Undergraduate / 'The Seeker' - Common App - University of Michigan #2 [3]

Essay #2 (Required for all applicants. 500 words maximum)
Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the speci#c undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree
programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?

The Seeker

I consider myself to be a seeker of opportunities and challenges unlike a few years ago when I hid my ambitions. Now at every chance possible I try to push myself to new heights by taking risks. Being a man of many passions, I look forward to waking up on a diverse campus with a multitude of activities, being in a larger city than my home town, and sharing my passion of music with fellow students.

Singing is my major passion but I am faced with the possibility of not advancing in the entertainment business. Two years ago my director saw my potential, but because of self-doubt I barely could glimpse my star quality. However, I finally realized getting knocked down is required for growth. So I finally took my own advice during my junior year and let myself begin dreaming. The one dream I had was to attend a school of music at a top university.

During the annual All-State Honors Choir in Kalamazoo at Western Michigan University, the U of M representative called me over at the college fair after my rehearsal. The woman was very enthusiastic in discussing the different programs that the School of Music, Dance, and Theater offered. After speaking with her, I set a goal in my mind that I would apply to that school alongside the School of Literature, Arts, and Science. The last confirmation that I needed was to see their campus.

It was a windy and cool afternoon when we had already gotten dressed and walked through Ann Arbor to U of M's campus. Every noise thrilled me and every turn I saw something interesting that made me want to stay there more than one day. Ann Arbor's sidewalks and cafes, with U of M's dorms and study halls caught my attention and held it the entire day. No matter where I looked there were unique individuals I wanted to talk with. Something important to me is cultural and ethnic diversity, this allows there to be a variety of student organizations. During the tour the choirs and a cappella groups are what drew my attention the most. All I knew was that after seeing the campus I chose. During my visit I could tell that the programs offered would benefit me while in a friendly environment.

At seventeen, I have no idea what the rest of my life looks like but I do know that the School of Music, Dance, and Theater, or the school of Literature, Science, and the Arts would make a huge impact on my future.

Undergraduate / 'The Compass' - Common App - University of Michigan SUPPLEMENT [2]

Essay #1 (Required for all applicants. Approximately 250 words)
Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income,
cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your
place within it.

The Compass

"Please don't tell anyone!"

Those words were a special bond between my best friend Tabitha and me. However, a few hours later at the basketball concession stand, I encountered deceitful glances and awkward exchanges with friends. I felt exposed, so I redefined my acting skills to hide in another layer of lies. Finally, a few of them approached me. Butterflies, cold sweat, and tears hit me all at once when they told me they knew my secret. Tabitha told her friends what I had recently discovered: my sexuality.

This situation gave me a choice: I could either retreat to comfortable lies or own my new identity. I chose the latter, and soon realized I would need a support system.

My internal compass guided me to those individuals in the only place I felt comfortable, school. Ms. Young and Blake Ruscinski played major roles in my development. Blake already experienced coming out and dealt with the aftermath. He told me that hiding my true identity would eventually lead to self-destruction. On the other hand, I had the most knowledgeable woman I knew, Ms. Young. She gave me the advice I needed to come out to my mother. I will always be thankful and never regret answering yes when she sat me down and asked "You're gay, right?"

Now in my senior year of high school, I believe I have prospered and become a leader for those kids in the hallway who are facing what I did a few years ago.