Undergraduate / 'Mission trips and the church' - Someone who has made an impact - App Essay [2]

Write an essay in which you tell us about someone who has made an impact on your life and explain how and why this person is important to you.

In a lifetime, people come and go, but there are those few special individuals that change a life of a person. Pastor Walton was the person that came in my life; he restored the missing father-figure that was substantial in my childhood.

July 2, 2002 was the day I moved into America to receive an education that was not provided in Korea. That was the day when I have been separated with my beloved father. Speaking very limited english, my father was forced to stay in Samsung Company in Korea because both mother and father were afraid that he would not be able to get a sustainable job in the US. Screaming with horror is an understatement. Years have passed since I had the chance to hold my father's hand. Day by day my heart slowly crumbled.

My mother, sister, and I attended Heaven Song Church every Sunday, which was only 5 minute walk away from our house. In the youth group, I would always volunteer to express my ideas and help out- even if it might be setting up chairs and tables or cleaning up at the end of the day. Right away, it seemed like the youth pastor, Pastor Walton, took a liking of me. One day he invited my family to his house. Even though I felt reluctant to visit him at first, I began to visit him more frequently. Each time I talked with him, I felt the comfort, kindness, and love that remained vacant in my heart for many years. After school, I would knock on his door and he would greet me with a wide grin and a hug. I would sit next to him on the brown, leather couch and finish my homework with Pastor Walton while his wife baked the most excellent cookies for me. Pastor Walton was the missing pillar in my heart; without him I would have collapsed.

As I grew older, I contributed much of my time in Heaven Song Church. Attending church was very beneficial for me during high school because it gave me strength, hope, and refreshment. My dedication and passion towards the church since my childhood were noticed and as a result, Pastor Walton promoted me as the Youth Team Leader. As the YTL, I followed the footsteps of Pastor Walton. He not only taught me about the religion, but also emphasized worldly values as well- leadership, relationship, management, and so forth.

The church was in its own bubble and did not interact with the outside world very well. After I took my position, I tried to influence Senior Pastor Kim to impact the lives of the people not only inside but also outside the church. The process was difficult and tedious but he later confirmed my plan. Mission trips occurred in regions all over the world including Africa, but the most memorable one was the first one- in Santa Ana. As the part of the worship team, my guitar playing and singing greatly touched their hearts as they poured out tears and cries. Although the crowd consisted of only about twenty people, I believe it was the most powerful one. I put everything Pastor Walton has taught me into use; my speech roared with power and my relationship with my fellow people were unbreakable. My life skills have significantly increased in the past four years and contributed greatly towards the church by transforming it to an active church.

Pastor Walton is no longer present on earth, but he will always be present in my heart. He played the role of a father which I needed desperately. I can proudly confirm that he has built the man that I am today and if I had the chance, I would like to thank him for all he has done.

Undergraduate / 'deforestation in Irvine' - Essay on Issue of Importance - College App [NEW]

I rushed this one- wrote it in 20 minutes, so please tell me everything that needs fixing, THANK YOU!!

Choose an issue of importance to you-the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope-and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.

Of many issues that are present, the process of deforestation in Irvine greatly changed my perspective of my abilities. On December 29, 2010, the city that I currently live in planned on cutting down all the trees and destroying wildlife just to make room for new houses. Not a single soul was brave enough to voice his/her thoughts; the only piece of land that reflected the only evidence of nature was about to disappear.

The Nature Trail was the place where many people walked, biked, and rested in Irvine. Fresh breeze swished through the trees and sparks of warm sunlight came down between the branches. Rabbits, deer, fish, and owls lived there. Memories were created in this trail-dear memories that one will never forget.

One December 29, 2010 Mayor Kang planned to clear out the wildlife in order to please the rapidly growing population in the city. Many people were upset but did not do anything about it. I asked my neighbors if they will do anything about this and they only replied, saying that they had no power to make a difference.

I stepped up and decided to resolve the issue. I wrote letters upon letters trying to convince the mayor that what he is doing is wrong. I wrote that the same thing has happened to many parts of the the world during the Industrial Age and many people years later are now trying to fix what they have done: cleaning air pollution, planting trees, and so on. I had to send in eight letters before I had a response from the mayor. He told me that he had considered my issue and that the concern will be brought up during the city meeting. Two months passed before result came out and the result was satisfying. On the newspaper, the mayor concluded that the Nature Trail will remain untouched and that he will focus more on rebuilding the buildings that were vacant and old. Many people in the city gladly discussed about the outcome, but only a few people know who saved the only piece of nature left of the city.

The Nature Trail continues to be the favorite place for people to go for exercise and picnic. From this I realized that no matter how young and insignificant I might have thought myself to be, I could make an impact not only in my community but also the world. I strongly believe that every person has the ability to positively influence their community if they put their heart and mind into it.