Undergraduate / UC Prompt # 1 -- "The taxi" [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.]

"Goodbye, Torrance." I waved as the blue and orange taxi drove out of the parking lot, taking my friend away.

Shirish was from Nepal and had stayed in Scotland a little over a year with his father and sister. They were my neighbors and Shirish was my best friend. We talked about anything and everything together, made fun of each other, made fun of others, played soccer, climbed trees, and swam at the local pool. He was someone I could trust with anything, gave valuable advice, and was never afraid to tell me what I did not want to hear. Patrick stood beside me-I was surprised there were no tears. He was too. Shirish had been his best friend also and together, the three of us were inseparable.

I lived in Scotland for nine years, but the night before his departure was the most brilliant. It was freezing dark, the moon was out, and it had begun to snow in earnest. My brothers were the first outside, calling out to the neighbors, "It's snowing! It's snowing!" Soon all of the university children appeared in the middle where the green hill was, now blanketed in white. A snowball fight erupted and two clans formed immediately, battling it out under the starry, snow-filled night. My worries and sorrow with Shirish's leaving had all but evaporated; everything was good again! We were all there together having a blast and the morning could wait.

But it came, and he went. The taxi had carried off another of my best friends, continuing a painful trend in this university town. When parents received their degrees they packed up and left. Most families stayed for two or three years, but mine had been there for nine. As a result, I saw friend after friend disappear.

I look back on these lasting memories and realize that things and places are not permanent, but more importantly that people are not permanent. The world I live in is dynamic and I cannot control it. I still miss Shirish, Patrick, and many others, but I have learned that time with people is precious. They have taught me the values of companionship and community. These friends of mine from all corners of the globe have shaped me so much, with their presence as well as their absence.

I am still unsure as to what career path I will choose. Whatever road I take, I want it to involve interaction with people. I hope to impact others as profoundly as my friends have me.

Undergraduate / "My experience in Mexico" - UC Prompt # 2 [2]

[Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?]

I looked out of the van windows at the passing countryside. Now and again a field would pass by where workers were toiling. My team, consisting of multiple Californian churches, was in Mexico to provide medical aid and spread the love of Jesus. In minutes, we would have arrived at the site.

Hours later, the day's work was drawing to an end. The hot afternoon sun beat down on me as I stooped to pick up a bicycle. Looking around I could see that doctors were finishing up with their last patients and children were running off home, leaving behind their rainbow-colored crayon etchings. I looked for the little boys I had played soccer with earlier, but they were nowhere to be seen. Many helpers were sitting down and chatting.

I love riding bikes, so I patted away the dust on the bike seat and got on. It was small-there were no brakes-a child's bike. I began to pedal and realigned my balance since I was on a dusty slope. I sped up, feeling the air grow less hot as I wheeled around the church building, looking at the sights and sounds of this rural community. In the distance a plain stretched out for miles with little windowless houses and slanted fences dotting the sandy landscape. I started down a different slope but quickly remembered I had no brakes, so I carefully braked with my shoes. Ahead of me was an outhouse and there was some dark liquid oozing out of it.

I rode over this before I realized it was sewage. Nearby, a girl was carrying her baby brother home. She looked like she was eight years old ...

It then struck me that this was it for these people. This was where they lived every single day. Tonight I was going to be back in camp with a working shower, a sink, and a comfortable bed. What was life like for these children and their parents? And that girl; she already had the responsibilities of a mother-at the age of 8. Many of the children did not come with their parents. They were out working, likely in the fields which our vans passed on the way to the site.

This was the final day of ministry and it was the third year I had gone on short-term missions to Mexico, but I never had truly understood. Now something clicked into place, and for a brief moment as I rode on that rusty, dusty little bike, I saw what it was like to live there.

I am home now. I just came in from jogging at 1:30 in the morning in the chilly, foggy streets of Walnut Creek. It had been silent and empty except for the lone car now and again. The traffic lights at every corner had created brilliant glows in the presence of the fog, and even though my glasses were not on, I could see those distant twinkles overhead. Here, the streets are paved.

My experience in Mexico further shaped my understanding of the realities of this world, and has left me with a lasting appreciation for all things simple and good. Though "proud" may not be the right word for my opinion of it, this trait is essential to my character has transformed the way I view life.