pampers only at night. If he sleeps 10 hours, how many pampers does he use per week?
Next week, you want Mitchell to wear pampers during the day as well for 12 hours. How many pampers will he need per day if he changes every 3 hours?
Mitchell eats 3 jars of Gerber baby food daily. If each jar costs $2.50, how much will you spend in a week?
You plan to take Mitchell bowling twice a week. Each game costs $5. How much will you spend monthly?
Mitchell drinks 1 bottle every hour for 6 hours on Monday and 8 hours on Tuesday. How many bottles does he drink in total?
If Mitchell’s pampers cost $0.75 each and he uses 4 per day, what is the weekly cost?
Mitchell’s formula bottle contains 8 ounces. If he drinks 3 bottles a day, how many ounces does he consume weekly?
You want Mitchell to increase his Gerber intake by 2 jars per day next week. How many jars will he eat in total that week?
Mitchell’s friends each bring him 2 toys every visit. If 5 friends visit, how many toys does he get?
Mitchell’s bowling ball weighs 6 pounds. If he lifts it 3 times per game and plays 2 games, how many pounds does he lift?
You plan to take Mitchell to the fast food restaurant 3 times a week. If each meal costs $7, what is the monthly cost?
Mitchell’s formula costs $15 per pack of 10 bottles. How many packs do you need for 30 bottles?
Mitchell changes his pampers 5 times a day. How many changes in 4 days?
Mitchell drinks 2 bottles in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. How many bottles does he drink in 5 days?
Mitchell’s Gerber jars come in packs of 6. If he eats 4 jars a day, how many packs do you need for 2 weeks?
Mitchell’s friends each bring him 3 snacks. If 4 friends visit, how many snacks does he get?
Mitchell’s bowling shoes cost $20. If you rent shoes for 3 friends at $5 each, what is the total cost?
Mitchell’s formula bottle lasts 2 hours. How many bottles does he need for a 12-hour day?
Mitchell wears pampers for 14 hours a day. If he changes every 4 hours, how many pampers does he use daily?
Mitchell’s ice cream cone costs $3. If he eats 2 cones a day for 5 days, what is the total cost?
Mitchell’s friends bring him 5 toys each. If 6 friends visit, how many toys does he have?
Mitchell drinks 1 bottle every 2 hours for 10 hours. How many bottles does he drink?
Mitchell’s bowling ball weighs 7 pounds. If he lifts it 4 times per game and plays 3 games, how many pounds does he lift?
Mitchell’s pampers cost $0.80 each. If he uses 6 per day, what is the weekly cost?
Mitchell eats 5 jars of Gerber baby food daily. How many jars does he eat in 3 weeks?
Mitchell’s formula costs $18 per pack of 12 bottles. How many packs do you need for 48 bottles?
Mitchell changes his pampers 7 times a day. How many changes in 6 days?
Mitchell drinks 3 bottles in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. How many bottles does he drink in 7 days?
Mitchell’s friends each bring him 4 snacks. If 5 friends visit, how many snacks does he get?
Gym Workout: Four-Hour Session
Embark on a four-hour gym workout designed to build endurance, strength, and flexibility. You can follow this sample template or create your own based on your fitness goals.
Sample Workout Template
Warm-Up (20 minutes):
5 minutes light jogging or cycling
Dynamic stretches (leg swings, arm circles, hip openers)
Strength Training (90 minutes):
Squats: 4 sets of 10 reps
Bench Press: 4 sets of 8 reps
Deadlifts: 4 sets of 8 reps
Pull-ups: 3 sets of max reps
Dumbbell Shoulder Press: 4 sets of 10 reps
Plank: 3 sets of 1 minute hold
Cardio (60 minutes):
Interval training on treadmill or bike (1 minute sprint, 2 minutes walk) repeated 15 times
Flexibility and Cool Down (30 minutes):
Static stretching focusing on major muscle groups
Yoga poses for relaxation
Optional: Hydrate and take breaks as needed.