Tell us about an experience, in school or out, that caused you to rethink or change your perspective. What impact has this had on you? (maximum 200 words)
In my first few years of high school, I had no genuine interest in sports, doing schoolwork and
socializing. I saw these activities as things I was just expected to do. I began to withdraw from social
activities and I spent more time alone than applying myself.
My dad began to notice this, and gave me an old book he said was the very same one he read in
high school, It was titled "How to Win Friends and Influence People". I didn't think much of it, but gave it
a read after his insistence. After reading the book, I learned there was a whole universe of opportunities from learning how to interact with others. I began to apply the principles from the book in my daily life such as using people's names and becoming genuinely interested in others. With practice I made more friends who lead me to joining various activities at school and out. I got a Job as a lifeguard and mentored a group of 11 new students in my school as a link crew leader. In my final year of high school, I now realize how much I can learn from getting to know other people.
Tell us more about one of the activities you listed above, explaining what your goals were, what you did to pursue them, the results achieved, and what you learned in the process. (maximum 200 words)
I had a few jobs in the past, none of them very selective. I just interviewed and got the job. But
now I was applying to become a lifeguard at a local lake, where the lifeguards are responsible for the
safety of hundreds of swimmers who flocked to the lake on hot summer days. The city was very
selective, requiring lots experience and the passing of a specialized lifeguard test, to make sure our skills
were exceptional.
I had made it through their interview and passed the 14 hour training course, and now it was
time for the test which tested my physical endurance and skills in rescue. A week before the test, I woke up with a headache and realized I had the flu. I came to the pool, head aching and no desire to be there at all. I jumped into the pool feeling there was no way I could pass. No surprise, I failed the test that day. There was one more chance to take the test before the job started, and didn't have much time to get better. I came to the test center telling myself, 'I can do this'. To my surprise I passed with flying colours. This taught me how much my attitude can influence my capabilities and confidence.
REVISED 2ND ESSAY:
Tell us more about one of the activities you listed above, explaining what your goals were, what you did to pursue them, the results achieved, and what you learned in the process. (maximum 200 words)
Last summer, I applied for a Job as a lifeguard at a local lake, where I was responsible for the safety of hundreds of swimmers who flocked to the lake on hot summer days. The city was very selective, requiring lots experience and the passing of a specialized lifeguard test.
I had made it through their interview, and now it was time for the test which tested my physical endurance and skills in rescue. The morning of the test, I woke with the flu. I came to the pool, head aching and no desire to be there at all. "Do I really want this Job?" I thought to myself. I jumped into the pool thinking no matter what I did, I couldn't pass. No surprise, I failed the test. I had one more chance to pass the test, and didn't have much time to get better. I came to the test center again the following week, with the same headache and debilitating symptoms of the flu, but now telling myself, 'I can do this'. I wanted this Job more than anything else. To my surprise I passed with flying colours. This taught me how much my attitude can influence my capabilities and confidence.
Last summer, I applied for a j ob ---Don't capitalize 'job'.---as a lifeguard at a local lake, where I was responsible for the safety of hundreds of swimmers who flocked to the lake on hot summer days.
The city was very selective, requiring lots of experience and the passing of a specialized lifeguard test.
I had made it through their interview, and now it was time for the test, which tested my physical endurance and skills in rescue.
"Do I really want this job ?"
I jumped into the pool thinking that no matter what I did, I couldn't pass.
I wanted this j ob more than anything else.
:)
