Undergraduate / 'the heat was unbearable' - Richmond University Supplement Essay [11]

Positive criticism much appreciated:

Tell us about an experience in which you left your comfort zone. How did this experience change you?

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
The sun was at its apex, blazing down hell upon the inhabitants of Rawalpindi. The air was dry and scented by the fumes of burnt petrol and human perspiration. Lost in the crowd and struggling to breathe, my friends and I wrestled from one shop to another just to hear the same reply "Sorry, it isn't available". In the financial heart of the city, we were searching for something no larger than a needle. My blood boiled with rage, the heat began to get to me and I wanted to escape the nightmare for not only was the atmosphere unfavorable, but also my body began to give way. Now, one would wonder "What was this object the possession of which was so important"?

My intellectual journey began with a summer-placement at the Electronics Department of the Federal Urdu University, I was struck by a fact that changed me forever and induced in me a love for the field. I became possessed, not by a demon, but by a passion! I realized that by simply pressing a button, I could release electrons into dead matter and bring it to life! Right then and there I made my decision: I would also build my own circuit from scratch.

This is how it all began. Hours upon hours evaporated as I labored to design a Battery Monitor on the software Proteus. Days went by and finally, the design was complete. After rigorous testing, the faculty at the University approved the design and I set out to find the necessary components.

Nausea, the heat was unbearable. We were hungry, thirsty and in agony. All of the components had been purchased except for one: the nasty transistor. The mission was intense yet we were not deterred! With every blow of disappointment, the law probability made me hopeful: "if it isn't here, the next shop is bound to have it". Finally, after spending four scorching hours in the sun, we struck gold: the transistor was found.

Looking back, I am proud that I did not back down for, though the circumstances were horrendous, my obsession with circuits pushed me on. The experience has built in me unparalleled resilience and perseverance to take on obstacles head on. It also allowed me to look into myself: I am gripped by circuits! Aware of this fact, I found it easy to decide my college major and initiate my research in the field.

Undergraduate / "Dad won't be happy" Lehigh University: WHY US? [6]

What unique aspect of Lehigh most interests you? (As a guideline, your response should be between 150-250 words.)

"Dad won't be happy" I thought. The table was littered with resistors, transistors and LEDs all stripped from his PC. In an effort to find out how it worked, I had disemboweled Dad's 'Holy Grail'. Now come on! I was 13 and curious, a quality I have to this day. Curiosity leads to research. To solve problems, unearth secrets of our world -carry out research in the quest for knowledge-exactly what is happening at Lehigh, is intoxicating! Even the notion of one day discussing my ideas with Dr. Rick Blum is enthralling. The opportunities for such undergraduates, the research facilities such as the Energy Research Center and the student faculty at Lehigh allows for applied research and will help me in my own quest to one day harness continuous power from God's Power Station: The Sun. The opportunity is more than perfect and I yearn to become part of such an institution.

For me, academics are just not enough. Because I have to spend the next four years of life, the university where I do, has to have that 'X' factor. Living in an institution around unfamiliar people may be difficult and being an international student adds to the burden. Growing up in a closely knit community, I cannot stay put without saying a hello, hi, or greeting someone and always want someone to talk to. My Professor drops by at Deja Brew for a little chat-awesome or students help me with my things to the dorm on my first day at the University-nice. That's what I looked for in a University that is what I found in Lehigh. "This University is a home away from home" they say-my future home.

Undergraduate / 'I enjoy studying history' common app [2]

HIS-STORY
History is a testament to that fact that mere mortals can change the course of entire nations. I have always admired these men not only for the upshots of their actions but also for their resilience and strong resolve. I, too , have experienced difficulties and have faced challenges head-on, the process of which has made me stronger.

Living in a society where the bold and the beautiful flourish and the atypical are considered outcasts, I have not suffered from, but in fact, have been blessed with the skin disorder Vitiligo. Being the object of cruel jokes, I taught myself patience and resilience. I laughed with those who mocked me, as did King Baldwin IV, who suffered from leprosy, a disease far more painful and tormenting than vitiligo. He was ridiculed because of his disfigured physique, yet even with his marred face, the King was able to succeed: as a crusader, he held back the Saracens from occupying Jerusalem during his entire lifetime. His gallantry was a source of inspiration for me and a sign of hope: the color of your skin is no obstacle to achieving greatness in life.

Also I have acquired General Montgomery's aura of charisma. He was able to raise the morale of the devastated British North Africa Core; similarly, In every part of life whether It be a Soccer Match which we are destined to loose, exam preparations or any team event, I motivate my comrades with sheer conviction when they need it.

Like Tipu Sultan who excelled as a warrior, ruler and poet, I am a multi-faceted individual. I am the Tipu of the twenty-first century: Outside the class room, I have intense passion for writing comics, poster/website designing, film making and circuit building. Hence, I stand out from my peers due to my diversity.

As an innovative way to supply rations and arms to inferior guerrilla Vietcong, the use of the Ho Chi Min Trail was a decisive factor in the military success of the Vietnamese. Digital circuit designing requires us to think differently and produce something that not only works, but also succeeds in the market as well. My design of the battery monitor is testament to my distinctive ability of employing novel ideas, the very which allowed the Vietnamese to succeed.

After leaving the army, Eisenhower continued struggling for a better America and fought new battles as his country's President. Likewise, I intend to remain true to my purpose: to improve the socio-economic conditions of my homeland-that of pulling Pakistan from its energy crisis--through the field of electronics.

Undoubtedly, I enjoy studying history. From Hannibal's great leap across the Alps to the construction of the Suez Canal to the first lunar landings, I have immersed myself into every single documentary that the History Channel has to offer. My bookcase shelves are flooded with books biographies of renowned rulers these personalities have been sources of immense courage. In presenting the above-cited examples, I have illustrated the best of parts of me and I am learning every day!