Undergraduate / "Linked to my grandfather's presence" -UC prompt 1 [2]

Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Three years after my grandfather's death, I still feel inextricably linked to his presence. My grandfather was a calm yet collected force in the household. He held a certain humbling countenance about him, a perpetually radiant smile and noticeable wrinkles on his forehead that reflected his experiences as a first-generation immigrant from China. He raised me for more than fourteen years, scolding me when I mistreated my younger sister or praising me when I took long walks with him to the coffee shop. In hindsight, I believe I underestimated my grandfather's influence on me. He taught me to be humble by giving to the poor. Always enthusiastic to travel to new places and gain new perspectives, he taught me to be a worldly individual. He also showed me the value of education, driving me to elementary school every day even past the age of seventy. And he taught me to be hopeful and open-minded; his escape from an impoverished village in China and through a desolate Myanmar still resonates with me today. Even though he could not speak English, my grandfather made a conscious effort to learn the language and transcend barriers. When he grew older and couldn't take me to school anymore, my grandfather would sit at home and write poetry, reflections on his unyielding devotion to God or his long-line of transformational experiences. In truth, my grandfather represents the very being I aspire to be: a transcendent figure that is grateful for every opportunity and special moment in life.

My grandfather's untimely death occurred just before I began high school. I remember looking into his beady eyes just moments before he was taken to the hospital. He still had the same radiant smile, the same calm attitude; only months ago, we celebrated his ninetieth birthday. When he passed away, I instinctively started to question my personal identity and sense of self, "Who was I?" "What would I do without my grandfather's presence?"

But in the back of my mind, I always knew what my grandfather wanted. He wanted me to do my best and to strive to be someone uninhibited by life's challenges. He wanted to find my interests and passions and translate them into my future. In many ways, I have followed through on my grandfather's wish. Through experiences in journalism, I have found an affinity for the written word. From focusing diligently in school and closely monitoring world affairs, I have learned to appreciate the complexities of various academic subject areas, especially in the social sciences and humanities. I aspire to one day become a journalist seeking truth in the world or a lawyer thwarting injustice, but it is because of my grandfather's inculcation that I can do whatever makes me happy in life that I have chosen that goal.

While my grandfather has been one of the most prominent influences in my life, I have also been lucky to grow up in a close-knit family characterized by camaraderie and support. Often, my extended family joins together for joyous occasions, a collection of gracious individuals who live in San Diego. Every time we come together for "potluck" dinners or festive gatherings, I am amazed by how compassionate everyone is to each other. From the instance in which my cousin offered to teach me golf to the endless discussions over politics, there has always been a great sense of optimism in my family. Indeed, this air of optimism has helped me develop important traits like curiosity, motivation, and self-confidence. Right now, my life is a wondrous journey of growth towards the realization of some future dream. For fourteen years, my grandfather held a special place in my life. While I know I still have the support of a caring family, I just wish my grandfather could see how far I have grown because of his vital guidance.

Undergraduate / Cornell College of Arts and Sciences supplement (intellectual interests) [3]

Describe your intellectual interests, their evolution, and what makes them exciting to you. Tell us how you will utilize the academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to further explore your interests, intended major, or field of study.

On a typical Sunday morning, I can be found pouring over my favorite publications: The New York Times and London's Financial Times. It is fulfilling to grasp the depth of a subject in the articles, such as the perils in the Congo or the rising trend of overseas American lawyers and it can take me hours to fully absorb the bulk of information presented. Nonetheless, I always save the Times's Week in Review section for last, delving into Thomas Friedman's latest column and the array of intelligent, exciting op-eds.

Recently, I have noticed and read a spate of articles and opinions on China. Whether it is the impressive modernization seen during the Beijing Olympics or the country's increasing role in international politics, China is gaining attention as a new world power. While reading the Times one Sunday, I was surprised to find Thomas Friedman's column centered directly on China, the country's role in the current financial crisis and how its relationship with the U.S. will change dramatically in the coming future. As a Chinese-American, I wish to seek exactly how the China-U.S. relationship will change and how the U.S. will respond in public policy and diplomacy to China's new status. Having visited China six times in a span of ten years, I have seen first hand the flower-like blossom of China but also the rural, country-like atmosphere of less developed areas. I want to understand the cost that China's growth in its highly modernized cities has on the rest of the country. And having grown passionate about journalism, I still I have questions regarding China's wide censorship of the media.

I believe there is no better place to study China and its relationship with the United States than Cornell University. Through its China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program, I would be able to take advantage of stellar professors, like Professor Chen Jian of the Cornell History Department and founder of the CAPS program, who bring a deep understanding of China. Moreover, I admire the fact that Cornell allows its CAPS students to learn practically as well as theoretically. With programs focused in Washington D.C. and Peking University in Beijing, I would be able to take in direct perspectives of U.S.-China relations. In addition, I consider myself a curious individual. With the broad liberal arts education that the College of Arts and Science provides, I would also be able to take courses in a number of intriguing subject areas from art history to political science. In truth, my goal is to one day become a journalist covering China affairs. I firmly believe that Cornell is the best place for that goal.

Any insight or bad grammar finds would be helpful. Thanks!

Undergraduate / Common app short answer (Academic League) [3]

The atmosphere is tense. Both teams sit in their seats anxiously awaiting the next tossup question. "What is the award given out for the year's best science fict" Buzz! The moderator gets cut off halfway. "The Hugo Award," a member of the opposing team says. "That is incorrect," the moderator responds. I think quickly; a light bulb flashes in my head. "The Nebula Award," I stammer, eliciting a nod of approval from the moderator.

Such is a typical scene from Academic League, a form of "quiz bowl" in which students respond to questions from a range of different subject areas. I joined my school's Academic League team in the ninth grade, unaware of what to expect. Quickly I became hooked. The dogged competition, the team camaraderie and the euphoria after answering a question correct, each has drawn me closer to the game. The greatest reward of Academic League has definitely been the test of knowledge gained. Every time I know or understand the correct response, I am reminded of my commitment to academics, not just for the class or the grade but also for its overall value.

Any insight or response is greatly appreciated! M.W.