Undergraduate / 'raised in a single parent home' - Stanford- Intellectual development [8]

Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development

Being raised in a single parent home, along with moving to multiple locations across the nation, it would be expected that it would take a giant vat of radioactive waste to disintegrate the bond that holds my family together. In my life, my family is the key to triggering my intellectual development. In particular, my brother is most responsible for initiating my intellectual development.

My brother, Timothy, only eleven months younger than I am, is in the same grade as me. Naturally, since we are so close in age, we are highly competitive with one another. Ever since we were little we compared grades, test scores, and even reading speed. We constantly pushed each other and challenged each other's knowledge.

Our competitive nature continued as we grew. We dominated dinner table discussion with debates, using "all-knowing" Mom to end the disputes until the debates became so knowledgably demanding that only Google truly had all the answers. I distinctly remember deliberations over topics ranging broadly from whether or not milk was hydrating to the limit of the function 4x over 2x as x approaches infinity.

The pure joy of knowledge is the true motivation behind our constant intellectual contests. On long car rides, or when we were just bored Timothy and I would play "The Category Game" which we made up just for fun. The rules were simple: decide on category, and then go back and forth naming items in the category until someone could not come up with any more items. The categories were generally broad such as countries in the world, reptiles, or even movies with Will Smith, and would therefore last awhile with only each other to hold us accountable and always a resource nearby just in case.

The competition between Timothy and I, and also, our natural desire to learn compels us to expand our intellectual development. The pure joy of knowing is what truly motivates me -to have a deeper understanding of this enormous universe, on this strange life supporting planet, we all call home.

I would truly appreciate your opinions! I appreciate taking time to read it! let me know if you have something you would want me to read, maybe i can help?

Undergraduate / 'Knowledge matters. People matter. Life matters' - Stanford [4]

Many sleepless nights allow for questions of why, what are we doing here, and where do I belong to cloud my mind, demanding answers while none are there. I live by the coined phrase, "There is a reason for everything,"-a reason God created such an amazing intellectual race capable of complex emotions, with developed moral and ethical codes. There is no other species like that of humans on this planet. Therefore, there must be a purpose for each one of our lives, and I don't believe in wasting them. Discovering the reasons for everything while determining my purpose is what matters to me most. With such discoveries I believe I can change the world.

My desire for uncovering answers is my motivation. Unsatisfied with the unknown, my untamed curiosity causes me to ask a plethora of questions from "how exactly do airplanes fly" to "how can lack of sun cause depressions." My persistent nature doesn't allow me to accept empty answers such as "because I said so" or "because that's the way it's always been" -I want to know why. Upon mastering great understand comes the ability to connect with others from multiple different angles.

With knowledge, my compassion can be demonstrated. My desire to aid in the struggles common to the human race is why knowledge is so vital. Without a strong understanding of the "why's" and "how's" I cannot help benefit others as former erudite scholars have before me. Uncovering reason allows for understanding of people, and how to relate to others in a way so that together we can enhance this great planet we call home. When we give up on knowledge, and the desire to discover greater reasoning, society will fall to ignorance. Ignorance attributes to misunderstandings and assumptions that ultimately result in our downfall.

Knowledge is endless, and my yearning for understanding of the greater truths is continuous. My need to expand my personal databank encourages me to find people and places that will add kindling to my unceasing fire.

Undergraduate / "I'm from Texas, but don't worry" - Stanford-roommate letter [8]

Howdy roommate! Katelyn is my name; I'm from Texas, but don't worry, I'm not your stereotypical Texan. I have lived in so many different parts of the country that I'm not really from anywhere; Texas is just my current address. Surprisingly, yes, I'm a vegetarian from the cattle state known for their BBQ ribs and sirloin steaks, so don't be startled when you find a surplus of vegetables and tofu in the fridge. However, I am an exquisite vegetarian chef from a family of omnivores, so if you're a meat eater, I'd be delighted to introduce you to some new dishes-you won't even realize they're meat-free!

Here's your forewarning: I'm an early riser. I don't believe in sleeping in. Why waste time? But if you prefer beauty sleep, there will be a fresh cup of coffee or tea (I like both!) for you when you wake up. Similarly most mornings you'll find me running, my main source of stress relief; feel free to join!

Generally, I'm fairly neat and extremely organized. Few things stress me out, but a mess will do the trick. However, the exceptions to this rule are the insomnious nights in which only creative construction will grant me rest. Sometimes simply writing will suffice, other times its sewing or painting that will cure my sleeplessness, but the messy of this are my inventions, so don't be frightened to find me at two in the morning innovating furniture or devices. I am constantly innovating every aspect of my life to attain efficiency and simplicity. On the bright side, our dorm will be the most decorated and accommodating room on campus!

This letter is only the tip of the iceberg; there is so much more about me I can't wait to show you, and this is just the beginning. An adventure awaits us both filled with late night discussions, new experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. Living with you will be a thrilling venture into the unfamiliar that I can't wait to experience. Excitement cannot even describe my feelings about rooming with you at Stanford-our new home!

Undergraduate / 'the more he realized there had to be a God' Newton -historical influence [2]

Okay this ones a bit risky, i know but please i would really love everyones opinion. be as harsh as you want! I will return the favor.

Propmt: describe influence a historical figure has on you

"Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" The most commonly debated topic. Well, for those who chose to believe in a higher power, that God created the universe and everything in it, then of course the chicken came first. However, for those who claim evolution, would say the egg clearly came before the chicken. A wise man combined his scientific theories and ideas with his faith. This same wise man once said, "This most beautiful system of sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being"-his name was Sir Isaac Newton.

Isaac Newton, University of Cambridge scholar, was a renowned mathematician and physicist. On the other side of the spectrum, he was also a famous theologian. A man of faith, the more Newton studied and learned, the more he realized there had to be a God. His faith inspires my own, and gives me the courage to defend my faith as he has his.

Newton is a major historical figure who has influenced me greatly. His ability to combine science with faith encourages me in my own walk with God. We share the unorthodox beliefs in a personal God who consistently is impacting our lives. For me, he is better known as the x factor, the answer for the unknown. Newton gave me hope that scientific theories could be true, while also believing in a higher power. Most would force me to pick a side, while deep down inside me I know there are truths to both.

Isaac Newton's accomplishments and his faith inspire me to strengthen my own. I aspire to be as influential as he has been. Something had to start the evolution in the beginning, how could we have just appeared out of the nothingness of space? Scientifically speaking, the only viable explanation of creation would be a greater being.

Undergraduate / 'Mom did so many things with her life' - Common app- influential person [5]

does it sound too unoriginal?? help please! will return the favor! thanks in advance!!!

Throughout life we are given people who leave a distinct mark on us. This person is extraordinary and when given time to reflect, the specific details about that one person emerge and we understand how he or she truly impacts our own lives. Without hesitation, my mother has impacted my life in the past and will continue to influence me in the future.

Mom did so many things with her life that most other mothers cannot compare. Her past is colored by an abusive father and a mother who allowed it all to occur. This is why she left home at 17 to join the Navy and make a better life for herself. And she did just that! She married my dad, and then was discharged from the Navy when found pregnant with me. Continuing life as a stay at home mom, she made sure her children received the best education and were raised right. Life seemed perfect. But abuse crept back in her life at the hands of my dad, and Mom again found herself fleeing to pursue a better life, not only for herself, but for her children-for me.

Being the main provider, my mother had to get a job to support her three children. She tried to earn as much income as she could while also being available to raise and nurture us. For the majority of my life, I have watched my mother work at least two jobs at a time just to provide for us. She never gave up no matter how much the world demanded of her. Mom's ambition and desires truly motivate her to provide for her family she loves so much.

My drive comes from Mom. I have firsthand witnessed her ambition at work. Although Mom struggled both financially and emotionally all my life, she never let that deter her from doing her absolute best. She gently pushed me to excel in school so that I could fulfill my dreams. Her belief in me to succeed and the will power that I saw in her, motivated me achieve my goals. I, then, dedicated myself to obtaining my goals, with college being one of them. Mom taught me that hard work pays off just as it had with her, and that I needed to help others just as she had helped me. With this in mind, I began a journey where academic achievement and servant leadership travel together. I plan to use my journey and successes to share with others so that together we can change the world for the better