Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Personal Statement. Write about any experience. 


Escape to Lake Boronda

I'm not known as an outdoor person. I've never gone camping or hiking before,
and an indoor fly is enough to repulse me. But this summer, a friend convinced
me
to drive up to nearby Lake Boronda with him ' and for the first time in my life
I
was introduced to the pleasure of fishing.

For five hours on a beautifully breezy summer day deep within the peaceful Bay
Area Foothills, I sat at the edge of a dock switching between watching my friend
cast his rod, and observing a pair of dragonflies mate besides my head.

As I picked up my friend's pole and cast it for the first time, I felt a strange
transformation, as if holding that rod suddenly converted me into a placid
naturalist. Standing with a fishing pole on a small dock, dwarfed by a huge
lake,
overshadowed by a mountain range, I had a distinct feeling of serenity in
casting
and reeling, casting and reeling. My schoolwork, social life, and stress seemed
to sink away; all I could do was watch my lure sail through the air and splash,
feel the tingling of ants scrambling up my leg, and smell the fresh scent of
algae that had just risen to the surface.

Some people tend to ignore nature because it doesn't play a part in their daily
lives - but as I took my friend's rod and sat down at a nearby, secluded rock, I
began to feel a warm dependency on my surroundings. I gauged the passing time by
glancing at the sun rather than my watch; I dug in the dirt with my hands to
find
worms for bait, and then rinsed my hands in the lake water to wash off the
grime.

I didn't catch any fish that day. In fact, I revisited that lake over a dozen
times that summer, yet I did not catch a single fish. However, it didn't matter.
It wasn't the fish I was after, but the tranquility, the escape. Perhaps it was
fitting that the fish continuously eluded me, for I was on their turf.

Some of my friends derided me for enjoying sitting alone on a rock, instead of
joining them in more typical teenage pursuits, like playing video games or going
partying. But at the lake, I felt a joy from being away from the strains of
society, and among the beauties of nature. By walking past the gate that
separates Palo Alto from the Foothills, I was stepping into a new world free of
calculus tests and English essays. There was something tranquilizing about those
wiggling tadpoles, those screeching gulls, and those pesky flies that kept
buzzing into my ear.

On the last week of the summer, I drew from the murky water a gleaming,
four-inch long bass. I didn't feel triumphant, but flattered - as if the fish
had
finally accepted me into its secret paradise. Feeling a peculiar bond form
between that tiny creature and me, I held it tenderly in my hand and stretched
it
over the water, letting it jump off and scramble away. Then I reset my reel and
cast once more, gazing at the lure as it sliced through the air and dove into
the
water, again and again.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Major: Write a personal essay that will help us to know you better. Ex. Families, intellectual and extracurricular interest, ethnicity or culture, school and community events to which you have strong reactions, people who have influenced you, significant experience, personal aspirations, or topics that spring entirely from your imaginations. You should feel confident that in writing about what matters to you, you are bound to convey a strong sense of who you are. (500) 


I hug the dryer fresh warm blanket closer around me.  Outside the ominous sky
threatens to pit fat raindrops against my curtain-drawn windows, but I am safe
from the blustering gale.  I am in my room, my sanctuary where I can think. 
Drawing a pillow closer to my chest, I curl up on my bed to reread a worn copy
of
The Glass Menagerie.  Laura lived in her imaginary world - what type of world do
I live in?  Am I like her?

I suppose that I am similar to Laura Wingfield that I reflect upon the past.  I
can vividly recall my kindergarten self planting leaves and counting stars;
playground games seemed only like yesterday: swinging on swings, jumping on
seesaws and climbing on monkey bars.  However, I have moved on.  My past does
not
define me; it only shaped me.  No, though I remember my childhood, I am not
Laura
- I do not live in memories.

As a young girl, I was shy and afraid to express my views like Laura.  But after
I began playing the violin, I grew outspoken and self-assured - my violin pushed
me to overcome my introverted nature.  My instrument's four resonate strings and
warm sound box believed in me by freeing my emotions and allowing me to sing. 
From each recital and concert, I gained a bit of confidence - until I finally
locked my fluttering butterflies in cocoons within my stomach.  My violin is my
springboard to the world.  It gives me the courage to lead story time and the
confidence to serve as Academic League Captain.  Without my violin, I would
probably be the silent Laura, hiding in the classroom corner rather than leading
the class discussions.

Laura isolated herself in her glass menagerie and never connected with others. 
I also have an eclectic trinket collection, but I realize that crystal ornaments
are only objects.  No matter how sparking or clear they are, they lack the
warmth, the trust and the understanding found in human-to-human relationships. 
I
build these bonds between hearts.  As a Peer Advocate, I connect with cancer
patients, pregnant teens, and failing athletes by listening to their personal
experiences and supporting them on their path to success.  Through counseling,
tutoring and encouraging, I have learned how to empathize and identify with
others.  My world extends beyond inanimate objects into the emotional realm.

And unlike Laura, I dream of the future.  I embrace change, I question life, and
I wonder about tomorrow.  Will I do well on my statistics test?  Will become a
Yalie and study under Dr. Richard Edelson?  Will I make a difference?  Find
success?  Find happiness?

These questions linger in my mind as my eyelids begin to feel heavy.  The play
falls from my fingertips as my head drops into the pillow.  The sound of
pattering rain fades as I slowly drift off to sleep...

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Minor: How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you have had to prepare for college? 


It was six o'clock.  I stood at the main gate clutching my backpack tightly in
both hands while watching my dad drive away to his night shift job.  His last
reassurances echoed in my ears as I turned to walk towards class.  I tried
unsuccessfully to control my jumpy steps as shivers of excitement and fear ran
down my spine.  It was my first day of school again; it was my first time as a
college student.
	
That night marked the advent of my college experience.  The year before, I had
completed my middle school's highest math level, and I now had the choice to
either skip math for a year or enroll in a community college class.  At first, I
did not know that to do.  I loved math but I felt apprehensive of being a junior
high student in a college course.  After long deliberations, I decided to take
the challenge.  I enrolled, and I excelled in the college Intermediate Algebra
class. 
	
Ever since taking that first math class, I have continued to challenge myself
with other courses such as chemistry, French and statistics.  College is now
familiar territory; college classes are where I can study subjects in depth and
satisfy my craving for knowledge.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Your response should address with some particularity your own wishes and how they relate to Chicago. 


Reading Economics is my academic goal and working in the field of finance and
business in the future is my career goal. To achieve both, I know that there is
no better seat of learning for me than the University of Chicago. I have learnt
much about the University through my former roommate who is currently studying
in
the University. The outstanding and extraordinary achievements of the University
have definitely captured my heart all at once. I realized that the distinctive
curriculum of the University would be able to provide me with the opportunity to
explore in great depth of various economic theories, which have already inspired
me greatly at this level.

Joining the Economics summer study program in Hong Kong University of Science
and Technology, has further enhanced my determination to study economics, and
thus strongly motivated me to apply to the University.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Tell us about a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, music, paintings, artists, magazines, or newspapers. Feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed or add a category of your own. 


Tchaikovsky's music, introduced to me at the age of ten, when I first played
'Swan Lake' on the piano, has deeply touched my soul. Playing both the piano and
the violin since the age of five has nurtured my aesthetic sense and I have
learnt to appreciate the beauty of music. Tchaikovsky's, in particular. The
power, the strength of the tone, woven within the gentleness of the floating
tune
have truly pulled my heart-strings. 

Filled with the legendary sense of romance as an adolescent still, I find John
Donne's metaphysical poems truly amazing me. The vivid and passionate imagery
depicting the elusiveness of love has left an imprint in my heart. The splendour
of words has led me into the plain of creation and magic.

I consider myself an idealistic but practical person. I thus ensure myself a
close contact to worldwide issues despite my artistic interest. The Time
Magazine
has been my top choice, but I also enjoy reading some Chinese publications.
Through interesting and ordinary daily examples, I gain deep insights into
current affairs and issues. Different cultural perspectives of the East and the
West also bring me a wider perspective of the world.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." 


We are now ten thousand feet above ground. Five thousand. One thousand. Five
hundred. And bam! Touchdown. My plane lands on the newly paved runway of the
Shanghai Pudong airport. As I look around the terminal, the Chinese signs serve
as the only reminder that I am no longer in America. My uncle eagerly awaits us
in the waiting area. As he drives us home in his shiny new Volkswagen, I stare
in
awe at the beautifully lighted high-rises along the expressway. It is only when
he turns into the driveway to the apartment buildings where we used to live six
years ago that I am able to recapture moments from my past. Ah, it's my grandma,
and there's my aunt! 

Waking up the next morning, I pull open the curtains of my bedroom to let in the
morning light, as I had done everyday when I was young. What happened to the
cars
speeding on the highway and the architectural marvels that I had seen the night
before? In fact, the scene is too familiar. It seems as if the place has stood
still for the past six years. Perhaps the buildings have acquired a darker shade
of brown and the trees have risen an inch taller, but the freshly washed clothes
still fly on the balconies, and bicycles provide the main mode of
transportation.


Mom and I walk to the market, where buns are steaming and children are running.
A woman with a basket in her hand is arguing with a vendor over the price of
bean
sprouts. Mom points out that even the shop owners remain the same. I couldn't
help but let out a smile, for these are the things that I remember most dearly
about my home! 


During the next several weeks, I am able to see that local eateries and the
tailor shops exist amongst the mega-sized supermarkets that have sprung up, and
the McDonalds and Gaps that line the city streets. However, despite the enormous
revolution in the skyline of the city, the daily lives and values of the
residents remain unchanged. Grandparents are still the most respected members of
the family; education is still key to the success of all children; and the
closely-knit family persists. Indeed, it is the people and their values that
continue to define the city. Yet I feel strangely out of place in a environment
that used to be my home. 

In the same way that children made fun of my clothes and accent when I first
moved to America, many now stare at me on the Shanghai streets and subways. I am
amazed by the obedience of children to parents. I listen in astonishment to a
teen talk about her dreams to receive an American education that would make her
life a success, only to realize that I used to wish for the same thing. 
No, I am no longer the conforming girl who left China six years ago. By
experiencing a new world, I have learned to use my judgment, assert my beliefs,
and create innovations. Perhaps shaped by the environments that I have lived in,
my values are no longer that of one culture, but rather, an intermix of all that
I have been lucky enough to experience.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Major Essay: What drives you? What are you passionate about? 


Early in the summer, my Naniji (meaning 'maternal grandmother') was teaching me
about Indian culture, particularly cooking and reading Hindi. Today, in her
feisty style, she was showing me how to make paneer, an Indian delicacy. Not
letting me touch the pot she was stirring, she impatiently explained the
process:
'the milk has to be heated to exactly the right temperature or else the paneer
will be loose. After it has heated, add lime juice to the milk.' Paneer is a
soft, cheese-like white substance so laborious to make that it is only served on
certain Indian holidays or for special company. 
	
When Naniji at last consented, I excitedly added a drop of juice to the nascent
paneer, carefully observing the tiny havoc it caused. A small, yellowish drop of
lime juice tumbled into the milk, causing the milk to part around the juice and
become strangely stringy. The word for this process -- coagulation - popped into
my mind. I liked the funny-sounding word in chemistry class, and felt a
linguistic familiarity with it because I could discern its etymology: 'cogo',
from Latin, meaning 'to do or to drive'. 

'That makes sense,' I thought, 'because coagulation could be the process of
driving solute together.' As I added more juice, I looked carefully at the
developing paneer and began to wonder what was driving the milk together.
Thinking back to biology and chemistry, I quickly figured it out: protein from
the milk emulsion was clumping together because it had been denatured! The lime
juice had a low pH, which denatured, or reshaped, the proteins by altering
charges on the polypeptide chain, causing the proteins to stick together! That's
why I can make paneer!  
In a flash, I had figured it all out. Why the process worked, where its name
came from, and how things would look at the molecular level. I also realized
something else entirely: how much I love science, especially when applied. I
felt
such an inner satisfaction that moment I figured out why my drops of lime juice
could so dramatically transform the milk into paneer. I wanted to feel the same
thrill again and test whether I really was passionate about science. I enrolled
in multiple higher-level classes, and since then, I have felt the same
enthusiasm
discovering why only half of medicine synthesized is useful, identifying unknown
mixtures in lab, and proving Newton's laws of motion. 

Much of my zeal for science stems from its human aspect, whether that is
coagulation from pH change in the context of Indian cooking and culture, or
global-level problem solving, like dealing with an epidemic. Science not only
excites and satisfies the inquisitive child in me, but it also connects me to
environmental problems, people, and even my heritage. Feeling all of my
yearnings
- curiosity leading to understanding, cultures and people, and the possibility
for a positive contribution - is why I see my future in search of the truth that
only science provides me.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

What interests you about Brown? 


I want my college experience to be about self-discovery, both inside and outside
the classroom. I am starting to know myself; I have learned what open-mindedness
is, what it is not, and how much I value it. I've searched for a compromise in
many situations: how tolerant is one to be of intolerance? I confronted this
question when helping a student understand his Asian identity and cope with
parental disapproval of his sexuality. I was confused about how much parental
intolerance to challenge because of the respect he held for his parents. Would I
be challenging that respect as well?


 As a Multicultural Peer Counselor I have not
only had to think abstractly about these questions, but give answers and see
consequences. Though in the process I have gained some wisdom, it seems
insignificant compared to all of the progress that I must make. The placement of
an MPC and WPC on each freshman hall demonstrates the communal respect for
issues
of personal and group identity and difficulties people face because of them. As
all of us uncover who we are, this acceptance is crucial.  

My determination,
curiosity, and intensity would cause me to fit well with the  'similarly
passionate, motivated, and accepting' student body as described to me by one
Brown student. Brown is my ideal environment because it demands learning with
wonder, confronting questions, exploring fundamentals, challenging beliefs, and
true tolerance.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

We recognize that all good writers seek feedback, advice, or editing before sending off an essay. When you have completed your essay, please tell us whose advice you sought for help, the advice he/she provided, and whether you incorporated his/her suggestions. 


The final authority for my writing is an experienced teacher whom students
fondly refer to as 'our resident essay expert'. Before, however, using the time
of such a sought-after and presumably busy man, I asked my college-going peers
to
edit my work. Some of my peers gave me purely grammar and syntactical
corrections, which I executed before delving further. Others gave me suggestions
for voice and sentence structure. Teachers were final judges of my essays,
because they focused on them from a holistic point of view.
	
I sat across from Dr. Miller, an almost elderly gentleman, as he perused my
essay. I nervously awaited feedback. Older friends had told me, 'he tore apart
my
essays, but in the end they turned out well. So it was worth it.' Although my
essays had been reviewed by parents, peers, and another teacher, I still waited
for my essay to be torn apart. When he finished, he looked up and began to
speak:
'Reading this essay, I get the impression that you are a meticulous, observant,
formal, driven and philosophical person. Is this true?' Other feedback that I
remember included 'in the 7,428 college essays I have read during my career,
this
is perhaps the most impersonal one I have ever read. Tell me, do you have a
sense
of humor? Perhaps you should insert a humorous comment here. It is awfully nerdy
that you explain a chemical process in your college essay.' 

Allowing this advice
to percolate for some time, I edited the essay. And edited. And edited. I edited
it so much that the essay was left pathetically shorn of its former passion and
enthusiasm! I showed the over-edited version to peers and it turned out that my
fear had come true: I edited the essay to the point of blandness. My once
vivacious essay was now, many hours later, a boring, textbook description of
protein behavior. In despair, I went for a walk, contemplating other ideas - I
waited a week, reread a preliminary draft of the essay, put it away, and then
quickly rewrote the essay, trying to sincerely feel the essence of the
experience, not grammar. I made minor revisions to this draft, and then e-mailed
the essay back to parents and Dr. Miller. After incorporating their suggestions
a
second time, that is the essay I present.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Minor: If you are applying to Trinity College, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular at Duke that attracts you? If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering. 


As a college student, I want to take challenging classes from interesting
professors, and work hard, learning as much as I possibly can. But, there are
many things I anticipate doing in addition to classes. I want to attend lectures
on interesting topics by notable speakers, participate in scientific research as
an undergraduate, and be involved in orchestrating large student-run events. In
college, I am searching for self-discovery, learning, and balance among
academic,
social and extracurricular spheres of interest. Attending Duke would make all of
these things possible. As a student at the North Carolina School of Science and
Mathematics, I have attended several lectures at Duke. One of my favorites was
listening to Dr. Craig Venter, founder of the Institute for Genomic Research,
speak on the recent advances in the Human Genome project. 
	
Currently, I am involved in a program through the North Carolina School of
Science and Mathematics which pairs chosen students with a mentor in their
chosen
field of interest. At Duke's Gross Chemistry Laboratory, I work with Dr. Stephen
Craig each Tuesday afternoon, conducting research on protein dimerization
involving a chemical ligand. Until this point, I have created mathematical
models
of the proteins predicted behavior and am beginning a simulation involving DNA
fragments. Attending Duke would allow me to continue working with Dr. Craig, as
well as gaining towards a major in biochemistry. My experiences with Duke
University have been positive thus far, and I believe that as a student, I would
enjoy attending Duke University while taking advantage of all it has to offer.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about an activity you pursued for the pleasure of it. 


Before me were five wise men. They were leaders and professors representing the
five major world religions: an energetic pastor who loved to tell stories, a
Jewish professor who used humor to convey ideas; a patient 'I am a layman'
practitioner of Buddhism; a wildly gesticulating Hindu professor; and finally, a
calm Muslim Imam who raised his hand when the pastor asked 'who of you were
raised in Christian households?'


 These men comprised a panel of speakers for the
'World Religions Conference,' an event organized by the Multicultural Peer
Counselors, (ten students, of which I am one) as an opportunity for students and
staff to learn and inquire. As an organizer, I nervously awaited a dispute or
insensitive comment, but instead I saw careful listening, respect and
acceptance.
Before me was something much greater than five men: open-mindedness with living
hope for religious harmony. To share this feeling of oneness with the rest of my
community is the reason I pursued becoming a Multicultural Peer Counselor.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Imagine you are the offspring of any two famous people. Who are your parents, and what qualities have they passed on to you. 


As the daughter of the Buddha and Kahlil Gibran, I not only understand and
embody all the wisdom in the universe and on human life, but I have the
eloquence, fame and skill to present and explain it articulately, elegantly, and
beautifully. I am sage, peaceful, calm in every situation, articulate, able to
make anyone understand anything, intelligent, insightful and sometimes even
prophetic. As an interesting fusion of religious thought, some coming from each
of my parents, my work is something of a masterpiece.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Tell us about a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, music, paintings, artists, magazines, or newspapers. Feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed or add a category of your own. 


I have always been a voracious reader. During middle school I was given an
exercise in making pie charts. I had to chart how much time I spent on each
activity in a day. Reading took up almost one-fifth of my day as a result of a
competition called 'Battle of the Books' in which a team of four students read
from a list of 45 books and competed, identifying each book by a contextual
clue.

I liked books whose characters' lives I would like to live. Since I began to
read so much during 'Battle of the Books' I have retained my zeal and habit of
reading. Books whose main characters I've wanted to become include Sophie's
World, because she's a young girl like me: confused about
everything. Interestingly, a mysterious letter appears in her mailbox one day
bearing daunting questions, such as 'Who are you?' and 'Where does the world
come
from?' She begins to contemplate these ideas, and as her head spins with new
revelations, she finds herself in a correspondence course on philosophy with a
sagely teacher. Her life takes interesting twists, and as a result of this book,
I've read numerous books on different kinds of philosophy attempting to explore
our most fundamental queries: The Tao of Pooh (Benjamin Hoff), Living Religions,
The Second Sex (Simone de Beauvoir), No Exit (Jean-Paul Sartre), and Siddhartha
(Herman Hesse). 
	
Another interesting aspect of my relationship with books is how I ve tried to
solve my problems through them. Growing up Indian-American and a second
generation immigrant, I feel torn between the two cultures. That has posed
significant problems of identity, being a source of confusion throughout my
life.
However, the book Interpreter of Maladies, a beautifully written book of short
stories, is about Indian-Americans, or Indian immigrants - people who share my
cultural dichotomy. Since reading this book, I have been able to make peace, in
a
sense, with my conflicts of identity. The final story in the book is about an
immigrants relationship with an old woman, but the background of the story is
the difficult immigration and struggle for economic progress. I thought that the
story captured the archetypal Indian-American immigrant experience beautifully,
and, to me, represented what it meant to be an Indian-American.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Tell us about an activity you pursued seriously. 


I sat on a frayed brown chair in the dilapidated but cozy old room at school
called the assembly hall. Before me was a semicircle of five sage men; I
listened
to them, fully engrossed and enraptured by the wisdom their wisdom. They were
professors and religious leaders from the community who represented the five
major world religions. This was a yearly event known as the 'World Religions
Conference', in which a representative from each of the five major world
religions comes to speak, answer questions and engage in discussion.

 The Christian pastor on the far right of the crescent loved to stand up and
tell stories to illustrate points. It was as though he were in church, speaking
from a
pulpit. His opposite, a calm Buddhist practitioner, sat to the left. The
practitioner explained the concepts of Buddhism patiently, and gently, having
kindly introduced himself with a delicate humility characteristic of Buddhism:
'I am a layman.' In the center of the semicircle sat the Judaism representative.
He
was a professor, so he taught. He stood up, paced, gave anecdotes, and even-role
played. Similarly, the Hindu representative was also a professor. Trying to
relate Hinduism to the audience, he used examples from current events and even
showed newspapers with recent headlines to explain concepts and draw
comparisons.
Gesticulating wildly, he deftly quoted from many different religious texts and
drew upon what the other speakers had said, especially the Muslim Imam. He
perhaps possessed the most holy aura of them all. 

When the pastor asked the audience 'who of you were raised in Christian
households?', the Imam raised his hand!
An audience consisted of students, staff members and even teachers surrounded me
as the World Religions Conference took place. The Multicultural Peer Counselors
organize this event annually, and, in 2002, I was an organizer. I nervously
clutched the edge of my chair waiting for tension to arise. Much to my relief,
and slight surprise, this didn't happen. 

Instead, I sensed a powerful, pervasive feeling of acceptance. Manifested was
the true spirit of inquiry, far beyond that of mere tolerance, but actual
consideration, evaluation, and imbibing of new ideasreal open-mindedness. That
realization struck me with such impact: an open dialogue without conflict!
Furthermore, this audience proved to be curious about human thought, belief and
religion! What was so powerful and amazing about the conference is that not only
does one learn about individual religions, but comes away with more than simply
facts: a bigger, perhaps a broader search for truth. From comparing, contrasting
and seeing each religion in context and relation to the others, understanding
and
continuity emerge. 

The overwhelming quality permeating the room stemmed from the almost perfect
atmosphere of understanding, reviving my hope in a true universal harmony. I
shall always hold an image of the bright crescent and strive to carry that
mindset with me. I felt so uplifted by the conference that I wanted to share
this
spirit of acceptance and true open-mindedness with the rest of society. Perhaps
it could be a starting place to mend some of the rifts between groups today.
Presently, as a Multicultural Peer Counselor, I hope to continue sharing this
spirit. As I grapple with different issues in the future, I hope to find this
true spirit of inquiry in my future college community.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Describe one person who has influenced your life and how. 


When I walked into Honors U.S. History at the beginning of my junior year, I
didn't know what to expect. I hadn't heard much about the class or the teacher.
But what I learned from that year will affect me for the rest of my life,
because
of an incredible History teacher named Mr. Brewer.
	
Mr. Brewer is not a conventional teacher. He has been at Harrison High School
for many years, and all the while he has been teaching some of the brightest
minds ever to go through the school. Because of this, he has had ample time to
adjust his teaching style, and the results are phenomenal. His lectures are so
captivating that I could hardly wait to go to class everyday.
	
Another thing about Mr. Brewer that makes him very unique is the simulations
that he mediates. While in U.S. History, I participated in the Continental
Congress, a game in which students were assigned different personas that
paralleled the founding fathers and their beliefs, and the Oil Game, in which
cutthroat competition between buyers and sellers often culminated to yelling
matches and bitter rivalries, while still teaching us about capitalism. Mr.
Brewer is incredible in the ways that he finds to weave past accounts into
present-day ideas by illustrating the cyclic nature of human culture, and
showing
how we can learn from those Americans before us.
	
Not only does Mr. Brewer teach History, but he does so neutrally. His classroom
is a haven for new ideas and radical beliefs. We are encouraged to speak our
mind, formulate and opinion, and then support it. I have developed all of my
political beliefs based on that class. The best thing is, I came to the
conclusions on my own, without my parents help, and without another person
telling me what to think.
	
As good as all of these previous stories seem, the best thing that Mr. Brewer
has done is to bring out qualities in me that a good person should have.
Characteristics like integrity, honesty, patriotism, and leadership are things
that come to mind when I think of Mr. Brewer. Although Mr. Brewer does a good
job
of staying neutral in his beliefs, one thing that is obviously important to him
is integrity, and as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says, 'Judge not by the color of
their skin, but by the content of their character.' Because of my incredible
respect for Mr. Brewer, integrity will always be a quality that I hold myself
to.
	
Mr. Brewer is an incredible educator. I have learned more life lessons from him
than from all the other teachers I've had put together. He is an amazing
instructor and person, and I know that the values he has instilled in me I will
carry forever.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

If you could walk a tightrope over any scene, where would it be? 


Life is like a tightrope, and every day is a balancing act. If I had to pick a
landscape to walk over, it would be the Grand Canyon. One reason for this is
because I have never been to the Grand Canyon. The deeper motive is for the
sheer
thrill of it. While I walked that rope, there would be nothing to catch me or
stop my fall. Being so utterly dependent on myself is fascinating. 

However, if I did get a chance to walk a tightrope, I would never know what
landscape was below me. This is simply because I would never look down. The
important thing is not what is beneath me when I walk, but what is in front of
me
and what I am trying to accomplish. The goal of the tightrope is to get to your
destination, and I can't do that unless I focus one hundred percent on your
goal.

Life is a lot like a tightrope. It can be challenging, and even frightening. You
don't always have control of your surroundings, just like you can't always
predict on a tightrope what you'll walk over. But one thing you can control is
what you do on the rope. Being on a tightrope requires an immense amount of
focus
and determination. You need these qualities not only for your balance, but to be
able to step forward and start walking. One of the biggest similarities between
life and a tightrope is that courage is a necessity in both instances. How can
you walk a tightrope if you're afraid to take that first step? The same applies
to life. How can you accomplish anything if you arent willing to take a risk?
You have to put yourself out there and say, 'Here I am, take me for what I'm
worth.' 

Right now my life feels a lot like a tightrope. College admissions can be a very
intimidating and scary process. It takes a great amount of focus and
determination to complete an application. More than that, it takes guts. While
applying to a high-profile school such as the University of Chicago, I am taking
the risk that I might not be accepted. I can do everything to appear in a good
light, but my best may not be good enough. It takes a lot of courage to look
failure in the face, and then go for a goal anyway.

Another recent example of my life being like a tightrope has been in volleyball.
My team recently won Sectionals in the Indiana State Finals, and a lot of it had
to do with my desire to succeed and playing to win. Just like when I try to walk
a tightrope, I can't go into a game timid or afraid. I have to go in to win, and
play my hardest. Volleyball is seventy-five percent mental concentration; much
of
the game is won or lost in my head. It's critical to stay focused and calm
during
a match, and because my team did this, we won Sectionals for the first time in
five years. Because of our courage, we came out victorious. 

The greatest challenge while walking a tightrope is gathering enough courage to
get on it. After you start walking, there's nowhere else to go but forward. You
succeed by just being willing to risk yourself, you win simply by taking your
first step.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Personal statement 


It was the pivotal third game of my sectional volleyball semi-final match
against the Logansport Berries. We had beaten Logansport earlier in the season,
but for some reason we were struggling today. Perhaps it was the added pressure
that sectionals bring. Lose and your season is over, win and advance a step
closer to the state title. We were down by three, 14-17, and the entire team was
tight. Our best server sailed her attempt out of bounds, and our most steady
passer had shanked several balls into the stands. The team was in a very
familiar
position. 

Just one week ago we had played Avon for the conference title, and
that
night we rode home from the match defeated and disappointed. A million 'what
ifs&' led to one depressing conclusion; we were our own worst enemy. When we
were
confronted with the challenge of a big game, we didnt perform well and somehow
found a way to lose. 
	
Every Raider wanted to turn this game for the better, but no one seemed able to
shake off their nerves and play well. I realized that if we were going to win,
somebody would need to step up. For the first time in my volleyball career, that
person was me. I couldnt afford to worry about missing a block or hitting a
ball
into the net, I just needed to perform. Everything else fell away - the crowd,
the officials, even my coach - and I was completely focused. Harrison scored the
next three points, and I was responsible for the score each time. Best of all,
the rest of the team settled down once I regained my composure, and they played
up to their potential as well.  We beat the Berries that day, and came back to
defeat the McCutcheon Mavericks and the Marion Giants, securing the sectional
title.
	
Sports have been my life since I was in middle school. Something about
competition has always attracted me; I find everything from the raw athleticism
to the passion appealing. However, no sport has been more meaningful to me than
volleyball.  
	
Disappointment had been present in my volleyball seasons throughout high school.
Even in my senior year we lost the conference title in a game that was ours to
win. However, instead of backing down and giving up, I responded to the loss by
taking a risk when I took control of my team. It was not an easy choice. Before
me I had the opportunity to be either the hero or the scapegoat. I knew that any
disappointment would be twice as bad if I were the one to blame. But I put all
that behind me and took the chance, and I now know that it was the right thing
to
do. By reacting with a positive mindset instead of giving up in the face of
adversity, I was able to lead my team to a sectional victory.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Personal Statement 


As I entered the nursing home, the smell of medicine and illness choked me. 
Just a minute ago I was outside feeling the warm sun against my skin and hearing
the familiar sounds of the ocean waves. Now I found myself in a cold corridor,
surrounded by white walls, and the only audible sounds were muffled
conversations
as I passed each room. 

I was warned before arriving at the nursing home that my grandfather looked
different, that he had his leg amputated and that he had lost much weight. I was
also warned that his Alzheimer's had gotten so bad that he was barely able to
recognize the people that he saw on a daily basis. I was told not to feel hurt
if
he didn't remember who I was. 

My grandfather lay in his traditional button down shirt with his eyes tightly
closed. I looked away when I noticed the tubes inserted into his arm. I was
shocked to see that my grandfather's once tanned skin was now pallid and dry. My
aunt who has seen him everyday in this same position gave him a little shove and
told him that my mother and I were there to see him. 

As a child, my trips to Puerto Rico were marvelous. My grandmother had 11
children, so I found myself surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins all day. Our
vacations are filled with endless days on the beach, barbecues, shopping trips
and lots and lots of sightseeing. My grandfather was always forgetful, and when
I
was younger I really enjoyed this part about him. I would walk to the local
bodega and on my way there my grandfather would ask me if I had enough money to
get candy. I always responded yes, however I knew that he would give me an extra
50 cents or even a dollar to get bonus treats. On the way back he would stop me
again and say he was sorry for not seeing me on the way there and would give me
an extra quarter or 50 cents for my next trip. Sometimes hed even get me a
small
bag of candy after dinner and excuse himself for not being able to buy me sweets
throughout the entire day. This continued day after day until I had accumulated
massive amounts of candy in my suitcase.  My grandfather had diabetes, but my
grandmother had a sweet tooth and I always made sure to share these goodies with
her. My candy supply became so massive that I would always have to give
everything away before coming back home. 

When my grandfather awoke, his bright blue eyes 
comforted me and reminded me that he was still the same person I remembered. We
spoke with him for a while about how he was feeling and the weather. He asked
'Who are you?' when he saw my mother and aunt. They reminded him but only
several
minutes later, he would ask the same question. He didn't seem to notice me in
the
room until I said 'What about me?' I didn't expect him to remember, I only wised
that perhaps something would spark his mind. He looked at me with those deep
eyes
and said 'Nenie,' his nickname for me when I was younger. It had been years
since
I heard that word and it gave me great joy that he had remembered who I was. My
grandfather went on to tell me how beautiful I had grown and that he had high
expectations for me in the future. He reminded me that I will face tremendous
challenges in my years ahead, and repeated over and over again that school was
the foundation of all my successes to come. He reminded me that with
determination and a good heart, anything can be achieved. This speech was no
different than the ones he had always given me before; however, I had a feeling
that it would be the last. As I assured him that I was doing well in school and
was determined to continue studying, he seemed to get stronger. Our talk was cut
short an announcement reminding us that visiting hours were coming to an end,
and
that we may be able to return tomorrow. As we walked out of his room, he told me
that he will always watch over me and that he loved me very much. He still could
not understand who these two women were next to me, and why they insisted that
they knew him. 

My grandfather passed away only two months after this visit. I am extremely
grateful that I was able to share these moments with him before he passed away.
In school and at work, I am constantly reminded of him when someone performs a
generous act, and I tell myself that is exactly what my grandfather would have
done. I believe that he lives inside me and guides me everyday. 

My grandfather has always inspired me to help others. His loving nature and big
heart are remembered by all who knew him. As I deliberate about my plans to
study
medicine and go into the field of biomedical engineering, my grandfather's words
constantly run through my mind. My grandfather's moving speeches will forever be
inscribed in my heart and his desire to help others is a trait that I will carry
inside of me forever.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Your response should address with some particularity your own wishes and how they relate to Chicago. 


University of Chicago stresses that an undergraduate education should provide a
foundation on which one can build a successful life, thus it must able to help
its students to develop and grow personally, intellectually, socially and
professionally. These qualities are precisely what I look for in an ideal
college. 

The University is renowned for its wealth of resources and the affable and
inspiring faculty, which is very promising for all courses of studies. Apart from
the Core curriculum, I would be encouraged to study my course of interest,
International Studies in great-depth through undertaking various research
projects; this is what I truly look forward to. Besides, I like Chicago
University's emphasis on an all-round education which is achieved through the
elective courses. I have a wide range of academic interest, but with elective
courses selected from the 2500 options offered each year I am sure my strong
sense of curiosity and passion to explore new fields of studies and languages
will be satisfied.

Apart from academic studies, the University of Chicago provides a diverse
variety of student activities, among which the WHPK Radio and the Glass Eyeball
are the most appealing ones to me.  The chance of participation in discussions
both in and out of the class would definitely provide me with a lot of
inspiration. Moreover, under the comfortable living environment of University of
Chicago shared by students of varied ethnic backgrounds will allow me to further
explore new cultures and ideas.

I am fascinated by the internship programs offered by the University in various
large cites in the U.S., for this would certainly help me to take my professional
and recreational interest to a higher level, and prepare me for my future career
and to adapt to the fast moving and dynamic business world.

Being a person who is innovative and adventurous, I strongly believe that I am a
good match for the University of Chicago and I look forward to becoming an
influential member of the campus community and facing the challenging years at
the University.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Tell us about a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, music, paintings artists, magazines, or newspapers. Feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed or add a category of your own. 


I am interested in all forms of literary writing and art forms. In my spare
time I read whatever I can get hold of. I also love to appreciate art works of
great aesthetic appeal. Many books are my favorite. Rebecca by Daphne du
Maurier,
Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Testament by John Grisham, The Picture of Dorian
Gray by Oscar Wilde, Genome by Matt Ridley, to name but a few, are works that I
find inspiring both culturally and intellectually. 

I always try to keep myself up-to-date with my reading. The local English
newspaper South China Morning Post is a source of information from global issues
to international strives, from world politics to current affairs and from sports
to modern living. Reading the Newsweek, the Economists and the Times magazine
gives me the knowledge and ideas which I can apply to my studies and to my
encounters in daily life. 

I find music the best therapy. I must call myself lucky for I was given the
opportunity to learn to play the piano and the clarinet at a young age. Through
learning these musical instruments, I learn to appreciate the harmony and
concord
that music brings to the human world. Music is truly an international language.
Chopin and Debussy have always been the composers I love wholeheartedly.
However,
my passion for music is not only confined to classical works. I also enjoy folk
and country music. The soothing notes of the Carpenters have always given me a
lot of happy time. The liquid music of the Norwegian music band - Secret Garden
has given me a lot of food for thought.

I strongly believe that different forms of arts are vital components of my
development and growth. They also add colours and vitality to my young life.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Question: see below 


Question: 

Tell us a story you tell. Your story does not have to be either true or a story
you would think to tell anyone but yourself; but then story must be your own,
and
its telling should have significance to you. You story should also be
significant
to a listener who might tell a story about you.Storytelling is an integral part
of the formation of our identities. The stories that our parents and our
communities tell us about themselves and the world form our first map of the
universe. At some point, we begin to tell our own stories to ourselves and to
others. 

Essay:

Once upon a time, there was a man called Charles. He was a free-spirited man who
loved roaming about the world. All the people whom he met in his travels dubbed
him 'The stupidest person ever lived on earth'. Charles was a trusty soul who
easily believed what he was told and who was always ready to help. People took
advantage of his good nature and set traps to trick him or created sad stories
to
move his heart. 

Once, a widow came to Charles. On the verge of tears, she said, 'Charles, have
pity on me. My husband is very sick, and I have run out of money. Can you help
me?' Charles gently comforted her and gave her the money she wanted. That woman
quickly took the money and went away giggling to herself. 
	
When people found it was so effortless to fool Charles, they all went to him for
'help'. They each made up a story. No matter how ridiculous and unconvincing
their ploys were, Charles never questioned, never doubted. He would give the
person a sincere pat on the shoulder, and humbly asked how he could help. Of
course it was always money that they wanted. Soon Charles gave away all that he
had and owned. He was reduced to tatters and rags, but he continued with his
roaming. Finally, he came to a forest full of evil spirits and wicked elves who
lived on human flesh. 

Charles got lost in the forest and he was exhausted. He sat down under a tree.
While he was resting, a wily elf hopped out from nowhere. He gazed at Charles
and
beamed cunningly, he asked, 'Charles, can you help me? I haven't eaten for
years.' Charles nodded and without hesitation he pulled his whole arm off and
handed it to him. The elf took it, ate it and left, satisfied. Soon a host of
hungry elves came and feasted on Charles' body. Then an elf approached, and
pointed a laughing finger at him and mocked, 'No wonder people call you the
stupidest person in the world! Don't you ever question people's integrity before
helping them? Here is something for you.' 
The elf gave Charles a note on which was written, 'You are the stupidest person
of all times!' Having read the note, tears streamed down Charles' cheeks. But
they were not tears of sorrow, tears of frustration or tears of regret; they
were
tears of joy. Before, Charles took his last breath, he murmured to himself 'I
finally get something in return.'

'It's not true that nice guys finish last. Nice guys are winners before the game
even starts.'
- Addison Walker

What is stupidity? What is true happiness? What is the most important thing in
life? Charles was abused by the rest of the world, but he died a happy person,
for he could look the whole world in the face. To Charles he would rather be
cheated than to leave out anyone who really needed help, for maybe among every
ten persons who came to him, one of them was truly in desperation. This was the
one he did not want to let down. I agree that Charles was a very extreme case,
but sometimes I do find Charles in me. I always try not to turn down anyone who
comes to me for help, some people think that I am being too naive, but I have
the
confidence that I am doing the right thing. 

However last year, when I went with my school to a remote part of China to do a
service project for a Yao Tribe primary school, my view changed. I found myself
at a crossroads all the time during that week in China. My feelings were mixed
when I first stepped into the childrens classroom. I could still see in my
mind's eye the innocent and longing glint in the Yao children's eyes. I could
still feel their eagerness to know more about us, as the representatives of the
unfamiliar outside world. I was excited to begin with, as I was equally
enthusiastic to tell them all about myself. However, when I stepped back and
thought more carefully, I felt troubled. I asked myself, 'Am I right to expose
these innocent souls to the sophisticated, materialistic, modern world?' Would
it
be only eroding into the lives of these minority and give them some false hope.
Even now, I still have this uncertainty that I had wrongly opened the Pandora's
box of city life to them. However, it is also true that these hilly tribes have
lots of problems which are closely related to the fact they have been neglected
by modern civilization. They lead a primitive life untouched by the progress of
the world. Being a city folk I think it is essential for them to change their
way
of living in order to adapt to this fast moving and ever-changing world. We must
help them to become Chinese of the new millennium. Now that China is being
accepted into the World Trade Organization, all young people, be they Han
children or children of the ethnic minorities, they are pillars of modern China.
We have the responsibility to educate them to become adaptable, all-round and
well-equipped for the world of multi-media and to surf on the information
superhighway. 

I know that there are always hurdles to clear, and prices to pay in the
realization of their dreams. However, I really hope that one day the Yao Tribe
can step into the modern world and enjoy all that the modern world can offer,
but
at the same time be encouraged to preserve their customs, traditions and beliefs
and their pride as members of their tribe. I strongly believe that modernization
and one's pride and loyalty for his or her identity can co-exist.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Personal Statement 


'Hey! wassup?'
-'Not much, u?'
'Haha same, just doing hmwk'
-'yea me too'
Welcome to the world I have looked forward to everyday since the beginning of my
adolescent days. I seem to find myself anxious to sign on with the rest of the
world and get caught up in the web of online personalities. I watch my
fingertips
swiftly caress the smooth keys with a clickity-clack that soon becomes music to
my ears. My parents can't help call it an obsession, but I've befriended the
little yellow running man. AOL Instant Messenger has become a key to unlocking a
whole new side to who I am. My parents have generously granted me the title of a
promising student and an ambitious daught, but what about simply being a
confused
teenager looking for others in the same boat?

'dude I wish it were Friday, I wanna go out'
-'I know, same here'
In our world of messaging, we create the rules. The mundane phrase of 'whatever'
can answer all sorts of questions from 'what should I have for lunch?' to 'what
is the meaning of life?' Simplicity at its finest; things dont always have to
be
so complicated in our fabricated, or rather, online world. 
	
I remember my good friend and I always having a blast talking online, often
mocking how pathetic it is, then pointing out how we are such hypocrites. One
day
though, she broke out of the conventional conversational style.
'do you ever get that gut feeling where you know something's wrong??'

I thought it to be a trivial matter and apathetically replied,
-'yea sometimes, but it goes away. Hope you feel better soon babe!'
and gradually brought everything back into the prospective of the nonchalant
Instant Messenger world.
I shudder as I realize how I instinctually talked my way out of her facing her
problem, dismissing her IM of possessing any serious implications. However, I'm
forced to remind myself it's just more convenient this way; we all just want to
be okay, or at least pretend we are. Escaping problems in reality is not
possible; thus, the online world becomes our haven.
	
Recently though, I've begun to realize the difference between who I am and what
I IM.

Though now I'll never really know whether my friend's problem was serious or
not, it's a consequence of instant messaging I've come to accept. It's becoming
even harder to decipher one another as we disguise ourselves behind bubbly
screen
names. We've all become personas of someone we want be. IM seems to have created
mass confusion in distinguishing peoples' true identity and simultaneously
decreased the self-confidence of many users. It seems as though people willfully
reveal secrets in the world of 2' by 4' windows, but hesitate when they come
back
to reality.
 
I fear the ignorance of being unable to distinguish reality from facades. I hope
to steer away from this technologically advancing world, go back to
conversations
over Starbucks hot chocolate, to sign off from fantasy, and check into reality.
It's becoming far too easy to slip between who you are and who you want to be.
The gap between 'I am' and 'IM' is gradually decreasing, and it's becoming
harder
each day to distinguish the difference. I'm afraid.
	
The ability to transform one's own image has now been placed in the hands of 11
year-olds. People will continuously strive to perfect an aspect of themselves,
and technology has now provided them an outlet to do so. As for me though, I
want
to be liked for who I am, not who I am pretending to be. So the next time I am
online, I will be real. Deception and confusion are two states of mind the world
can do without. 
'I am certain.'

X.Y. has logged off. Session concluded at 3:14 PM.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Tell us about who you are. Personal Statement 


EARLY ACTION                                  
Essay One.

Korean-Spanish, that was how my American friends identified me. Unlike Korean,
my birth identity, or Spanish, my cultural identity, I did not know what to make
of my new identification. Korean-Spanish reflected my past and it seemed that
this new identification was my only possible one in America. Somehow my American
friends were fascinated by a 16-year-old Korean boy who came from Spain and
spoke
four languages fluently. Maybe Korean-Spanish was how I really identified
myself.
Or maybe I had already guessed that my new friends would hyphenate my
identification, just like African-American, or Japanese-American. (Pardon me if
I
am wrong, but to me, it seems as though most of the American identifications
include hyphens.)

In America, everyone seemed categorized and hyphenated. I read a number of
passages in the Critical Reading sections of the SAT I that began by citing
articles or books written by different hyphen-identified people. One
introductory
paragraph said: 'This passage is from a book written by a Chinese-American woman
about Chinese-American women writers.' Another stated: 'This passage is from a
book by an African-American woman who is a law professor.' I was confused: 'So,
is the author of the book African or American?' Hyphenation of identities was
perplexing and ambiguous to me. Why cant everyone with an American passport be
just American?

America has always been an eclectic society where much diversity in ethnicity
and race existed. In that sense, America is more than just a country; it is a
smaller representation of the world. However, Spain and Korea have always been,
and still are, countries mostly populated by people of single ethnicities. Spain
and Korea both want to maintain the country among their people and limit
opportunities for foreigners. They have to change.
I was blessed to be able to live in three different countries, on two different
continents. My intercontinental life has given me the ability to perceive the
world from a different point of view. Before I realized, the American culture
found its place in me and naturally became part of me. I no longer am just
Korean-Spanish, but Korean-Spanish-American. As I assimilated the diverse
cultures each continent represented, my international experiences helped me to
understand that underneath, people were very much the same regardless of their
ethnic backgrounds. Maybe that was why I felt that learning many languages
English, Spanish, and French was essential. I believe that foreign people and
cultures can only be truly understood through their own languages. Yet, I hold
onto my native language, Korean, for I know how important my roots are.

Ironically, even though the world is being globalized, ethnicity, race and
religion still cause friction among people. I hope, with my international
experience, I can help make the world change into one in which ethnicity and
race
are of little consequence. I am convinced that through understanding, tolerance,
and acceptance, we can make a difference in this world. It is time to begin a
journey towards the shaping of a truly globalized world, where I hope to act as
an unbreakable bond among different countries.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

How do you feel about Wednesday? 


Inspired by Maximilian Pascual Ortega, a graduate of Maine Township High School
South, Park Ridge, IL

If Maximilian Pascual Ortega were to ask me 'How do you feel about Wednesday?'
right now, I would, with no hesitation, say that he could have asked me a better
question by substituting Wednesday with Friday. Wednesday is a day just like the
half-filled wine glass, a day that to some people marks the end of the first
half
of the week but to others marks the day that harbingers the fresh beginning of
the second half of the week. Once in a while, I ponder in which category of
people I belong, the former or the latter? Truthfully, I vacillate between the
two. On some occasions I am surprised that half of the week is over and on
others
I am happy that half of it still remains. But perhaps, upon further reflection,
I
am now looking Wednesdays in a very different way.

On some Wednesdays, I become Macbeth, standing in the middle of a fast current
of time (not of blood), regretting the past (not for killing people) for failing
to live up to some of my expectations. On these Wednesdays, I feel guilty, like
Macbeth would have, for having vainly spent the valuable first half of the week,
making mistakes. But I see that it is impossible to march against the furious
current of time and reclaim Peter's friendship or score the two goals I missed
during the Monday's soccer match. These are the Wednesdays of sighs I try to
convert into Wednesdays of highs. I try to forget about the dreadful first half
of the week and plan a joyous second half of the week. I begin studying for
Thursdays chemistry test, I plan to see a good movie on Friday evening with my
friends, and I call Peter to say sorry. I tell myself, after all, half of the
week is still left. On these Wednesdays I have the opportunity to look back and
reassure myself that this kind of Wednesday should not be repeated. On these
Wednesdays, I grow. I learn from my mistakes.

On some Wednesdays, I am a skier standing on a steep mountainside. I am on the
worlds most difficult ski slope. I see that I have come down an extremely
precipitous first half of the slope yet I also see that an even more arduous
second half of the slope lies in front of me. I am pleased that I have
flawlessly
descended the first half of the slope but worried that I might collapse on the
second half of the slope. On these Wednesdays, I feel satisfaction. I had a
meaningful Saturday at Camp Smiley, the Spanish Club earned $270 on Monday
through the fundraiser I suggested, and I have written two thirds of the essay
answering University of Chicago's question 'how do you feel about Wednesday?' I
am happy to think of my accomplishments of the first half of the week, yet my
brief moment of joy is superseded by the worries about tomorrow's Calculus test
and the $26 I still have not earned to send to Thabo Maseko in Swaziland through
World Vision. But I remind myself that I cannot ruin the week that began so
favorably. So I save my cheers for the Friday afternoon and begin rereading the
chapter about differentials, taking notes. On these Wednesdays, I am, just as
the
skier would be, confident, confident that I can conquer the harsher second half
of the week. I also grow on these Wednesdays - grow on the basis of confidence
and self-control.

On other Wednesdays, I am& just who I am, sitting on the bleachers of the high
school, eating a cheese steak sandwich, talking to my friends, enjoying the
sunshine. Perhaps spending Wednesdays regretting the past or worrying about the
future is futile because the Wednesday of December 4, 2002 will never return to
me. On these Wednesdays, I am just glad that it is almost the weekend and that I
exist in this world. On these Wednesdays, I grow on the basis of simple
existence
and practicality, and that's why Wednesday is my favorite day of the week.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

What was your most meaningful activity? 


When I was in Spain I volunteered to teach Korean and English to underprivileged
Korean-Spanish children every Sunday at church. It was a small church with about
30 children who could not speak, write or read any Korean or English.
Spanish-Korean children, as a result of an absence of Korean language education,
had forgotten their native language, maybe even their roots. Their parents, who
were too busy to learn Spanish, couldn't even ask the children about their
school
lives. Thus, I offered to stay two hours after the service to teach these
children both Korean and English. I communicated with them in Spanish and
encouraged them to learn Korean and English. 

When I began teaching them, I was
surprised at their eagerness, their thirst for knowledge. They wished to learn
their native language and were proud to display their knowledge in front of
their
parents. I helped them to find their own identity, to absorb their own language.
I read Korean books about Korean myths to the children. The first time I read a
story for them, I had to read each page two or three times until they fully
understood. But after a year they could, though very slowly, read Korean and
English books by themselves. It was gratifying to see that I could be a bridge
between people of different cultural backgrounds through my language skills. It
was pleasing to see that my language skills were not used to only express my
thoughts, but those of others too. Even though they still talked in Spanish with
their peers, they tried to talk to their parents in Korean. It was an experience
that I will never forget.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Please describe a person of great influence in your life and explain how the person influenced you. 


A person of great influence

She was immobile. She stood up. She took a step. She runs. She, the definition
of perseverance and triumph.
It was in March 1999 when I first met her. I had newly moved to Castelldefels, a
suburban seaside town fifteen kilometres away from Barcelona. It was a nice
house
where you could see the Mediterranean Sea and the beach once you opened the
windows in the living room. About a week later, I went out to the beach at six
oclock in the morning to jog on the beach before school. Smelling the freshness
of the morning breeze, I began jogging towards the southern end of 'La
Playafels'. I saw a distant figure ahead of me. As I got closer to the figure, I
realised that the figure I had seen was a middle-aged woman trying to force
herself stand up from the wheelchair. As I approached her, she stopped and
stared
at my legs. I stopped. I said 'Buenos dmas!' and asked if I could be of any
help.
No reply, just the stare. So I continued my routine and when I looked back, I
saw
her still endeavouring to stand up. I pitied her for trying to achieve what
seemed impossible but at the same time, admired her courage to reach what seemed
unreachable. Every morning she tried to stand up, to be free. 

Our continuous 6 o'clock rendezvous at the southern end of 'La Playafels' was
repetitious and unchanging. She, trying to lift herself up from the wheelchair
and I, stopping to greet her. Every night I prayed. I prayed for a miracle.
Every
morning I put my trainers on, wishing that there was a change in the way we met;
that it was the day she bore fruits of her efforts and faith. 

It was on a Tuesday in October. I silently went out. The sun was just about to
rise. I began running as usual and could see her at a distance. First, it seemed
that she was with someone because there was a figure behind her wheelchair. But
as I approached her, I realised that the figure I had seen was actually her,
standing up against her wheelchair. Her emaciated legs were trembling. She took
a
step forward and sighed. She let her hands release the handles of the wheelchair
and took another step. She could not balance well and fell. I quickly went over
to her and lifted her. She looked at me. She smiled. She had done it.

Her legs gradually gained the strength she needed to walk. By the end of
February 2000, she was able to jog lightly. As Henry Ford said, 'Whether you
think you can or think you can't, you are right.' Her perseverance and her
strong
will brought her the glory she had always dreamed of. She was triumphant in the
battle against herself. She was right in thinking that one day she could, as
everybody around her did, stand up and freely move around on the beach early in
the morning.

Once she stood up and ran, there was nothing that could stop her. From my house
I could see her running on the beach, through bright sunshine, through rain, and
through fog. Sometimes we ran side by side towards the southern end of 'La
Playafels,' in silence.

In March of that miraculous year, my family and I decided to move to Pedralbes,
where my school was located. Castelldefels was a beautiful town to live in but
it
was difficult to commute to school and work everyday. Though I knew I was going
to miss her, I was happy to leave the town after seeing her achieve her goal.
The
morning I was going to leave Castelldefels, I went out to the beach at six
oclock. As I walked to the place where I had first met her, I could see her
running. She was coming towards me and once she recognised me, she waved. I said
'Buenos Dmas' as usual and she pointed the southern end of 'La Playafels,'
meaning, 'let's run.' I told her that I could not run because I was leaving the
town and that I admired her. I told her that I would never forget her, and that
I
learned much from her. Whether she understood that or not, she began to run
towards the southern end of 'La Playafels' alone. She did not look back nor
waved
at me.
This is what I believe: with perseverance, courage, and faith, there is nothing
a human cannot do. She was the curer of my weak mentality, mentor of my life.
When I first met her, I had felt sorry for her 'vain' efforts to walk, but as I
saw her undaunted will, I came to firmly believe that one day she would be able
to run just like me. If God gave people something special that other organisms
did not receive, it is the ability to make impossible things feasible. 
  
I never met her since then, and a year after, I came to the States. I cannot
physically run with her but she will always be in me, running with me,
motivating
me, eradicating my fears, freeing me from all the wheelchairs in my life.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Please explain why you have chosen to apply to this school. 


I was lucky to live on two different continents, in three countries. As a
result, I gained an international experience and learned to quickly assimilate
the cultures different people represented. The cultural diversity that exists at
Duke is what attracts me to Duke. I believe that I could perform well, both in
academics and extracurricular activities, by joining the huge pool of diversity
at Duke.
    
Also, during my 11th grade February break, I visited Duke University and stayed
on the campus for four days with a close friend of mine who was currently a
senior majoring in English. During my stay, I visited many places to get to know
Duke thoroughly; I read books on campus, I dined with Duke University students,
and I attended many classes. While doing so, I felt a strong affection towards
Duke: I imagined myself living on the campus, studying and interacting with
different people. I met many friends of my host and they helped me gather
extremely appealing facts about Duke. I hope I could become a successful member
of the Duke student body.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

If you were given ten dollars, where and how would you spend it? 


Before I realized, I was on a white, feeble horse walking by a man on a mule. I
was wearing a heavy armor with a lance in my hand. We were riding towards the
horizon of endless fields where there were many windmills turning slowly. I
asked
the man next to me, 'excuse me sir, where are we now?' The man said, 'We are
still in La Mancha, don Quixote, but I am getting a little hungry now. Would you
like a potato too mi amo?' A potato? La Mancha? Why is he calling me don
Quixote?
The man gave me a potato and kept on calling me either don Quixote or 'mi amo,'
meaning 'my master' in Spanish. I must be in a play, acting as don Quixote, I
told myself and decided to act well.

A while later we saw a massive windmill in front of us. I remembered that I was
supposed to destroy this windmill, thinking that it is a giant trying to hinder
my path. So I lifted the heavy lance up and courageously charged against it.
'Princess Dulciane, this is for you!' I screamed and pierced the windmill. The
result was that I got utterly destroyed and was defeated by the 'giant.'

When I woke up, I was lying on a bed made of straw. The armor, fortunately, was
taken off from me. I stood up and looked outside the window, where clouds of
smoke were rising. I saw my father dressed up as a priest, my mother as a maid,
and my sister as don Quixote's niece. They were, as planned, burning most of my
books or giving them out to others. While they were busy doing that, I had to
sneak out, wear that heavy armor again, get on my horse and go to Sancho Panza
to
depart again for the unfinished adventure. The priest, the maid and Quixote's
niece was going to deliberately ignore me while I snuck out. But no, they began
ruining the whole play by obstructing my path, and hiding my armor and lance.
What were they doing? They laid me down on the straw bed again and my sister,
Quixotes niece guarded me. I was lost. I did not know what to do next. I was
not
prepared to act impromptu. So I stayed there and waited, pretending I was
asleep.
Well& I really did fall into a deep sleep.

I opened my eyes. Quixote's niece was gone! I looked at the clock across the
room. It was four o'clock in the afternoon. I must have slept a bit too long. It
was time to leave again. I looked around the room to see if the armor was there.
The room had changed since the last time I looked around. In the place of piles
of hay, there was a computer. In the place of farm tools, there was a DVD
player.
In disbelief I got up from what was no longer a straw bed, but a comfortable
bed.
As I got up something fell on my feet. It was a book. I picked it up and looked
at it: Don Quixote de Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, $10.00.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

Please describe a book you have read in the past and explain how it influenced you. 


'La Isla Soqada is all about an adventure I would have wanted to live' - says
Fernando Martmnez Gil, the author of La Isla Soqada (The Dreamed Island). In
fact, that is what everybody who reads the book would think.

I received La Isla Soqada as a gift from one of my friends in Spain when I was
leaving Spain to come to the United States. This book addressed a meaningful
question in me because at first I could not decide whether I agree to the
author's criticism about certain people's lives. The book is about the
adventures
Juan, the protagonist, has during his journey to find a nonexistent island (or
rather, an island in his dreams) that he believes it to be 'the Heaven of the
Earth.' Gil praises the courage and eagerness of Juan, who embarks on a journey
full of unknown and obscurity. Gil commends Juan's zealous pursuit of his dreams
but at the same time, criticizes Juan for disregarding the reality and living in
his dreams.
While reading this in the airplane heading to the United States, I applied
Juans journey to mine. When I was nine I embarked on a dreamlike journey to
Europe without any knowledge about how Europe would be like. After eight years
of
life in Spain, I decided that Spain was not the destination of my dreams and
left
for the United States. It seems that Gil would reprimand my traveling to so many
different places in pursuit of my dreams.  

I, however, hesitated to agree to Gil. I could not decide whether Gil's
criticism was a valid one of the lives of people with dreams. Gil seemed to
censure their lives for impracticality but I have always believed that going on
an adventure to seek one's dreams was worth a try. There was so much to learn,
so
much to experience during the pursuit of the dreams. I know that my departing
from South Korea to go to Europe was not a futile choice for I learned so much
in
Europe, even the things I could not have in Korea. I came to the United States
for the same reason: to learn more.

In the end, after arguing about Gil's criticism with myself, I was convinced
that the people with dreams do not live a vain life in pursuit. They accomplish
their dreams while pursuing them. La Isla Soqada is a book that anybody with
dreams should read because it is never too late to embark on a journey of dreams.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

What was your biggest challenge in life and what did you learn from it? 


A Day in the Life

'Go to the door!  All right, are you ready to jump?'
'Sir, yes, SIR!'
'Speak up!  Are you sure?'

Psychologists say that of all heights, people most fear falling from 11.3 meters
above the ground - about the height of a four-story building.  The Korean army
exploits this fact in its 11.3-meter tall Mak training towers, reasoning that if
a soldier can conquer his or her fear of jumping from that height, he or she can
jump from any.
	
That my own memories of the Mak tower persist so intensely stands in stark
contrast to my recollections of the other trials of life in the 701 Regiment of
the Special Assault Commando Unit.  Despite its foreboding moniker, the 701
Regiment was less a training ground for elite special forces than it was an
army-operated camp for over-stimulated adolescent boys.  This is not to say
'military life' was devoid of challenges - indeed, survival in the 701 Regiment
involved precisely the kind of tribulations I as a twelve-year-old boy was ill
prepared to contend with.  The food was tasteless and underdone, and access to
television and junk food was strictly prohibited.  The instructors kept us under
constant surveillance, filling our days with drills and exercises.  Today, I
feel
gratitude for the discipline the instructors labored to instill in us, and a
bemused nostalgia for the twelve-year-old boy whose most profound grief arose
from losing two Saturdays' worth of soccer with his friends.  But the emotions
stirred by these recollections remain dulled, muted by the hazy expanse of time.

Not so with the Mak tower.

Early the morning of our second day, we assembled at the base of the tall
mountain overlooking the camp, our first exercise of the day.  The ascent was
steep and our only relief was the cooling breeze blowing down from the summit. 
Twenty minutes into the hike, we came to a rocky plateau dug into the side of
the
mountain where the instructors ordered us to halt.  There, we saw a half-dozen
soldiers poised on top of a tall wooden tower.  A cry rang out from the tower,
and without a moment's deliberation, the men leapt from their perches,
restrained
from certain death by only four impossibly-thin ropes attached to a cable.  I
was
terrified.

Our instructors turned to their silent regiment.
'No one has to do it.  If you don't want to do it, you can leave.'
	
Several of my fellows immediately fell out of the group and headed back to camp.
 My fear, bolstered by reason, urged me to go with them, but a peculiar resolve
compelled me to stay.  Even now, I struggle to account for this alien resolve
that carried me up the four flights of wooden stairs and steadied my hands as I
fastened the safety gear around me.  I do not think it was bravery, for I was
very much afraid, and had I perceived a choice in the matter, I may not have
been
able to do it.  Rather, I think it was a sense of purpose that guided me.
	
Five years have passed since the afternoon I stood atop the Mak tower, but to
this day I can feel the echoes of the adrenaline that coursed through my veins
as
I stepped to the edge of the precipice, and the mere recall of the ground 11.3
meters and some unfathomable distance below still shoots an icy jangliness
through my shoulders and into the back of my skull.  The wind blew fiercely as I
readied myself, drowning out the barking of the drill instructor, pressing me
back into the security of the tower's bulwarks.  A ripple of indecision rolled
through me and then in an instant, was gone, carried away in the slipstream. 
With my eyes wide and fixed on the horizon, I pushed off.
	
The beginnings of change for me occurred that afternoon on the mountain.  Though
my friends watching from below would later insist that I passed only through
open
air, moments after I leapt, I felt myself crossing a threshold.  Hurtling toward
the earth, strapped into a confining safety vest, I tasted a kind of freedom
previously unknown to me, the freedom of a world unbounded by ones fears.  The
process of disentangling myself from them has been gradual.  Five years later, I
am still all too often distanced from life by a wall of my anxieties.  But the
freedom I came to know just a little that afternoon provided me a glimpse of the
riches that lie behind it.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

MAJOR: Describe a time that you had to make a decision between going left or right in a turning point in your life. 


I found myself on a branch of a tree too scared to jump.  My petite nine 
year old body was shaking so much that leaves were falling off the tree.  Amidst
my 
crying, my friends went to get my mom.  As with any difficult situation in my
life, my 
mom's outstretched arms were always there to guide me and help break my fall.
    
On the morning of July 3, 2001, I was once again in a tree, this time in the
highest branch, more terrified than ever to jump.  But unlike every other time,
my mom was not going to be able to catch me, for it was her death that brought me
to this branch.
    
I could have stayed in this tree forever.  I could not imagine even a single day
without my mother.  My mom and my relationship was exemplary.  People used us to
describe the metaphor of being joined at the hip.  Living my whole life without
her seemed like torture.  I thought every important moment in my future would be
consumed by sadness because my mom could not be there. 
    
Up this high in the tree, I clearly saw my choices.  Looking down, I saw a life
filled with responsibilities and loneliness.  I would have to take care of the
house and my father, along with school.  But by staying in this tree, I could
have easily escaped the pressures of my life.  My mom's death before my junior
year of high school could have made my grades drop.  The increased responsibility
upon me could have forced me to quit all my extracurricular activities. 
    
People who knew me wondered if I would even stay lucid; they were afraid I might
choose to stay in that tree forever.  How was I to go on without my mentor and my
best friend?  Nobody seemed to have the answer.  Somehow I found the answer.  
   
I knew I had a choice between hiding from life or embracing it.  I chose the
latter, 
coming out of this crisis better than before. In fact, during my mom's illness,
school became my
sanctuary.  I did not let a single moment go by without studying.  I did this in
an effort to keep my mind from fully comprehending the toll my mother's illness
had taken on our relationship.  During the hour and a half trips to the hospital
and the awkward two hour visits, mainly spent in silence, I kept my 784 page
Advanced Placement United States History textbook with me.  I told myself and
everyone that I carried the book to study for my A.P. Test in May, but the book
was really my 
excuse to escape my misery.
    
After my mother died, my sanctuary became my passion.  I did not want to use
excuses or pity to serve as an explanation for my failure.  I have always had a
goal to take full advantage of the opportunities available to me.  I was not
going to let this crisis stopme.  I learned to turn life's lemons into lemonade. 
After successfully completing the A.P. U.S. History class and scoring a four on
the exam as a sophomore, I knew that I was prepared to take more challenging
courses.  During this transition in my life, I also learned my full potential.  I
discovered a skill I never knew I possessed, that of leadership.  I was elected
to leadership positions in almost every club I 
participated in. Perhaps, I would not have been able to find myself unless I was
by myself. 
    
So in the end I decided to jump, knowing that as I descend through my journey of
life I now have enough strength to soften the fall myself.

Essay Category:


Essay Question:

MINOR: Why would you like to attend the University of Chicago? 


Throughout my life I have always enjoyed challenges.  From extra projects 
to Advanced Placement courses, I long to learn beyond the concepts in the books.


The University of Chicago can satisfy this passion.  I know I will be challenged

and be surrounded by people who also share my desire for challenges.  I also
know I 
will have a total education at Chicago, another expectation of mine for college.
 I 
believe it is important to possess knowledge not only in my field but have
enough knowledge to contribute to a discussion on any subject.  With The
University of Chicago's Plan and Core system, I have flexibility in my schedule,
and I am required to take courses in various liberal arts subjects, satisfying my
desire for a complete education. Furthermore, with computer science as the major
I plan to pursue, I recognize that I will have the best facilities and resources
if I attend The University of Chicago.  Moreover, Chicago will complete my wish
for small classes and interaction with professors.  With 83% of classes having
fewer than 25 students, I know I will have world-renowned professors  who are
committed to my education and success.  

Besides fulfilling my wish for a superb education, at The University of Chicago
I will also have the chance to be involved in my school and community.  I want 
to continue my participation in cross country and journalism in college.  I
would love to write for the Chicago Maroon.  I can help my community through the
University Community Service Center and Peer Mediation.  I believe that community
service is a significant part of  a college education.  With the 
great education and experiences I expect to receive at Chicago, I know I will be
prepared for the future.  Above all, I want to go to Chicago so I could enjoy 
going through life knowing that I had the honor of attending The University of 
Chicago.