Undergraduate / Penn: Professor and why? 'Mr. Diebold' [9]

Penn offers its undergraduates an eminent faculty and a wealth of research opportunities. Use the space below to name a Penn professor with whom you would like to study or conduct research and explain why. (1000 characters)

The lack of meticulous memorization, mystifying equations and universal laws that define existence initially propelled me to enrol in IB HL Economics; devoid of any real knowledge. When I learnt that it encompassed a synthesis of math and science and addressed reality, I fell in love with the subject. The prowess of the UPenn faculty and its vast resources can foster this passion and manifest it into knowledge and insight.

...

Undergraduate / Personal statement; Perspective - its definition still lacked meaning. That soon changed. [4]

Perspective.

To a child, trying vegetables, out-growing diapers, or watching Channel 6 cartoons as opposed to those on Channel 5 was a change in perspective. Big word. As a sixteen-year-old going on seventeen, perspective was no longer a big word but its definition still lacked meaning. That soon changed.

Setting a foot on Indian soil after 10 years, I was, to say the least, excited. The aroma, warmth, humidity and generosity that were to greet me ignited a sense of patriotism that I had been completely oblivious to (and one I had no idea how to reconcile with). Memories from my previous trips to India, buried deep in my psyche, were struggling to shake off the dust and cobwebs of the past 10 years. It was like going there for the very first time. The 20-hour journey from Toronto to New Delhi via New York and Brussels gave me more than enough time to ponder my imminent encounter with my heritage. I had no idea what to expect, except that I was told to prepare for "culture shock". It was when I took my first steps out of the plane that I realized I was in a different world altogether.

I could finally put my life into perspective - or so I thought.

The taxi driver was driving us to our hotel and I stared out the window to my left with my nose enveloped in my shirt; watching the landscape fly in the other direction as we dodged the cows on the roads, weaving in and out of the convoys of motorcycles, rickshaws and scooters. Then as we stopped for the first time at a traffic light, a young girl no more than six-years-old climbed on the hood of the car and began wiping the windshield, while another tried desperately to sell us the newest magazines and handmade toys. As I witnessed this bizarre spectacle, a feeling of helplessness consumed me - and I knew what my parents meant by "culture shock".

I was shocked, indeed. And ashamed and disgusted with myself.

Never before had I felt so guilty and powerless. The countless times I had begged and badgered my parents to buy me the newest clothes and the latest gadgets all flashed before my eyes. One question lay on my tongue and it remained sealed behind the barricades of my parched lips: Why me? But this "why me?" was not coming from someone who was struck by misfortune, instead it was quite the opposite. I could not understand why I lived a life of such fortune while these two girls were condemned to eking out such a terrible living. And they were just two of the millions around the world. The tableaux of violence, poverty and disaster we constantly see and read in the media had seemed, up to that point, surreal and other-worldly. Now I was face-to-face with the reality which I had subliminally denied.

I was overwhelmed.

Why this disparity? Why did the world seem so deranged? What is the use of this civilization which could not take care of its youngest citizens? Why couldn't we humans with all our intelligence and technology make the world fair for everyone? Why? Why? Why?

Questions popped up in my mind a mile a minute, but no answers were in sight. Not even the ones which could offer quick rationalization and comfort. In a city like Toronto there is poverty but only on the margins as if coy and shy, hidden from public view. But as I traveled around India, poverty and human desperation were in-my-face, direct and unabashed and often existed, to my horror, side by side with the luxury and indifference of the rich. A thought crossed my mind: It would be difficult to live here with an easy conscience.

Like the inner workings of my mind at the thought of puberty in Mrs. Dean's Grade 5 health class, this thought also changed my perspective - this time I was sure. I became grateful.

Now I can appreciate why my parents immigrated to Canada. They had ventured into this foreign country knowing absolutely no one; leaving behind their families, their jobs, their lives. Why? So my brother and I could prosper in a land of opportunities. With dreams of a better future for us my parents have worked hard to make it all possible.

I am grateful to them.

My passion and skill for soccer, my academic achievements, my innate ability to lead - all I had attributed to my perseverance and a fortunate conglomeration of the perfect genetic blend. Now I knew there was a lot more to it. I had not nearly respected, valued or appreciated my parents' efforts enough and for that I was and continue to be embarrassed. Instead, like a spoilt child I always pestered them for more; more things, more wants, more desires.

I finally see my life in a new perspective. I now understand the significance of my good fortune. Life has presented me with countless opportunities; some of which I have exercised to my fullest ability while others I have not. My month-long journey in India, especially my encounter with the two young girls, and so many other faceless and nameless children, has taught me to be grateful for all that I have, to appreciate my life and make the best of the opportunities that I get.

Yet, this new perspective has also presented me with an existential dilemma. How do I make sense of my life from this point on? What will happen to those two girls? What is their future? And how will my life, my future and my success have any meaning in the context of what I've seen and now know? I realize there are no easy answers, but I hope to find them as I change the channels of perspective.

Undergraduate / Why Penn (the creative approach) - give me some last minute support [3]

Describe the courses of study and the unique characteristics of the University of Pennsylvania that most interest you. Why do these interests make you a good match for Penn?

As my breath solidified on the glass window, I caught a strange glimpse. The entire world before me seemed paralyzed by silence, immersed under a blanket of white gold - snow. It was a bizarre spectacle, one seldom witnessed from my Riepe dorm. The Quad had never appeared so lifeless and stale, not a soul in sight. During my first three months, I realized the acclaimed diversity at Penn had truly lived up to its name. I had befriended students from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds right there, on the greens of the Quad. The emptiness was rare. Suddenly, I gazed at the clock, only to notice that the sun had risen 10 minutes earlier. This is why I had loved Penn. Its excitement and charisma demanded heavy snowfall and abnormal wake up times to be contained. Either that, or exams were looming - it was December!

With a few hours to spare till class, I braved the fierce, frigid and lip-parching cold - thanks to the wind chill - and journeyed to the Pottruck Center. It housed every possible facility an avid athlete like me could dream of. As I marched in solitude, it occurred to me that I had never walked across campus alone. At Penn, there was always a companion: students, friends and professors with common destinations and each day I was introduced to new and intelligent faces. However, this seclusion was necessary for when I breathed I experienced the thickness of the air - it possessed so much history. I had always dreamed of attending an institution with a rich heritage and deep roots. With a 250 year legacy of the brightest students, professors, intellectuals and leaders that have walked the Earth, Penn was exactly what I was looking for. Observing the historic castle-like architecture sheltered by the presence of gargoyles all around me, I knew this was it.

Having attempted to perfect the keep-ups in soccer and chisel the abs, I ventured, once again, through the untouched blanket towards the McNeil building for Professor Ethier's Economics 1 lecture. The intellectual dexterity within this building - home to the world's most knowledgeable and insightful individuals in the field of Economics - continued to mesmerize me. The prospect of my mind being stimulated by their aptitude still felt surreal, a dream that seemed to last a lifetime, a dream that Penn made reality. Penn's stature as a top tier Economics institution was not an accident and neither was my presence there as a student.

At a tender age of 18, there lay no concrete path illuminated by the light of destiny. Here I was, destined to create my own path. I continued to develop new interests and curiosity beyond Economics that could be leveraged in other courses, schools and disciplines. A new-found love for Criminology or Cognitive Science or the fiercely competitive world of business could all be pursued here. The academic opportunities were limitless at Penn, underpinned by a distinguished faculty, numerous research facilities and a myriad of resources. It had everything that my potential craved.

After yet another empowering lecture, it was time for lunch. Should I grab some fast food or indulge in a gourmet escapade - no, we were in a recession. I decided to settle for what this city was best known for - the Philly Cheesesteak. Never had I relied on a single delicacy to this extent; everything about it was perfect. In three months, I even managed to master the "Philadelphia lean", leaning forward to take a bite to prevent any juices from staining my clothes. With my roots in Toronto, I appreciated the urban life of Philadelphia but my desire for the quintessential college experience left me in a dilemma. Penn, once again, was the answer. When I was on campus, I had been encapsulated by its serene beauty and its seclusion from the city. But in a matter of minutes, I could escape this peaceful realm and quench the thirst of my urban upbringing. Tritely speaking, it offered the best of both worlds.

Before I could hibernate in the library for the rest of the week for exam preparation, I was due to attend the weekly executive meeting of the Student Activity Council (SAC). On the way there, I reminisced my time as the Vice President of my high school SAC and as Minister of Corporate Affairs in the Peel Student Presidents' Council (PSPC). The skills I had acquired during those callow days were now being honed and cultivated through Penn's SAC and had prepared me well for the contribution I hoped to make in the Penn community. This student body had opened my eyes to the abundance of clubs and activities Penn had to offer. I became a member of quite a few of them, but only after much agony as I was spoilt for choice.

We had finally scoured through all the fund requests and the meeting was adjourned. I trudged once more through the snow - the seamless blanket now wrinkled by Penn footsteps - towards the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library. As I began studying, I eagerly awaited the study break back at my Riepe dorm.

So, why Penn? Because the above is not a far-fetched, unachievable dream. It is an aspiration that I know I can pursue, and is within my grasp. I've got what it takes to live up to the high standards Penn sets for it students. Its renowned faculty will inspire me, challenge me and prepare me for the real world into which I will one day set out boldly and confidently. I am excited to learn from the diverse student community, with perspectives very different from mine. I want to be a part of Penn's history and desire to stroll along the greens of the Quad. My years in Penn will help forge bonds, relationships and experiences which will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Why Penn? Because Penn has for me, in the words of Benjamin Franklin, "A place for everything, with everything in its place."

Undergraduate / NYU Short answers ("a politically incorrect statement" and other answers) [3]

Describe a trait or characteristic that has been passed along to you by your family. Tell us why you like or dislike this aspect of yourself.

Impatience is a virtue - a politically incorrect statement and my perpetual belief. I am extremely impatient; a dire habit that I've possessed from a young age - thanks to my parents. In many instances, it has led me to make foolish and naïve mistakes. A car accident worth three thousand dollars and my mom's eternal angst could have been avoided had I spent the extra minute. It is not an eminent personality trait but it is one that shapes my character and one I strive to revamp. After all, I am human.

New York City is an essential element of academic and cultural life at NYU. If you could engage in an activity or start a club or service organization at NYU, what would it be and how would you envision it impacting the larger community?

New York City is the center of the business world making it an ideal location to pioneer the beginning of Deca University. Deca is an organization that has been extremely successful among high schools across North America, challenging an individual's critical thinking skills and general business knowledge through oral case studies and written tests. I know NYU students, especially at Stern, will benefit greatly from this organization as it builds a network with the brightest minds in the business world

You have been selected to sing in a talent show. What song would you choose? Why?

Music is more than an amalgamation of onerous notes and lyrics. It has the power to convey strong emotions and profound messages. It can inspire, shed tears and soothe the soul. After hearing "Sad Song" by Oasis, I underwent this epiphany. Besides its melodious appeal, the song generated an emotional reaction I had never experienced; addressing society's tendency to take life for granted. I would sing this song in hopes that others can comprehend the power that music possesses.

Please tell us what led you to select your anticipated academic program and/or NYU school/college, and what interests you most about your intended discipline.

As my Tradeshow venture Escentual Gels, a gel candle endeavour I developed at the age of 13, came to a successful end, I quickly learnt that I longed for a career in entrepreneurship. I was attracted by its unpredictability and competitiveness. I also fell in love with Economics for its appeal to real world situations and its synthesis of math and science. This developed a passion for both business and finance - one I know the erudition of the Stern faculty can foster into knowledge and insight.