Undergraduate / Capitalism, Jainism - UC prompt #1 [2]

1. 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.

Capitalism. Supply and Demand. Lassiez-Faire.

From a young age, venturesome businesses of lemonade stands, babysitter clubs and reselling my used books have infatuated me with the principles of business. I first learned of these influential business-related topics while being Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club. This business club has built the foundation to form partnerships with the local business community, offering students a cosmopolitan perspective of our capitalistic society.

"Thank you for your kind help! Without you, my mother may have died..."

These were the inspiring words said by a girl to me whose low-income mother had been diagnosed through a free mammogram test during my organized medical camp.

Born to two professional immigrant parents in the middle class, I have been given worldwide exposure to many cultures through traveling and have greatly utilized my opportunities to strive for a varied education. While growing up, I have always been motivated to take on the most challenging school courses such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) program, Varsity tennis, and captain of the Mock Trial team to expand my observations and interpretations of the diverse point of views of those around me. Thus using my knowledge, experience and confidence gained from my activities, I have enhanced my goals of understanding the professions of business and medicine.

The principles of business are how new ideas are marketed, different vistas understood, and enterprises that are built from rock bottom to the top. As an active leader in propelling my high school FBLA forward, I have created partnerships promoting marketing advertisements and efficient workshops to allow FBLA ideas to be marketed in the local community. Through my experiences in FBLA I have understood how our society is commanded by a simple idea of supply and demand, and the techniques necessary to effectively execute my business skills, such as communication and networking, to get my ideas comprehended by our metropolitan society. For example, I have recently created a partnership with the local Toyota dealership by drawing and executing a proposal benefiting both the dealership with more foot traffic, and educating first time high school car buyers the important things to analyze before buying a car. This experience was mind-blowing as I was able to interact with my peers and high officials of a multi-billion dollar transportation corporation.

Through my business knowledge and interest in educational professions, I have been propelled to pursue medicine, where I can utilize my business skills to effectively assist and educate others in their personal hardships.

My religion, Jainism, elaborates on one word - "Ahimsa." Ahimsa is the idea of how non-violence should be used to promote compassion towards all living creatures.

This understanding of helping others, has motivated me to participate in Red Cross blood drives, volunteer at settlement houses, and the local hospital. I have become extremely active in the youth council at my temple and have helped organize and sponsor numerous region-wide free medical camps for low-income families. By using my business networking social skills, I have helped to personally educate individuals by increasing their knowledge on their health by discussing the proper diets, necessary exercises, and overall understandning that their health is a key factor for a better livliehood. Incidencts such as the girl whose mothers cancer was reversible due to early treatment, is a constant encouragement that one day I will be able to change numerous peoples' lives for the better through my broad educational background.

My ultimate goal in life is to attain a diverse education in the fields of medicine, and business. I hope to constantly learn new ideas, innovations and perspectives on my path of becoming a doctor. But more than anything, I want to educate a world that is constantly struggling to ensure future generations can look back at the past, and be proud of their forefathers. I have first-handedly experienced how the skills that I have learned from using business, and my religion has impacted my motivation to help others and provide education for better health in our society. Thus, I hope to intertwine both medicine and business by becoming CEO of a large non-profit health organization chartered to help people from all walks of life through compassion. Thus, in order to make my goals of becoming an active leader in the medical field a reality, my future starts at a prestigious university.

Words are at 724. Need to be cut down to 500 or so.

Undergraduate / GW Straight Med essay? So incredibly lost. Guidance? [2]

I am having a very difficult time answering this question: Why do you want to join GW's straight med?

In our innovative, constantly evolving health care system, more and more advancements are occurring. For example: new vaccinations for cervical cancer (Gardisal), new surgical methods, and new tests to discover genetic conditions (comparative genomic hybridizations). However, there are still prevalent problems that affect poorly educated and poverty-ridiculed populations of third world countries with deadly diseases like AIDS, hearts attacks, and cancer. George Washington University, known for it's ideal location and extensive research, will be the perfect place to propel my idea of educating those in low-income situations, forward.

My religion, Jainism, elaborates on one word - "Ahimsa." Ahimsa is the idea of how non-violence should be used to promote compassion towards all living beings. With that foundation, my passion to help others has grown drastically as I participate in activities that involve educating my fellow human beings. Recently, I volunteered at Red Cross blood drives, the local settlement houses educating senior citizens about their health, and interacting with patients at local hospital.

I have become a leader in the youth council at my temple by helping to sponsor, through volunteering and fundraising efforts, numerous free medical camps for indigenous low-income families.

"Thank you for your kind help! Without you, my mother may have died..."

These were the inspiring words said by a girl to me whose mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer through a free mammogram during a medical camp I organized.

Due to the early stage diagnosis, the mothers' cancer was reversible. This satisfaction of my efforts is a constant encouragement that one day, I will be able to change numerous peoples' lives for the better through education.

All countries are "gilded", a term coined by Mark Twain to refer to a society which appears to be falsely glossed with gold. However, once the surface is scratched one can see that it merely has gold paint covering the polluted metal. To solve this problem we must go below the surface to the dark metal and scrub it until it is clean and polished. Thus, to scrub off the false glossy image and make changes, I have made it my life's goal to enhance a non-profit organization, dedicated to educating and providing medical supplies to the impoverished throughout the world.

Thus, submerging myself at school by enduring rigorous International Baccalaureate Middle Years program (IBMYP), traveling to many countries across the Globe, and interacting with patients, have made me realize that there is a new world of opportunities waiting to be grasped by education and awareness. To achieve my goals, I must have my own expert knowledge in the medical field to educate a world that is constantly struggling.

To pursue my goal of an active leader in the medical field, my future begins at George Washington's University BS/MD program. Now, why George Washington's straight medical program? As a young girl from southern California, I never thought I would leave California for the east coast - until I stayed in Washington DC for two weeks. I felt that the DC area is the right atmosphere where I can study for my future seven years.

Interacting with current successful GW students, studying the GW website, and comprehending all the wonderful programs that are offered, such as the honors program, and a whole division set aside simply for community service, I know, I absolutely know, that GW is the best fit for me.

Undergraduate / Why do you want to join the Honors Program at GW? [2]

Essay asks: Why do you want to join the Honors Program at GW?

George Washington's honor program stresses three key ideas: broad perspectives, motivation and overcoming challenges. These core concepts work hand in hand enabling a person to explore the 'real' world awaiting. I know that I am this person waiting to grasp different ideologues and comprehend our diverse world to fulfill my goal of becoming a leader in our cosmopolitan world.

Traveling to numerous countries around the world, I have gained a broad perspective on a multitude of topics. I am able to offer my opinions and give critical advice while still open and willing to learn from other peoples point of views and opinions. A broad perspective on life has allowed me to excel by understanding the needs and wants from a varied group, rather than limiting myself to only one aspect of an issue. This open point of view was a key factor in the leadership role of running many clubs on campus. In a rapidly changing world, it is absolutely imperative to have exposure to a broad scope of a subject; to make an informed and critical decision. GW's honor program will expand my perspectives.

From a young age, venturesome businesses of lemonade stands, babysitter clubs, and reselling my used books have infatuated me with the principles of business. I was motivated at this young age to understand the concepts of business and explore the endless possibilites that are offered through business. In the same way, I have been motivated to learn about many concepts and ideas such as our law system, capatilistic society and the humanity aspects such as community service. I know that the teachers, and peers in the GW honors program will have the same encouragement and passion, motivating me to understand our diverse and broad world. When students around me are motivated to learn, I feed off of their energy and collaborate to thoroughly understand foreign concepts. I am certain such motivation will be prevalent at the GW's honor program, and this is exactly what I need to pursue my goals.

Furthermore, the world beholds numerous challenges requiring one to overcome these hardships, face on. Enduring my own challenges of face deformities, financial constraints, and difficult coursework, I have the necessary strength to persevere and learn from these arduous challenges. Challenges are something that will be present throughout life, and I must continue to constantly learn how to deal with those upcoming challenges. As the GW honors' program presents challenges in the demanding coursework, I am optimistically looking forward to facing these challenges and become successful.

Thus, I can see myself succeeding at GW's honors program because the program offers perspectives, motivation and challenges. Looking at the broad range of classes that are offered, I am motivated to comprehend the challenging courses that lay ahead of me. The way the classes address humanity, mathematical and scientific subjects such as quantitative research methods to measure predicted behaviors based off of human sexual behaviors, are intriguing and definitely the right core classes that I can see myself in. I will do well in this program and look forward to join in Fall 2009.

Undergraduate / The accident that left my nose damaged badly [2]

Prompt: Describe your most interesting mistake.

As I blew the candles on my birthday cake, I made a wish; a wish to have a normal nose again.

SMASH! Right into the back of a boy's head. I remember the accident at the age of seven that left my nose so damaged, it attracted unwanted attention from gawkers and mockers. My nose was nothing more than a flattened piece of fused cartilage restricting my capabilities to breathe properly.

This was my most interesting mistake. Interesting, why? Because I owe everything that I am today to this one accident.

I was called "Freak!", "Pig-faced!" and sometimes downright "Ugly." Devastated, I constantly scurried to bury myself into a book, in fear that someone would make another mean joke about my nose.

Screams of agony from excruciating pain were accompanied by endless nose bleeds. This was my life over the course of four tormenting surgeries meant to fix my nose. I assumed that these bone-breaking, expensive reconstructive surgeries, would be the antidote for my despondent perspective of life.

At the age fifteen, I had a revelation at my grandfather's funeral. Grandpa, a determined women-rights leader, always said, "Poonam, society can try to take away your beauty, confidence, and dignity, but no one can take your knowledge gained from education." I realized that I had foolishly lost my way by allowing this narcissistic society to devour my confidence, self-beauty, and dignity.

I stopped caring about the vile slander and began to grasp that I needed to develop a new optimistic outlook towards life. I was immensely motivated to interact with this "new world" I began to see.

By becoming actively involved in school and community activities, my self-confidence and quest for knowledge has grown exponentially. I now possess the fortitude and knowledge to deliver speeches in front of large crowds and have become a prominent leader in my school and community.

I now participate in sports such as varsity tennis, track and field, and the summer swim team without fear, instead, with confidence and perseverance.

It was an honor to have been selected to participate in the distinguished Congressional Academy and also have been recognized with numerous academic, leadership awards.

I can now walk through the halls at school looking towards the horizon with my head held high while finally receiving respect from my peers for what I do, not what I look like.

I have accepted the fact that I am an independent and determined leader who will no longer be the little girl who hid from the world.

This mistake of allowing myself to be devoured by a critical, leviathan society, has been my greatest blunder. However, this mistake serves as the catalyst in developing the strong and confident person I am today.

Undergraduate / Personal Statment: Describe an experience and impact on you. [3]

Personal Statment: Describe an experience and impact on you.

As I blew the candles on my birthday cake, I made a wish; a wish to have a normal nose again.

SMASH! Right into the back of a boy's head. I remember the accident at the age of seven that left my nose so damaged, it attracted unwanted attention from gawkers and mockers. My nose was nothing more than a flattened piece of fused cartilage which restricted my capability to breathe properly.

As a little girl growing up in the prejudiced Caucasian environment of southern California, I was called "Freak!", "Pig-faced!" and sometimes downright "Ugly." One memory , that I now laugh at, was the day I discovered hurtful web pages created to lampoon my "Hideous" and "Disgusting" nose. At school, I constantly scurried to bury myself into a book, in fear that someone would make another mean joke about my nose. I thought there would never be an end to the ridicule, tears, and shame.

Screams of agony from excruciating pain were accompanied by endless nose bleeds. This was my life over the course of four tormenting surgeries meant to fix my nose. I assumed that these bone-breaking, expensive reconstructive surgeries, over the course of eight years, would be the antidote for my deformed face and despondent perspective of life. Although these surgeries did change how I was perceived by others, my modified appearance did not alter my pessimistic outlook towards life.

Fortunately, at the age of fifteen, I had a revelation at my grandfather's funeral. An inspirational and righteous man, my grandfather peacefully marched with Gandhi to protest against the British presence in India. He was brutally tortured in jail in hopes of gaining freedom for the Indian people. Grandpa, a determined women-rights leader, always said, "Poonam, society can try to take away your beauty, confidence, and dignity, but no one can take your knowledge gained from an education." I realized that I, as a young girl, had foolishly lost my way to a narcissistic society by allowing this critical society to devour my confidence, self-beauty, and dignity.

I stopped caring about the vile slander that poured from superficial peoples' mouths. I began to finally grasp that my middle and high school experiences could not wane away to something as puerile as physical beauty.

As a result of my strife, I developed a new outlook towards life and have pushed myself to interact with this "new world" that I began to see.

By becoming actively involved in school and community activities, my self-confidence and quest for knowledge has grown exponentially. I now possess the fortitude and knowledge to deliver speeches in front of large crowds and in doing so I have become a front-line leader in clubs such as Mock Trial, Key Club, and Future Business Leaders of America.

After the numerous surgeries and 'new world' experiences, I gained freedom. With my new freedoms and ability to breathe properly, I now have the opportunity to participate in sports such as Varsity tennis, Track and Field, and the city-wide summer swim team without fear, instead, with confidence and perseverance.

This new point-of-view on life has fueled my passion for the medical field. I have organized and participated in Red Cross blood drives and temple-sponsored health fairs, as well as volunteering at settlement houses, and the local hospital. I strive to establish rapport with my community through volunteering, because it enables me to help those, like me, who are trying to overcome their own personal hardships.

I am proud to say that I have been invited to participate in the distinguished Congressional Academy in Washington DC and have been recognized with numerous academic and leadership awards. I can now walk through the halls at school looking towards the horizon with my head held high while finally receiving respect from my fellow peers for what I do, not what I look like.

I have accepted the fact that I am an independent and determined leader who will no longer be the little girl who hid from the world.

Looking back at the struggles I faced at a young age, I realize these incidents served as the catalyst in developing the strong and confident person I am today. These struggles have guided me towards a career in the medical field where I will be offered the opportunities to aid others in their personal strife. Helping others is essential to me, as I have had to face my fears and stand up to a daunting society. I know that if I can guide others to stand up and help them face their fears successfully, then I will make the seven year old version of me, who could not fully comprehend the critical views of society, proud.

My goals are to one day intertwine medicine, business and law by becoming CEO of a large non-profit health organization chartered to help people from all walks of life through compassion.

Thus, as I am taking stronger steps towards attaining my goals, I am at the start of my path... my path to an education. "An education that no one can ever take from me."

My education starts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Undergraduate / Claremont Mckenna: leadership essay [2]

Leadership is a constant theme and emphasis at CMC. In fact, one of the ways we describe CMC students is "Leaders in the Making." Identify and discuss a person, fictional or nonfictional, who has helped shape culture and thought. You may select someone from any field: literature, the arts, science, politics, history, athletics, business, education, etc.

To me, leadership does not necessarily mean accumulating as many titles as possible. I feel one leads through his or her dedication, supportive actions, and contributions. This is why I chose Dr. Donald Ainslie Henderson (1928-), epidemiologist and physician. Superficially, he has earned titles such as the first person to initiate the World Health Organization's (WHO) global program of immunization, dean of the John Hopkins School of Public Health, considered "a real American hero" by the US legislature, awarded by President Ronald Reagan for the National Medal of Science, and have been honored by fourteen countries. However, these titles don't even begin to tell the story of Dr. D.A. Henderson. They don't reveal his persevering inner spirit or the opportunities that his work have offered to the entire world. They don't reveal how his determination and his genius came together to create one of the most vital chapters in the history worlds eradication programs. And most of all they don't reveal his greatest contribution: the inspiration he has given to thousands of young medically interested students, just like me.

Dr. Henderson has guided me, through both the real world of poverty and diseases, as well as the world of finding solutions to world problems through science. I have always been intrigued never-ending possibilities presented by the research and vaccinations that science beholds. I will never forget the day my Grandpa from India showed me a black and white picture of Dr. Henderson. I was only seven, but I still remember the stories my grandfather told me about the ruthless disease of smallpox murdering thousands of millions of Indian citizens. Teary-eyed, he told me about his relatives and very close friends whose lives were devastated with the smallpox virus - eliminating whole families, newborn children and destroying the people of India's peaceful lifestyle. He then looked back at the picture of Dr. Henderson and said a prayer thanking Henderson for protecting his family from the immersing problem of smallpox during his younger years in the 1960's. Intrigued by how my strict, illuminating grandfather was so affected by this simple, plain clothed doctor, I wanted to be just like this man who had made such a global impact.

It was not until I read The Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston, which showed the actions and passions of the smallpox eradicators, that I finally understood why grandfather had been so appreciative of Henderson. The story discussed how, despite many pessimistic comments about the failure of world eradication of smallpox, Henderson still spearheaded this worldwide eradication process in hopes that those in developed, and developing countries can be safe from one less destructive, painful and lethal disease. All the more, the book alludes to his persisting drive making Henderson the legend that I constantly look up to.

I was so amazed by the actions and determination of Henderson that by twelve years old I decided to become just like him - a world leader. The courage that Henderson showed to the world is something that one day, I know I will follow in his footsteps with my own courage. I will never forget Dr. Henderson for giving me the strength to overcome my fears and showing me that anything is truly possible as long as you are determined, and not brought down by others' pessimism. Like me, Henderson was a determined individual with a love for both humanity and science. All his actions stress two qualities I feel are most important in a leader: dedication and compassion. He taught the world that it is not enough to simply say something cannot be done - something can always be done as Henderson has proved. It was his choice to go against many scientists who said eradication of a disease would never be possible and complete the task worldwide that make him a legend to me.

Because of him, I am fortunate to be born in a generation where I no longer need to fear the rapacity of a disease that operates a brutal and indiscriminate extermination. Yet there are vast amount of diseases: malaria, HIV/AIDS, cholera, and polio; diseases that have yet to be apprehended. In reality, these diseases are the terrorists of the world, with no other purpose than to eliminate mankind. I now know that overcoming obstacles in the present is simply leading me to a future as a pathologist striving to bring down these global ravagers.

As I know this dream will become a reality, I have started to see the world of medicine and leadership around me. I have used the determination displayed by Dr. Henderson as motivation to donate over 500 hours of volunteer work to the local hospital and Red Cross group in my local community with hopes that someday I will make a change just like Henderson did for my grandfather. My active participation in the American Red Cross club was a crucial step in building my understanding of the compassion associated with medicine. While helping run blood drives, I realized that the selfless acts of a few are the lifelines of a great many others. My desire to reach out into the hearts of others has led me to vow to become a part of Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization of medical workers serving humankind without prejudice. I feel that it is the most fitting role I can assume to benefit all. With the aid of all, I believe that we can destroy polio. We can destroy HIV/AIDS. We have proven ourselves capable of our goals again and again, and it is a matter of our determination to "unmulun" (to be torn up by the roots in Sanskrit) these diseases from the human heart and mind.

Yesterday, we received proof that we are capable of destroying our biological adversaries. Today, we have been handed the tools to apprehend the long charge ahead of us. And tomorrow, we can visualize a world where we no longer have to fear because of people like Dr. Donald Ainslie Henderson.

I know, I will one day be like him.

Undergraduate / Who am I and what Do I want from College? [2]

This is an essay that discusses who am i and what do i want from college. The professor likes VERY VERY forumlaic essays. Very straight to the point, and does not care too much for "big, verbose" language.

College and I

Who am I? I feel outgoing, yet I feel timid. I have a sense of humor, yet I know when to be serious. I can be strong, but sometimes I am weak. Despite these conflicting traits that I possess, there are three main qualities that define me. I am a self-disciplined, determined, and a confident leader who wants to become an open minded, activated person in college while learning why things happen rather than simply how things happen.

I am self-disciplined. Being a self-disciplined individual has served me well as there have been an enormous amount of distractions that I have faced. High school was a change from the sheltered life I was used to living. High school offered me opportunities to smoke pot behind the gym, ditch class just for fun, and get drunk from a water bottle in class. Such temptations tested my ability to withstand the peer pressure that many others failed to resist. Throughout high school, I was determined to be effective and efficient in every activity I engaged in. When I was on the Varsity tennis team, president of the mock trial team, and vice president of the business club, I was swamped with an overwhelming amount of work. I had to rely on my self-discipline to ensure I stayed balanced with my five AP classes and extracurricular activities. I practiced time management as I focused on my school work first and then my additional activities. However, my personal life was lacking due to the amount of effort I put into my studies. I decided to put aside Friday and Saturday nights as my time to relax from anything work-related. I balanced work with play by going out with friends, visiting new places, and spending time with the family. I learned the importance of having an occasional leisure time aside from the continuous "rat race" of school. I know that this quality of self-discipline will guide me to become successful in college.

I am determined. From a young age, I have always strived to complete every obstacle that comes my way because my parents have always taught me to try my hardest. I believe that accomplishing the more difficult tasks, proves to be the most rewarding. In high school, I learned that the number one thing most adults feared was public speaking. Determined to not be a part of this generalization, I was the only freshmen to join the speech and debate class on campus. In a classroom setting of 15 students, I was the youngest and least experienced public speaker. Being a timid person, I found it tough and nerve wracking to voice my opinion in front of an audience. I struggled with every speech that I had to give, but I did not give up because I was determined to improve and learn a new skill. The more I struggled, the better I ended up executing on my speeches. Soon thereafter, I began to notice a vast improvement in my performance; to a point where I could speak in front of a live audience loud and clear, without hesitation. I walked into the class fearful of the unknown, and walked out with a personal sense of satisfaction. It was enough for me to realize that this same determined feeling is applicable to all aspects of my life. I now look at any challenging activity as a puzzle that is simply waiting to be solved.

I am a leader. I do not look to others to approve or disapprove own my actions, but rather look to others for guidance. Upon this guidance, I march to the beat of my drum. I am a leader because of my ability to break out of my "mold" and explore new things that others are fearful to try. Being president of my high school mock trial (law) team, I was always presented with new obstacles. My high school was very "sports-focused" and did not support academic clubs as strongly as athletics. I took it upon myself to visit numerous law firms to solicit support. Encouragingly, two firms: the Riverside District Attorney's office and the offices of Varner and Brandt accommodated our requests by offering funding and two pro bono lawyers to make our team successful. As we started to compete amongst 30 Southern California teams, we began to gain respect from other schools for our hard work and perseverance as we ranked in the top 25% of the schools. Our team was viewed as a real eye opener for local high students to show the importance of academics, teamwork and public speaking. I know that in college, I will be a leader and make an impact on others.

Due to these three characteristics that define me, I know what I want to gain out of my college experience.

I want to learn rather than memorize. Most people associate memorization with knowledge. But it's just not true. For the first time, I am determined to learn things, not simply memorize and accept things. As John Meiland supports, "The difference (between college and high school) is that college work requires that students engage in a different kind of intellectual activity, in addition to the activity of understanding the material that is presented." (Meiland, 2) One of the biggest differences that I have already seen in college, are the way my classes are presented. In chemistry, the teacher does not present the class with formulas and expect us to memorize them. Rather, he teaches us the concepts and expects us to apply them. I want to learn this from college because it will help me in the future. When joining the workforce, I will have to mold my knowledge from college to be applied to a multitude of situations. Memorization will not provide me an answer. Thus, learning the why, rather than just the how will further my role as a leader.

I want to become more open-minded in college. I am at a college where there are numerous people from different countries, cultures, and mindsets. I want to be exposed to this in order to make myself a better leader. I need to understand the theory of multiplicity which states that every person has their own perspectives to a situation. By being open minded, I will be able to reduce the natural tendency of being biased. I will be able to see both sides to a situation and clearly make the best objective decision. Mill supports this in his essay 'Of the liberty of though and Discussion" by stating that knowledge is fundamental to the growth of the self and society. (Mill, 23). This shows that by being more educated in others perspectives, that I am not only helping myself to grow, but to contribute back to society through being more open-minded and accepting. During the first weeks of school, I went out of my comfort zone and began to interact with people of different backgrounds. Initially, this was a difficult task for me as I have grown up in the same city my entire life. However, I convinced myself that I needed to break out of my comfort zone in order to gain the most out of University of the Pacific. Meeting new people has caused me to be exposed to a variety of mindsets, and customs. I am ready reach out of my comfort zone to become more open-minded in the way I retain knowledge, make new friends, and gain an optimistic attitude about life.

In college, I want to be more activated. In high school, many of the activities I did were fueled by the desire to get into a good college, rather than actual passion. Now that I am in college, I want to explore more of the clubs, volunteer work, and sports that I find intriguing. I want to become not only a part of these clubs, but activated in the clubs as a contributing individual to a certain cause. Rampton and Stauber support that activism is a path to enlightenment and enriches our lives through personal contact with informed, committed people - who are determined to make the world a better place. (R + S, 20) Therefore, I have already joined many clubs on campus that have an extremely strong appeal to me. However, I did not join these clubs (cancer-free, club scope, pre-dental etc) simply because it would strengthen my resume, but rather to satisfy a yearning to experience something new and become informed. I will make myself activated in college to prepare me for the future - to make the world a better place.

College is a place where I will refine and make my characteristics stronger. I know I am a determined, self-disciplined leader who is ready to improve from my experiences in college. I want college to be a learning place that pushes me out of my comfort zone to activate me for myself and society.

Writing Feedback / Critique of woman in documentary [2]

I had to summarize and write a reflection on a documentary. The professor likes to keep things VERY simple. Very easy to understand the first time through.

Summary and Reflection on The Mosque in Morgantown Documentary
Muslim women entering from the back door. Muslim women being segregated while praying. Muslim women who do not have gender equality. Asra Nomani is fighting against these "man's laws" to gain support among Muslim women to stand up for themselves against this persistent segregation in mosques across the nation. The documentary The Mosque in Morgantown by Brittany Huckabee discusses Asra Nomani's beliefs and her two year long journey to create gender equality at her local mosque in West Virginia.

In October 2003, the Islamic Center of Morgantown opened in Morgantown, West Virginia. Nomani was appalled by the intolerance and lack of acceptance towards non-believers, suspicion that the West corrupt people, and most importantly the exclusion of women in the Mosque. She recalled that when on her pilgrimages to Mecca, her family would pray in a line, with women and men sitting next to each other, to god. However, in the Islamic Center of Morgantown, the women are separated from the men because of the "mans law" that believes due to the attractive nature of women that women's physical beauty would distract men from praying properly. Nomani makes a distinction in the documentary between 'God's Law,' which is the law that is accepted and understand in the Quran, and 'Mans Law,' which are laws shaped by man to appease themselves. Appalled, Nomani began to protest against this oppressive movement. She conducted numerous protests, and tactics to stop the "atrocities" of gender segregation in the mosque. She even wrote "99 Precepts for Opening Hearts, Minds and Doors in the Muslim World" and posted the list on the door of the mosque in a similar manner to that of Martian Luther and his 95 theses on the Catholic Church door. When the question was asked to men to why they feel that this separation practice is ok, many men responded that the women would feel uncomfortable sitting with men anyway - thus, separation is necessary for the women. Asra Nomani believes that in America, the Muslim community and the American Dream need to go hand-in-hand rather than the Muslim community restricting people from attaining this dream. Nomani believes that Islam is an extremely progressive religion that needs to be evident in the mosque. Throughout the documentary, there was a fine line between the culture and religion of people of the Islam religion.

In the documentary, both the conservative and moderate ideologies are shown. The documentary does a good job of showing opinions on both sides of the issue in regards to Asra Nomani's plight to end segregation in the Mosque. I do not agree with Asra Nomani's drastic tactics of how to change the separation of females and males. Being Indian, I have numerous Islamic friends who are generally conservative in nature. Nomani, being raised in an Islam family - should have recognized this generalization and tried to use less extreme tactics and approached the situation in a better manner that would have slowly, but progressively made an impact at the Mosque. This suspicious and flashy behavior that Nomani conducted in leads me to believe she had ulterior motives to publicize her book (Standing Alone in Mecca) more than get change at her Mosque. Also, if Nomani really wanted to stress change and eliminate the oppressive gender gap, then she should have run as a candidate for the Executive council (which has the authority to end the segregation of women) and made her voice heard.