Book Reports / 'Not really fit in' - Describe a character in fiction - Belonging [7]

Hi guys I'm new here and I really need some help with my essay! Could you all help me check if my grammar is alright? Also, it'll be great if you all can provide some feedback on how I can improve this essay. Do you all find it a bit too long?

I could feel the sweat starting to form on my palms as my classmates stared at me.

"Who do you identify yourself with Lishan?" my literature teacher repeated herself.

I was completely baffled and could not answer her.

I have always felt like I never really fit in. For a start, I am of both Chinese and Indian descent. Whenever the dreaded issue of race comes up, I find myself wishing for a hole to appear and suck me into the ground.

The need to find a sense of belonging resulted in a myriad of questions that no one could answer. Thus, I supplemented my curiosity by perusing through books. I took classes in post-colonial literature to satisfy my appetite for the search for an identity. This led me to read Suchen Christine Lim's A Fistful Of Colours.

The book narrates the story of how Suwen, a young Chinese Singaporean artist, struggles to establish her identity. Educated in England, Suwen could not speak Mandarin and felt most comfortable conversing in English. Her art pieces, which are inspired by the Western culture, are blatantly rejected by the Singaporean community. Suwen's inability to accept her differences resulted in a painful emotional turmoil and her leaving the country.

In contrast, Suwen's friend Nica felt much more at ease with her differences. As a Singaporean of Chinese and Indian heritage, she is often question about her identity. Instead of trying to fit in with a specific community, Nica will outrightly state that she is "just Nica". She refuses to conform to society's expectations of her and eventually manages to establish herself as a successful artist. The freedom Nica felt when she dismissed the constant pressure to belong made her much happier than Suwen.

Before I read the novel, I kept contemplating over the same question ï Where do I belong?

However, my thoughts soon evolved ï Do I really need to belong?

People always seem to perceive me wrongly because I do not act like a typical female Singaporean teenager. Instead of studying the sciences, I chose to study the humanities ï something that many people in Singapore still consider to be "a dumping ground". I watch soccer, love Shakespeare and detest shopping. In addition, I am of mixed heritage. Many a time, I often found myself in situations where I felt left out. Yet, the very act of moulding myself into someone else is almost tantamount to betrayal. Thus, I felt a connection with Nica when I read A Fistful Of Colours. Her refusal to succumb to society's expectations made me see a little of myself in her.

However, some may argue that I may be different just for the sake of standing out. This led me to question my beliefs ïAm I really staying true to myself or merely being rebellious? Individualism is not necessarily negative and yet too much of it can turn one into a self-centred and egotistical person. As I delved deeper into my thoughts, I became more at ease with myself. I made sure that my values are what I sincerely believe in. Like Nica, I realized that one does not always have to belong. Although it can make one feel at home, not belonging can give one the freedom to truly establish who you are. Without conforming to fit society's ideals and expectations of you, the world truly becomes your oyster.

I am no longer uncomfortable with my differences and I see them as a unique aspect of my identity. Although I am still on the long journey of truly understanding myself, I feel as if I have indeed moved a step closer to my final destination. I know that Nica will always be a reminder for me to never lose sight of who I truly am.

I can now confidently answer my question: Do I really need to belong?

No, I do not.

Thanks for reading my long essay!

Undergraduate / 'religion and history' Lafayette - Why are you interested in Lafayette College? [9]

Hey guys this is my supp for Lafayette college. They only allow 500 characters(!!) so I had to really condense everything. I'm not sure if this is personal enough so pls help me take a look. Also, I'll deeply appreciate it if you guys can look over my grammar - I usually have a problem with them! Thanks!!

I have always been interested in religion and history - in particular Judaism and the effects of the Holocaust. I want to attend Lafayette as I will be able to interact with Professor Robert Cohn, whose research interests coincide with my passion. Lafayette's focus on internationalism will allow me to study abroad to gain exposure - something that will help develop my goal of working at an international NGO in the future. As a Harry Potter dork, I cannot wait to join the Quidditch Club as well!

Thanks for looking through my essay. Give me a shout out if you need me to look over yours too. And Merry Xmas to all! =)

Undergraduate / Lafayette College - Cur Non moment [12]

Hey guys this is my essay for Lafayette college. Pls help me look thru them, especially for grammatical errors. All feedback is welcomed! Thanks!

1. In 1777, at the age of 19, the Marquis de Lafayette left a life of privilege and prestige in France and sailed to America to fight for the American Revolution. His family motto guided his sense of adventure and reflects an attitude that pervades Lafayette College today: "Cur Non?" ("Why not?). Based on this motto, discuss a "Why not?" moment in your personal, academic, or social life.

The hours seemed daunting, the pay was low and it was certainly not going to help my academics. Yet the prospect of being outside my comfort zone excited me. I figured I had nothing to lose. Armed with a sense of adventure, I signed on to be a part-time worker for the annual book fair organized by "Popular" bookstore. Getting a job may seem trivial. However, I had never worked before. The culture of working while in high school is not prominent in Singapore as parents emphasize on academics alone. Hence, the abrupt transition to working 12 hour shifts daily during the holidays was unnerving.

However, the job was a blessing in disguise. I met teenagers who were different from me - they came from troubled backgrounds and were school drop-outs. Coming from a prestigious school, I had never met people like them before. I learnt that contrary to popular belief, most of them were hardworking people. This motivated me to truly want to help the less fortunate in my country. The many stressful situations of dealing with demanding customers also taught me patience. I came away from the entire experience as a more diligent and socially-aware person. Not shying away from the challenge of a job was my most rewarding "Cur Non" moment ever.

Undergraduate / 'Dancing in my room' Mount Holyoke - What activities make you lose track of time? [15]

Hey guys this is my Mount Holyoke Supp. Pls help me check for any grammatical errors. I'm not quite sure if my message comes across well at the end as well. Word limit is 2 paras. Any feedback is strongly welcomed. And give me a shout out if you want me to look through your essays! THANKS! =)

What activities make you lose track of time?

I absolutely love dancing in my room. Thus, the most reasonable choice would be to say that dancing makes me lose track of time. However, I am always checking the clock to see when my mom is arriving home so as to prevent an embarrassing situation from occurring. With my goal of writing about dancing dashed, I turn towards my passion for watching soccer. I usually wake up in the wee hours of the morning during vacation to watch soccer games. Yet, I realize that one cannot watch the sport without taking note of the time - timing is very crucial in the game.

After pondering over a myriad of options from sketching to sleeping, I come to the conclusion that seemingly ordinary activities are the ones that make me lose track of time - I do not bother to look at the clock when I am with my friends and family; I can spend hours staring at the rain while constructing a poem in my head; I always get lost in my daydreams. Yes, perhaps it is embarrassing that I do not lose track of time while pursuing a specific hobby. However, I am at ease with myself. Often, people get too caught up with their lives to appreciate the things around them. I feel blessed that I still have the luxury of enjoying these everyday activities. They remind me of who I am and what I should not take for granted. It is these "normal" activities that always keep me recharged and refreshed for a new day of learning.