Undergraduate / Stanford roommate essay: 'asian, born in Brazil and lives in Canada' [4]

Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better.

Dear future roommate,
I am thrilled to start a new part of our lives at Stanford, and I'm sure that you too are as excited. First of all let me introduce myself. I am not your typical Asian, I was born in Brazil and lived there most of my life, and recently I have moved to Canada. A bit weird eh?

Being from Brazil, I have always wanted to check out if what happened in the movies was real. Interestingly, some of my Canadian friends already became used to me saying: "is it just like in those movies?" A funny moment of those was when I first saw a Yellow School bus, since I thought they wouldn't exist in real life, and freaked out about it. In university I always imagined that line across the room, dividing the room into two very distinct spaces. I hope it never comes to that in our room.

I tend to learn things quickly, whether it is school related, or just fixing something on a computer. And if you ever require assistance, I assure you that I will always try to help you to my best extent, even if that means dropping what I am currently working on.

Also I have a great passion towards sports, I can adapt to different sports quickly. I admit I don't have the best body build (I may be the skinniest person you ever know); yet I got into the rugby team. And even though I got wrecked every rugby game, I love the thrill that the sport gives me.

Don't be worried if you expect a super messy room with clothes thrown all around and old food on the table. I tend to be clean and even have a habit of organizing everything. However, don't be alarmed if I start mumbling strange words in Portuguese from time to time or if I become overexcited because of a soccer game. Also if you were to become interested in learning a new language, I would gladly teach you. I look forward for these 4 years we will spend at Stanford

Regards, Kevin Lin

I appreciate the feedbacks
Thank You

Undergraduate / Common App main essay: "Out of the frying pan, into the fridge" [3]

Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fridge

From the sizzling 40o Celsius summer in Brazil to the freezing, snowy -20o Celsius winters of Canada. It was February 12th 2011, an important transition day in my life.

In October 2010, my father called a most unusual family meeting. He told us that the decision made that day would significantly change our lives. He had been offered a contract to work in Canada and if he were to accept, we would have to move to Montreal early in 2011.

As a family, we accepted the offer. However, having lived in Brazil most of my life, I was initially reluctant to move since I would be leaving all my friends and everything that encompassed my childhood behind. Furthermore, I was about to begin the process of applying to Brazilian universities to study engineering, which in itself is a continuation of an unyielding process I had started earlier in high-school. I had taken every possible class offered in preparation for the arduous application regimen.

From the moment I arrived, the city of Montreal was simply breathtaking. Stepping out of the airport, I was astonished by the small droplets of snow that were falling from the sky. I had never seen or touched snow before that day. Almost immediately, I fulfilled on of my wildest dreams - to play in snow - and, yes, it was just like I imagined and had seen in the movies. This was a new and interesting element that became part of my new life. Of all of the changes, this was one of the most significant for me.

In Canada, I learned how to play a new sport: rugby. When I made the rugby team, I impressed myself because I had no prior knowledge of the rules of or how to play the game. The only thing I knew was what I had seen in movies, which was to run non-stop. Despite all the difficulties, rugby was a great way for me to meet new people and, as a bonus; our team won the championship, an even more impressive feat for a newcomer to the sport!

Adapting to and learning about new cultures has been part of the process of assimilating to this new country for me. Thus far, I haven't had problems adapting to new situations; in fact, I quite enjoy being the "new kid" because it always gives me the opportunity to learn and experience different things.

Overcoming difficulties of moving to a new place was not easy. Obstacles, such as leaving lifelong friends and acquiring new habits and tastes are surmountable. However, living in a new place also meant making new friendships and embracing new cultures, aspects that I've learnt to enjoy very much. Going on to university will be another challenge and a new opportunity for me to learn much more and experience tremendous personal growth.

Be rigorous, please!!
Thank You for the reviews!!