Undergraduate / 'a science student with a great appreciation for the arts' - Common App short [5]

Here is my answer for the short essay part. Please have a look and tell me what you think :) Thanks!

I like to think of myself as a science student with a great appreciation for the arts-may it be music, theater, or dance. I had been involved in both all my life, but never simultaneously until one day I was introduced to the Theater department to be one of the three dramaturges for their play On Ego, which explores the argument that human consciousness is merely a product of neuron activities. I was responsible for explaining neurological concepts to the cast and doing research to provide scientific background information for both the cast and the audience. This opportunity has incorporated my two passions in life. Most importantly, it has allowed a chance to test my own knowledge so as to explain clearly to others, and to further broaden it as I did my research on brain tumors. Thus, it has helped me grow as a student of Biology.

Undergraduate / 'the final dress rehearsal for Monty Python Does Saigon' - Macalester international [2]

It is quiet lengthy and I'm trying to trim it down a bit. In the mean time, I would LOVE any help/suggestions from everyone. Will have a look at your essays and help in anyways I can!!

I was Americanized at a very early age.

I knew how to count from 1 to 100 in both Vietnamese and English at the age of 4. I took my first ESL lesson at the age of 9. I grew up listening to Britney Spears. For a long time, being Americanized was my pride as a girl whose childhood dream was to study in the US. I was confident of my language ability, and my understanding of the Western culture. There was one thing, however, that I was slacking off on. It was the American concept of time.

"Mikie!!! Where ARE you?? You were supposed to be here 30 minutes ago!" said a frustrated Belinda over the phone.
"Alright. I'll be right over," I said, rather flippantly, not quite sure why she sounded upset.

Where I was supposed to be was the final dress rehearsal for Monty Python Does Saigon. It was the revised version of the famous Monty Python, in which certain Vietnamese cultural twist was added to a selection of popular sketches. The group that was organizing this production is Saigon Players. Besides the fact that it is the only non-profit theater club in my city, what fascinating about Saigon Players are its members. Coming from all around the world, this merry gang is quite a diverse bunch. Monty Python was my first involvement with the group, and I was as pumped as could be.

I got to the rehearsal 20 minutes later. It was in the middle of rehearsal and everyone seemed focused. I said a loud "Hello" as I walked in, only to get "shushed" at and received several annoyed looks. Belinda, my director, coolly told me to get ready. As I walked on stage to rehearse my part, I could not help but feeling upset and confused. Trying to figure out what I did wrong, I became distracted and started to mix up my lines. After a several failed attempts, I got so frustrated and told Belinda I needed a quick time-out. I walked out to the hallway, feeling sick to my stomach. Being the social butterfly that I am, I never like having people mad at me. Regardless, I had a much more pressing problem right then, and it was to not jeopardize my amazing experience being part of Saigon Players. Determined not to let all the hard work go down the drain, I went over the lines in my head and came back inside. Whatever problems they had with me would just have to wait. We did a couple final run-throughs and everyone looked relieved that I stopped making mistakes. As we finished our rehearsal, everyone cheered on one another with group hugs. It was as if I did nothing wrong.

"Hey Bee! You sounded mad earlier. Was it because I came late?"-I asked as I ran after Belinda when she was leaving.

"I wasn't mad at you Mikie, but yes, I would appreciate it if you had been on time. We would have to cancel our show tomorrow if you didn't get your part down tonight. I'm glad you did. If you had been on time, it would have saved us a little headache though. Anyways, I understand that Vietnamese are quite relaxed about being on time," said Belinda.

She was right. We are laidback about time. It is even mentioned in several tour guides that the appropriate time to show up to a meeting with a Vietnamese is 20 minutes after the agreed time. This little incident, however, taught me the hard lesson of how time-oriented Americans are. Being on time for me now means being professional and respectful, and it a beneficial thing to learn. Being time-oriented also means being productive. As a science student with heavy work loads, I understand how crucial it is to be time-oriented. It is not just the matter of getting enough sleep, but also the matter of giving myself the time to do the best I can rather than turning in something I hastily put together the night before. In short, learning how to be time-oriented prepares me for a demanding education and professional career later in life.

Interestingly enough, now living in the US, I take pride in the Vietnamese in me. I truly appreciate just how that 4000 year of traditions, cultures and cuisines deeply defined the person that I am, no matter how Americanized I can be. I can be individualistic while caring for the people around me; I can be time-oriented yet knowing how to loosen up and have fun. I can pack my whole life into three suitcases and go anywhere I want to but still knowing where I was coming from. I believe I have found my balance between the two cultures, and I am ready to take in a few dozens more on the diverse campus of Macalester.

Undergraduate / 'scientific research is strongly promoted here' - Macalester supplement [3]

What factors have led you to consider Macalester College? Why do you believe it may be a good match, and what do you believe you can add to the Mac community, academically and personally?

For a liberal arts college with high national ranking like Macalester, certain aspects such as high caliber education, qualified and accessible professors, state-of-the-art facilities, etc. are almost a given. What really stood out for me about Macalester is how fostered scientific research is, and how the unique urban location of the Twins Cities allows for nearly endless opportunities for both research and internship programs.

Skimming through the website of the Macalester Science and Research office website, I can tell that scientific research is strongly promoted here. There are various ways for science students to be involved in doing research on and off campus, and even in international locations. Funding for students research projects are also widely available like the Student-Faculty Summer Research collaboration, the Beckman Foundation, etc. I have had a relatively brief time assisting my professor in his research lab. From just a couple weeks, I have come to appreciate the studious yet dynamic process of investigation in the science laboratories, as well as the life of a scientist. The work is most often times repetitive and not easy. Thus, it can be a test of one's true passion for science. In the words of Marie Curie: "A scientist in his laboratory is not only a technician: he is also a child placed before natural phenomena which impress him like a fairy tale." I am also among those who think science is just as magical as any fairy tale, and how can I not? The entire genomes of every living organisms are made up from only four different bases of DNA in various arrangements; our every thought and action come down to the firing of neurons; activities of the minuscule molecule called enzyme in the cells are what keeping me alive; and countless more phenomena that await the analysis of the human minds. Being in a research laboratory for me is an exploration of the magic of life. Being at Macalester, subsequently, will give me so many chances to do just that. Internships programs facilitated by the Academic Internship Programs are abundant as well. Having such wonderful opportunities for research and internship will teach me how to integrate theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms and apply such knowledge in a real world setting, which I believe is the integral part of a well-rounded education.

Academic goals aside, I am optimistic to thrive in this diverse community. I can see myself going straight for the Bio Club to have my 'geek out' moments with other biology enthusiasts and help organize events to celebrate the study of life across campus. I see the long-lost salsero in me being revived with weekly instructions and outings to various venues organized by Mac Salsa, and my passion for theater rekindled by joining Mac Players or the Bad Comedy while reminiscing my years with the theater club at home-the Saigon Players. I also see myself being an active contributor for the Asian Student Alliance or Macalester International Organization to promote awareness and understanding of Vietnamese culture throughout campus. Most certainly, I will also seek to give back to the community with joining organization such as Habitat for Humanity and involve numerous civic engagement programs. Such multitude of avenues on campus will allow for self-discovery as well as shaping and solidifying my identity as a Macalester student.

When given the chance, I expect to make the most out of my time at Macalester College. It is a school where a vast array of opportunities for research and internships are available and still allowing for close relationships with members for the faculty and where a wide range of extracurricular activities will help me discover myself while being an active member on campus who seeks to give back to the community.