Undergraduate / "Don't hurt people" ; Civil & Environmental Engineering at CMU [3]

Please submit a one-page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know. If you are applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program you are applying to. Because our admission committees review applicants by college and programs, your essay can impact our final decision. Please do not exceed one page for this essay.

Don't hurt people. Those are the words my inquiry science and biology II teacher constantly repeats to us throughout the year. While he taught us of natural gas drilling, alternative energy, pollution and other environmental issues that are plaguing our generation, my interest piqued. My interest grew with the depth of my studies. First I learned what exactly gas drilling was, then how it effected the community who was experiencing it and why. When I watched the documentary "Gas Land" in class I became devastated. To see how the gas drilling destroyed the lives of families and farms, all completely legal, bothered me. As the year went on, I learned of other incidents. This year, the Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power plant experienced a meltdown after the tsunami that followed an earthquake. Radiation spread as far as Romania, and the amount of life that was ruined or effected by it is immeasureable. Still, despite this catastrophic event, nuclear power plants continue to operate. I knew these issue were not something local, but rather a larger problem that extendend around the world and had the power to greatly affect our econonmy, government, and daily lives. I was at a loss for why such things were allowed to happen. I am not against natural gas drilling, or nuclear power, but I simply think that if we are to do it, we should do it right. If people are suffering because of the current procedures, I believe they should be revised. These injustices have inspired me to become someone who has the potential bring about some change. These are the reasons I will become a civil and environmental engineer.

I first heard of Carnegie Mellon University when I came to visit on a Women's Engineering Day field trip. That day, I explored the campus, the different departments of engineering and after talking to a few students I realized how passionate they were about their education. I discovered that Carnegie Mellon's high ranking for civil and environmental engineering coupled with the fact that small class sizes, state of the art facilities, ambitious and determined students are all enclosed in a beautfiul campus nestled inside of Pittsburgh defines my ideal university. Additionally, I plan to take part in the Carnegie Institute of Technology's organizations and opportunities like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and environmental engineering minor. I strongly support the Society of Women Engineers and would gladly help to encourage young women to pursue engineering. I would like to join the Kiltie Band. Marching band in high school gave me some of the best experiences and I have heard that the Kiltie band at Carnegie Mellon is full of students who really enjoy what they do. I have learned that the faculty at Carnegie Mellon encourages and nurtures its students as to create a unique learning environment. Considering the many opportunities and challenges Carnegie Mellon University provides, I know I will be at the forefront of the civil engineering field, allowing me to solve problems that will help people and change lives.

I'm not sure if I should talk about the programs that I've done like Eco Challenge or a Green Design apprenticeship (that was at CMU) and a few other things. I'm applying early decision so I need this done soon please.<3

And be as critical as needed.~

Undergraduate / 'the slides of Chinese government' - Importance of Diversity Common App Essay [4]

A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. 500 word limit. I'm at 492 :Q

As I sat in my global awareness class and watched the slides of Chinese government flit across the screen, I could hear my classmates snickering behind me. They whispered racial slurs and made stereotypical noises. In my mind I wondered how I could grow up in the same community, under the same circumstances, but view the situation so differently. I knew that Chinese people were no different from Americans. We all felt the same emotions and had the same needs. A difference in geographical location did not mean a difference in species. It was around this time that I realized how much my travels have effected me.

Despite my family's low income, we always saved up to go on at least on vacation a year. One year it was Canada, the next a French trip to New york, then a student ambassador trip to China and finally a National American Chemical Society convention in Denver, Colorado. Coming from a small town where many family's have stayed for generations, everyone was excited to hear about my travels. Of course I did tell them all the great things I saw and experienced, but one of the most important things I stressed were the lessons I learned.

Since many people had never left nor moved to my town, I realized they had no way of knowing many of their stereotypes were so inaccurate. But, why, in America, the so called "melting pot" were people so ignorant of other cultures? Comparing my fellow students to other students I had met across the country who had experienced and understood other cultures and also to their adult counterparts, I saw the significane of experiencing diversity. Without realizing that there were other options, other ideas and ways of life, you were doomed to repeat the same stories, generation after generation. Too often have I seen this happen.

Without experincing other cultures, not only those from abroad, but even from nearby states, I have seen the people in my community locked into their way of life. Growing up unaware of this knowledge, I have seen them become stereotypical, flustered when faced with issues that require diverse thinking and sometimes outright rude towards any mention of another way of life. Seeing how such ignorance can hinder a person, I am eternally grateful for my opportunities to travel. Without them, I would still think all Canadians always say "Eh", would never be able to imagine what a colorful city New york is, wouldn't be able to explain to you how similar someone on the other side of the world could be or tell you how professional one must be at a National Chemical Society Convention.

Any, and all criticisms welcomed. Thanks~<3