Undergraduate / UT Anthropology Transfer Statement of Purpose Essay [9]

Hello all, I am a prospective anthropology student applying to the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas, Fall 2010. This is my first draft and I would appreciate any constructive criticism and corrections. I am pretty happy with the essay, but you guys know better than I do! Thanks in advance!

Statement of Purpose

My Essay:

One vital component of being an anthropologist is exposing oneself to great and historical cultures. Immersing myself for the next few years in the culture of the University of Texas would be in itself, a grand step towards my goal of becoming an influential anthropologist. As a first generation Guyanese-Texan, I have been fortunate enough to grow up with an exposure to many cultures and subcultures, which has augmented my curiosity and passion for a career in anthropology. I have long been fascinated with the ethnological studies of human-environmental relationships - such as a society's interactions with ecological, technological, and social structures - and I am eager to accelerate my studies in the fields of ethnology, linguistics, physical anthropology and archaeology at the University of Texas before embarking on a career as an anthropologist. My interest in the environment's role on society and culture has also led to a desire to broaden the field of ecological anthropology by integrating it with information and applications from environmental science. During my relatively brief quest for knowledge, I have often been the victim of racial discrimination, which has fueled my ambition to enlighten others in ethnology and empower them with a holistic perspective of various cultures.

After visiting the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in Georgetown, Guyana, where my mother was born, I became intrigued by Guyanese ethnological and archaeological discoveries. With the proper guidance from the superb anthropology program at the University of Texas, I aspire to one day conduct fieldwork with the indigenous peoples of Guyana, specifically the Wai-Wai tribe. In a further effort to expand my knowledge and exercise my distinct learning perspectives, I aim to travel the world to societies typically unseen by the general public eye and depict their unique traditions through ethnographic periodicals, films, photography and other widely accessible media. By conducting fieldwork in various communities, I seek to acquire beneficial insight and develop innovative anthropological concepts based on the population's social, economic, and political structures. As a subscriber to National Geographic magazine and a member of the American Anthropological Association, I am committed to the ever-advancing field of anthropology as the discipline that analyzes humankind in all its characteristics.

The way to make my work meaningful is to make real contributions to the field of anthropology, as well as preserve lasting relationships with the distinguished professors at the university. This will begin with my studies in the courses of Ethnographic Theory, Introduction to Archaeological Studies, and Theories of Culture & Society at the University of Texas. I also wish to participate in a Gypsy Language and Culture course taught by Prof. Ian Hancock, as well as a Science, Technology, & Race course with Prof. John Hartigan. I can also make notable contributions to the university by encouraging extracurricular organizations and events focused on anthropology, such as an ethnographic film festival or an annual field trip. In doing so, I hope to increase the overall student interest in anthropology - a discipline that generally does not receive nearly enough recognition as it should.

Although there is much ahead of me, I am prepared for whichever challenges await me and would be more than proud to brandish the hue of burnt orange. Furthering my studies at the University of Texas would not only grant my wish to become a Texas Longhorn, but enable me to exceed my personal and scholastic goals by stimulating my creative intellect and enriching my approaches to learning - enhancing my capabilities as a student and aspiring ecological anthropologist. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to the field of anthropology from the internationally renowned faculty at the university, as well as make significant advancements in all of my prospective areas of study. With an unrivaled education from the University of Texas, I am certain that I would be best prepared for my career in anthropology and success in the real world.

Undergraduate / international charity, personal Issue of Importance Essay [3]

My second required essay, all comments and criticism are welcome!

Thanks in advance :)

Prompt:

Choose an issue of importance to you - the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope - and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.

Essay:

More often than not, it is only until after a crisis occurs that we feel inclined to support those in need. On January 12, 2010, the impoverished city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, nestled amongst the grandeur of the Caribbean witnessed itself falling, shattered by an unstoppable natural force - a situation so perilous that it ultimately took lives long after the earthquake had ceased. Such devastation left thousands of the destitute citizens in need of relief. But why could we not have helped the financially unstable Haitians before the earthquake occurred? We were well informed of their economic turmoil and need for additional support, yet we chose to act only after a catastrophe crumbled their community. In such instances, I believe that the humanitarian movement is perhaps the greatest of offers we have to give in making a positive impact whether from the frontline or from across the sea.

I believe that every man, woman, and child plays a role in the development of the world we know. Our differences in geography prevent us from truly understanding such a concept many of times. As humans across the globe, we share our contributions - whether given long ago or just recently - which help to strengthen the sense of community that keeps us protected. As we are no longer afraid to cross national boundaries, we all share a common dwelling on this planet and recognize that there are, indeed, many others to consider. According to humanitarian Tony Vaux, the notion of humanitarianism applies to both war and general disaster, and is based on the standard that "in extreme cases of human suffering, external agents may offer assistance to people in need" But why only in "extreme" cases? What's stopping us from helping others based on genuine compassion?

When my parents fled the political riots in their home country of Guyana in the early 1980's, they arrived in Texas with a sparse amount of American currency and just two pieces of luggage. As illegal immigrants, they were unable to find decent work, although my father had been an inspector for the U.S. Embassy in Guyana. It was not until a wealthy oil tycoon from Houston decided to take them in that they were once again experiencing a stable living situation. Mr. Calloway hired them as his personal attendants, granting them a deluxe suite in his twenty-first floor penthouse. Apart from providing my parents with room and board, he paid them an hourly wage, took them shopping for designer clothing, provided them with a personal escort, and even hired a private physician to attend to their medical needs - luxuries that even his own wife did not boast. He then sponsored citizenship for my older brothers who had been left behind with my mother's sister in Guyana.

Mr. Calloway's philanthropic endowments have been my greatest example of the importance of humanitarianism. Without the humanitarian efforts that my parents were lucky enough to experience, they would most likely have been abused, prosecuted and then deported. Upon hearing the story of my parents' hardships as American immigrants, I have sworn to make a difference in the universal humanitarian movement, including the local level. It saddens me that many people feel that in order to help someone; a disaster must have taken place beforehand. There are many in need of aid that should not be ignored just because they have not suffered from extreme catastrophe.

As an aspiring anthropologist, I hope that my field of study will allow me to gain a better understanding of the way cultures accept international charity, as well as the opportunity to provide for those around the globe. I also wish to someday establish a non-profit, non-governmental foundation that will raise awareness for the benefit of every one in need, whether they are a part of our regional community or located on another continent. In doing so, I would not only be setting an example of the true ethic of humanitarianism, but I would be encouraging others to follow suit.

Undergraduate / Embracing Adversity as a First Generation American- Transfer Optional Essay [4]

Please have a look over my essay. It's the optional essay and the application is due tomorrow.

I'm not too concerned with it, but if anyone can offer some quick fixes, I would greatly appreciate it.

Optional Essay

In addition to the two required essays, some applicants choose to submit a response to Essay C. Essay C is optional and cannot be submitted in place of a required essay. Students submitting Essay C do so in order to submit additional information to the university about special circumstances, such as socio-economic standing; educational goals; cultural background; employment, internships, etc.; race or ethnicity; personal experiences and hardships; personal responsibilities; and any additional information submitted by the applicant.

Embracing Adversity as a First Generation American

I've always been referred to as the American brat of my family. Being the only daughter of three siblings - fifteen years younger than my eldest brother and born after my parents immigrated to the United States - it was somewhat inevitable that I would be raised in a cocoon of Guyanese culture. Within my home, I practiced Guyanese values and customs, like removing my shoes before entering the house, and tending to the men of my family. However, outside of my home, I was in a totally different world. I could wear my shoes wherever I wanted to. Men and women were regarded as equal. But when my experiences away from my family began to follow me back home, I was forced to fight a cultural battle that could never be won.

As a child, I was embarrassed of my family's culture because I did not understand why I was so different from everyone around me. Everything about me felt American; my accent, the foods I ate, the clothes I wore, the music I listened to, even the activities I enjoyed participating in - but my parents ensured me that I was Guyanese. I was been torn between the boundaries of two distinct cultures and long struggled to find my ideological niche.

When my father suffered from a massive aneurysm during my first year of high school, it was my responsibility to facilitate his recovery, as it was culturally expected of me, being his only female offspring. In order to help restore the order only my father could bestow upon my family, I made many sacrifices during my high school years. At the time when most others my age were trying to discover their individuality and gain independence from their family, I was doing just the opposite.

My father's illness compelled me to silence my own individual tastes and become even closer to my family. It angered me that while all my friends were going out to parties and taking road trips; I was stuck with my family, caring for my father. I became depressed and started to lose interest in school. I went from being the friendly Caribbean girl on Honor Roll with perfect attendance to the gloom Indian girl with the "crazy family". I spent my days wondering what I did to deserve my situation. My family's bizarre customs had already left me conflicted, and my father's sickness and refusal to be cared for in a hospital made my situation even more complex.

At the time, I was too consumed by my own sorrow to fully understand the consequences of my evasion of schoolwork. At this point, it did not bother me. I wanted out. I wanted to have the life that other Americans had. My family knew I was American, they just couldn't accept it. All the while, my dreams of attaining a college education at the University of Texas were quickly fading away. I watched my long-time classmates receive their Texas acceptance letters and scribble out their dorm-furniture shopping lists. My friends had already stopped inviting me to events. Instead of going out with friends, I was working a full-time job to help support my family because my father could not work. I also became my mother's taxi because in Guyana, the older generations of women do not drive.

At this point, I had to grow up very quickly. I figured that being the perfect student would have to be put on hold until my family matters were sorted, and that after my father recovered, I could try to make my dream of going to the University of Texas come true. I decided to take online courses so I would still be enrolled in school, but my hectic situation pressed me to put emphasis on other matters. After putting friends aside, I became aware of my capabilities of being a full-time college student, full-time employee and caretaker of my family. I, in no way, regret the hardships I've endured, as they have enabled me to push myself to my greatest limit.

Maintaining a full-time job at an early age allowed me to mingle with many other culturally distinct individuals, enabling me to discover others just like myself. These opportunities also helped me learn to embrace my cultural distinctions, rather than shun them. Now, I love learning about my culture, as well as all others. I feel blessed to have experienced such events that taught me to appreciate all of my efforts and sacrifices. I know that my adversities have, in the end, become advantages for me, strengthening my individual character. Now that my father has made a full recovery and my family is able to support my studies, I am determined that I will be able to have the education at the University of Texas that I've always dreamed of, the same education that my family sacrificed their life in Guyana for.