The beauty of ___ University’s environment lies in its diversity. With its eclectic mix of students, the university brings together unique experiences and personalities. This creates a lively milieu for learning that far exceeds its academic scope. I, myself, have a unique diverse past, which I hope will add a fresh perspective to the university. I am looking forward to learning more about life through my college education.
I grew up in the Philippines. Even though my father is Korean and I was born in Korea, his business took us all over Asia. Finally, we ended up in Manila when the city’s opportunities beckoned. We set up shop and it was at this time that I witnessed my family struggle to establish themselves in a totally foreign land. It was my father’s self-sufficiency and ambition that pulled us through this hard time, and from him I learned a lot.
I went to a private high school for international students. Likewise, I also attended English language class with a local tutor. My days were filled with immense learning. I was learning from my peers in school. Their varied backgrounds made me resilient and more open to cultural differences and a myriad of ideas. To me, possibilities became limitless. At the same time, my local tutor was teaching me how to speak better English. She was also imparting tidbits about her country to me. My stay in the Philippines was amazing to me because the country is a true melting pot of cultures, and offered a striking clash between the first world and the developing world. There were many poverty-ravished areas in the country, while certain locales enjoy amenities and lifestyles similar to those living in the first world.
These extremes made me realize how we, as individuals, need to make a difference. The opportunities available to us should not be taken for granted. As global citizens, we have the responsibility to learn as much as we can, and be the best in what we do. We should always meet each trial with confidence and strength. We should not be afraid to take risks.
I proved this even more to myself when I went to America and began studying at a community college. I was on my own but I saw to it that I excelled in what I did. I got good grades, became the president of the Korean Student Club and played with the soccer team. Through my extracurricular activities, I was able to create a network of friends and allies. These friends helped me assimilate into the Western milieu faster.
Apart from confidence and fearlessness in the face of risks, maturity has helped me a lot in dealing with my life’s circumstances. I quickly adapt to changes and diversity – these are realities in life. Likewise, I have become more committed to my personal goals. I am aware of how much work this takes but I am prepared to work three times as hard if I have to.
I know that, as I strive to further my college education, I will learn more from my peers, and hopefully impart some important insights too.
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Essay 11:
Even at a young age, I knew well enough that life is an adventure. Each step should be lived, and each person and experience that crosses our paths should be accepted with openness. It is through this that we learn and become better people.
I’ve always believed that one can never be too young to make a mark in people’s lives. Everything we do matter to one or more people, and to us. We should make the most of what we have and not take anything for granted. Life is to be lived; it is not to be waited on and wasted.
Growing up in a stable middle class family, I have many opportunities come my way. I know I am lucky and I feel that it is only right that I repay my parents by excelling and being the best student and daughter that I can be. I will graduate with a 4.0 GPA in high school. Also, I will end my year as one of the school’s student leaders (class president) and lead debater in our school’s debate team, the only batch in our school to compete in national competitions. I have worked so hard to achieve these and I am proud to have seen my simple dreams come to fruition.
Being class president has thought me a lot. It has allowed me to be involved in several projects and to work with several people. It is amazing how much diversity in culture and ideas are with us now. I think this is a good thing. Lives can be enriched by our differences as long as we learn to work together for a common cause and for the general good. As class president, I’ve had to be at the center of it all. I am the person most classmates turn to for guidance, decisions and inspiration. I have had to work to keep my friends motivated. This has thought me immense strength in character. And I have learned to always look forward to life’s challenges.
As a debater for our debate team, I have learned the importance of research, logic and analyses. We always have to get the facts straight, and be aware of possible arguments our competitors might present. Being in the team has also given me a healthy sense of competition. Sometimes, it is not always in winning a contest where we find victory; it is also in being able to do our best and come together as a team.
Outside school, I also involve myself in charity organizations and volunteer work. I help in food drives for the local Salvation Army, as well as several fundraising initiatives for our town’s homeless shelter. This has been an important factor in keeping myself grounded. I am keenly aware of my privilege and I want to be able to give back however way I can.
With all this activities I am involved in, I know what I want to achieve out of my life. I want to make a difference. I want to help people. I have a strong inclination to enter the health care industry or study medicine. I think becoming a health care practitioner is a solid way to go out there, help and make a difference.
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Question: “Describe the unique characteristics of ___ University that most interest you. Why do these interests make you a good match for this school?”
When considering the ___ University, I am struck the most by its wealth of resources and its diverse student body. I am impressed by the prestigious faculty that before, I only read of in scientific journals and papers. It is humbling to have the opportunity to be mentored by these great minds. I also admire the university’s commitment in maintaining a diverse student population. I think that this invigorates the learning environment. Each student brings with him or her different experiences and perspective, and limitless ideas.
I am a woman of Asian descent, who grew up with in the United Arab Emirates. While in the Middle East, I studied in a private high school for international students. There I was exposed to a variety of cultures. My everyday surroundings have ingrained some shyness in me, with the Middle East being a conservative locale. I think the intimate class setting in the university, as well as a variety of extracurricular social clubs, will help me overcome this and become comfortable with American life. At the same time, this will also provide me a new venue to expand my horizon and interests.
The ___ University is known globally as a prestigious institution of learning. It has stood for excellence and progressive thought. And it would be a privilege to study here, especially for students like me, whose careers may take them anywhere. A degree with your institution is sure to open doors of opportunities for me, regardless of where I am.
At the same time, I believe I can be a good addition to your student population. My exposure to different cultures has taught me a lot about the value and intrinsic goodness of diversity. Through the changing environments that I experienced, as well as changing circumstances, I am still able to excel and be a good academic. I am able to push through with my goals and aspirations.
I believe that being in your university will help me flourish as a person, especially in my chosen field. I am sure that I will be able to expand my knowledge base, given that I will be mentored by intellectual luminaries. Likewise, my exposure to further cultural diversity, in a lively academic milieu within your university, will enable me to develop intellectually and personally.
I am hopeful that you will provide me with a positive response. I only seek to improve myself by finding a better venue for learning than what I currently have now in the Middle East. My family is intrepid about my resolution to apply for further studies abroad. But I feel that this is the only way gain access to the amount of learning and development possibilities that I have long sought.
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