Undergraduate / 'the annual Popular Book Fest' - extracurricular activities or work experience [6]

Hi Guys could you all help me critic this essay pls? Thanks so much! Any feedback is welcomed! =) I'm an international student btw, if it makes a difference

For the past 2 years, I have worked at the annual Popular Book Fest during my school vacation. I took up the job as a supplement to my family's income and to help pay for a music trip to Japan. The job was what I had expected - the pay was low, I had to work 12 hour shifts and carry heavy loads of books. The job was certainly not helping my academics and I was embarrassed when my schoolmates saw me. However, the job soon opened me to a whole new world. I met many teenagers who were struggling to keep up in school; others had dropped out of school and were worried for their future. Coming from a prestigious school, I rarely met teenagers like them. My encounter made me see the many problems in my society and motivated me to help the less fortunate. When I took the job I only wanted to earn some additional income. But I am so grateful that the job has made me stronger and given me the chance to develop relationships with people whom I would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.

Undergraduate / common app essay "The homeless man" Issue of local,international concern. [4]

Hey guys pls help me comment on my essay, esp on my grammar! If possible, maybe you guys can tell me how to shorten it? I'm afraid that it's too long. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thank you all so much! =)

THE HOMELESS MAN

It is 12 midnight and I am walking back to my home after my job. As I pass the bus-stop, I am aware that there is a man sleeping on the bus-stop seat. He is wearing a tattered brown shirt and mangy-looking shorts. He curls into a ball as a form of insulation from the surrounding cold wind. A pair of worn-out slippers lay near his feet.

The scene is haunting; my heart writhes when I remember the man. He is merely an example of the growing social problems in my country -Singapore. In the past years, my country has witnessed admirable economic success. But with rising economic progress comes an increasing social divide. It is common to see homeless people roaming the streets at night. Beggars are a fixture at high-end shopping districts in Singapore. As the rich stroll down the streets with their shopping bags, the poor sing or play an instrument for a few extra cents.

Coming from a lower-middle class family, I experienced many financial difficulties. My mother, despite being plagued with rheumatoid arthritis, has to work hard to put my brother and me through school. I often had to work during my school vacation to supplement my family's income. My family lives from paycheck to paycheck and we never seem to be able to find an escape. As we were considered to be from the middle class, governmental aid was scarce.

However, I know that there are others who are laden with more serious problems. At least I had an education and a roof over my head. As my country progresses, more people are being left behind. In Southeast Asia alone, poverty is commonplace. Once, on my trip to Thailand, I saw a group of young children walking to school barefooted. Yet, my heart warmed at the fact that these children persevered despite their apparent obstacles in life.

These growing social problems are gradually dividing our human population. Everyone deserves an education and an opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty. If people were given a chance for a better life, issues such as crime and malnutrition will be greatly reduced. I know that I want to dedicate my life to helping the less fortunate. Our society needs to progress on a strong moral foundation and if we all play our part to help the needy, we can gradually transform our world to a better home for everyone. I know that I can never fully comprehend the suffering that people from impoverished backgrounds experience. However, with my motivation, I hope to be able to significantly impact their lives. One day, I might even be able to help the homeless man I saw on my way back home from work.