Assignment: We are interested in learning more about you. While grades and scores can tell us many things about your academic performance, we would like to know more. Therefore, please write an essay on any topic of your genuine interest. In the past, applicants have written about personal aspirations, travel experiences, family situations, national events, people who have influenced them, significant experiences and some have just used their imagination. There is not right or wrong response to this essay request.
Essay:
Gabriel Allon has come into my life several times, at short bouts, only to disappear and return again. Gabriel is a dynamic individual, who continues to surprise me. He consistently holds true to his ideals and goals, regardless of the situation within which he is immersed. One of his biggest flaws in his eyes, which I would have to disagree with, is the perpetual self-examination of his actions, paired against his morals and beliefs. His self-criticism, while sometimes harsh, is one of his best traits. He remains humble and appreciative as a result, which only adds to my reverence for him.
Gabriel, well into his 50s, is an art restorer. His current profession serves as a subtle form of irony once you get to know him. He is extremely passionate about his restorations and has come to be revered as on of the premier restorers in the art world. His ability to assimilate with his work's artist adds to degree of perfect restoration. His goal for a restoration is for his presence and work with the art to go undetected, even by the trained eye. This meticulousness opens him for ridicule by his less-capable adversaries and pressure from his would-be employers to move onto their work as soon as possible. This phantom like approach to art restoration is a skill that paralleled his success in his previous profession, from which he is "technically" retired.
Gabriel's calm demeanor and passion for art restoration is not a facade; it may be the most accurate representation of him. What makes this unpalatable for some, is the first time they hear that Gabriel used to work as an undercover agent for the Office of Intelligence and Special Tasks for the Israeli government. During his employment, he was considered to be one of the best, if not the best, agent for the Department. He retired after his wife and son were murdered by a Palestinian zealot in a plot of vengeance against the West, which Gabriel successfully thwarted. After his family's murderer resurfaced on the terrorist front, Gabriel was pulled out of retirement, much to his dismay, to subdue the militant once again. His intellectual ability, attention to detail, multi-lingual abilities and experience make Gabriel the best at what he does, both as an art restorer and undercover agent.
Before I continue, I feel obligated to mention that Gabriel is not real. I question whether that makes a difference, but it shouldn't, really. Factual or fictitious, the simple joy he has brought and the influence he has had on me is indisputable. But, to give credit where credit is due, he comes from the talented mind of Daniel Silva. While Gabriel is not an actual person, he is truly someone through whom I vicariously live and someone I wish to emulate in my life. His intelligence, suave air and unparalleled abilities, coupled with the thrill of life as a spy more than satisfy my literary appetite, they inspire me. By the end of each novel, I can look at it is just a story and a means of entertainment; although, I do not.
Gabriel's personality is one that I try to mirror in my own life. His extreme humbleness and passion are just the tip of the iceberg. He is someone that could eliminate an enemy without ever being detected and restore a painting to make it look as though it was done by the artists themselves; yet you would never know it. He does not allow himself to be defined by his abilities and achievements; Gabriel defines them. He has taught me that, regardless of the arena within which you are performing - spy or academic - remaining even keeled, clear headed and focusing on the task at hand is the best and only way in which you can obtain success. While I am not looking to join the CIA and become an undercover agent or art restorer, I can easily parlay Gabriel's experiences and lessons learned into my own. Even in the worst of situations, being held at gun point or restoring the Mona Lisa, Gabriel manages to come out on top. His determination, diligence and passion are a true inspiration. And for that, Gabriel (really Mr. Silva), I am grateful.
What do you think? All feed back is welcome (even the negative).
Essay:
Gabriel Allon has come into my life several times, at short bouts, only to disappear and return again. Gabriel is a dynamic individual, who continues to surprise me. He consistently holds true to his ideals and goals, regardless of the situation within which he is immersed. One of his biggest flaws in his eyes, which I would have to disagree with, is the perpetual self-examination of his actions, paired against his morals and beliefs. His self-criticism, while sometimes harsh, is one of his best traits. He remains humble and appreciative as a result, which only adds to my reverence for him.
Gabriel, well into his 50s, is an art restorer. His current profession serves as a subtle form of irony once you get to know him. He is extremely passionate about his restorations and has come to be revered as on of the premier restorers in the art world. His ability to assimilate with his work's artist adds to degree of perfect restoration. His goal for a restoration is for his presence and work with the art to go undetected, even by the trained eye. This meticulousness opens him for ridicule by his less-capable adversaries and pressure from his would-be employers to move onto their work as soon as possible. This phantom like approach to art restoration is a skill that paralleled his success in his previous profession, from which he is "technically" retired.
Gabriel's calm demeanor and passion for art restoration is not a facade; it may be the most accurate representation of him. What makes this unpalatable for some, is the first time they hear that Gabriel used to work as an undercover agent for the Office of Intelligence and Special Tasks for the Israeli government. During his employment, he was considered to be one of the best, if not the best, agent for the Department. He retired after his wife and son were murdered by a Palestinian zealot in a plot of vengeance against the West, which Gabriel successfully thwarted. After his family's murderer resurfaced on the terrorist front, Gabriel was pulled out of retirement, much to his dismay, to subdue the militant once again. His intellectual ability, attention to detail, multi-lingual abilities and experience make Gabriel the best at what he does, both as an art restorer and undercover agent.
Before I continue, I feel obligated to mention that Gabriel is not real. I question whether that makes a difference, but it shouldn't, really. Factual or fictitious, the simple joy he has brought and the influence he has had on me is indisputable. But, to give credit where credit is due, he comes from the talented mind of Daniel Silva. While Gabriel is not an actual person, he is truly someone through whom I vicariously live and someone I wish to emulate in my life. His intelligence, suave air and unparalleled abilities, coupled with the thrill of life as a spy more than satisfy my literary appetite, they inspire me. By the end of each novel, I can look at it is just a story and a means of entertainment; although, I do not.
Gabriel's personality is one that I try to mirror in my own life. His extreme humbleness and passion are just the tip of the iceberg. He is someone that could eliminate an enemy without ever being detected and restore a painting to make it look as though it was done by the artists themselves; yet you would never know it. He does not allow himself to be defined by his abilities and achievements; Gabriel defines them. He has taught me that, regardless of the arena within which you are performing - spy or academic - remaining even keeled, clear headed and focusing on the task at hand is the best and only way in which you can obtain success. While I am not looking to join the CIA and become an undercover agent or art restorer, I can easily parlay Gabriel's experiences and lessons learned into my own. Even in the worst of situations, being held at gun point or restoring the Mona Lisa, Gabriel manages to come out on top. His determination, diligence and passion are a true inspiration. And for that, Gabriel (really Mr. Silva), I am grateful.
What do you think? All feed back is welcome (even the negative).