Undergraduate / Describe the world you come from; "My dream of shaping the world" - MIT Essay [3]

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words)

I often travel out of country during the summer. Exposure to different cultures gives insight into how blessed you are and teaches gratitude. As a child I never realized my bliss until I went back to my home country, Vietnam, two years ago. I was awestricken when I saw the profoundness of the poverty. There were homeless people everywhere. I had never witnessed people who had nothing yet gave everything to survive. Their life style was like a cruel punishment but not stopping to help felt too inhumane.

This experience changed how I view the world and opened my eyes to the injustice of the social system. I wanted to make a difference and help people in need. It was my newfound dream and I was determined to make my dream a reality. As months passed, this dream became more and more abstract. Then I had an epiphany! I went back to Vietnam for a visit and initiated my Vietnam Personal Relief Project. Since my last visit, I managed to save $2000 to donate to charity but now, I had the opportunity to personally deliver it.

My summer vacation consisted of planning events and hulling bags of rice to distribute to the people. It was all hard manual labor but seeing those pained faces smiling touched my heart. They helped me realize that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. I was inspired and motivated because of the opportunity I had to give to others.

If it's not too much trouble, do you guys mind proofreading this one too? Please and thank you!

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (*)(100 words or fewer)

As my fingers waltz along the ivory keys, I can feel my mind swaying to the rhythmic melody emitting from the wooden framework. I adore playing its classical tune. Piano has some ineffable quality that allowed me to lose myself and escape reality. Just for a moment, I can shape the world to my predilection. Piano has became a part of me, it defines who I am and has allowed me to express myself in a way that makes words pale in comparison. It is something I would not give up for the world.

Undergraduate / My flight alone - Common App prompt [3]

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you
Ring! I quickly opened my eyes to the realization of my tardiness. Still waking up, I struggled to check my luggage and prepare for my flight to Rome. It was still 3AM, yet the house was full of excitement. I bid a heartfelt farewell to everyone as my parents and I made our departure.

"Do you have everything? You don't want to miss your flight," my dad said. The airport was absolutely tumultuous as I searched for my group and delegation leaders. "Three weeks isn't that bad. It will go by faster than a blink of an eye!" my mom proclaimed, trying her best to comfort me. She gave me a teddy bear to accompany me on my journey away from home.

After a very tiresome flight followed by a full on day of activities, we finally got to our hotel. I clenched onto my teddy bear as memories of home flooded my mind. It was the first time I've been away from my family and it was very different. My first night alone with strangers I've never seen was pretty scary. I knew nobody and nobody seemed to know me. All my roommates were so kind and reached out to me. It helped me come out of my shell and I quickly bonded with everyone on the trip.

As we made our way around Mediterranean our knowledge about the different cultures grew. Every city we went to offered a variety of lessons ranging from history to food to even life lessons. Italy's antiquated figures toned my appreciation of history and I grew a fondness of pasta I've never had before. France's artistic flare sparked my imagination and diminished its boundaries and the field day in Assisi taught me that anything could be done with the right mindset.

As the trip nearly came to an end, I had the opportunity to stay with a family in Spain. This two-day event allowed students to live with a family and required everyone to bring a gift to exchange. Everyone was assigned with a person their age to help them absorb the culture. The atmosphere was different from that at home but in a good way. By then I was eager to learn what awaited me in their little town. They returned their eagerness of my own culture and the gifts I had brought. "This is a conch shell from Key West and this is a small golden clock from Vietnam," I announced as I presented the gifts. When it was time to go we bid our farewells and made promises to keep in touch.

Change can be scary sometimes especially away from home. From that trip, I quickly learned to be comfortable in my own skin and be open towards new experiences, especially when diving into different cultures. Everywhere I go, I know I will be ready to embrace the diversity and expand my knowledge. As Donny Miller once said, "In the age of information, ignorance is a choice."

Undergraduate / Huzzah! + Piano - Standford Supplements [5]

Please tell me what you think and feel free to point out my errors. Harsh criticisms are welcomed :)
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. What would you want your future roommate to know about you? Tell us something about you that will help your future roommate-and us-know you better.

"Huzzah!" If I randomly shout things out, don't mind me. That's just me being my usual random self. After all, it's not like I care if people laugh, I'll just laugh along with them.

Roomie, I hope you don't mind how quirky I am. I admit, I can be a bit eccentric and random at times but I assure you, this is completely normal. Just a fair warning though, I'm a bit accident-prone and clumsy. That, however, will not stop my adventurous and spontaneous heart. While I may seem shy at first, I am actually quite energetic. My artistic side will show up from time to time through music or art. If I slam on my keyboard or crumble a drawing, I'm just a bit aggravated by the challenge.

You may find me a friend, listening to your troubles and comforting you with laughs and giggles. Sometimes I will walk away mad but I will always come back to compensate my mistake.

I am An, the unusual little Vietnamese girl that aims to turn that frown up-side down no matter what the circumstance. I am the type who finds simple pleasures in life, the type who does not care about what other may think, and the type who can laughs at herself every once in a while.

As an atheist, I say respect my choice in belief and I will respect yours. No matter who you may be, what your background is, or even what sexual orientation you may have, we shall walk through this forest together and step a step closer in revolutionizing the world.

What matters to you, and why?
My parents decided that I should play piano in fifth grade. I really did not want to but before I knew it, I was trapped by guilt. They bought me a keyboard and found a suitable teacher. Lucky for me, learning came easy. By simply mimicking my teacher, I could breeze through with perfection. As my fingers waltz along the ivory keys, I can feel my mind swaying the melody, allowing me to escape reality. Just for a moment, I can shape the world to my predilection. It became one of my outlets, my way of telling the world how I felt and I adored every minute of it.

I discovered the trumpet in eighth grade. It was challenging and unlike the piano, I could not mimic my way out. I longed to be free with every ticking second. Band, however, was a required course so I did not have a choice. I clumsily began to reggae with the trumpet, merging it with other instruments to create a lively atmosphere. Before I knew it, I was charmed with its rhythmic harmony. It's funny how this dreaded course ended up being my favorite.

In tenth grade, I decided to learn the guitar for my International Baccalaureate personal project. Playing the guitar was effortless to me like the piano but oh how those bar chords mocked me. Unfortunately, with no guitar teacher I had to motivate myself, a feat that I failed, so I quit the guitar. I told myself that I would pick it up again; after all, I had a year before my project was due. A year blew by faster than lighting and with every passing day I told myself the same lie. I was ill prepared a month before it was due. Even though, I was talented, talent still requires practice and I still chords to learn. I was able to pass my personal project but I was embarrassed because I didn't do my best.

Music bound me; it defines who I am and has allowed me to express myself in a way that makes words pale in comparison. I'm appreciative that my parents and teachers saw the talent in me and challenged me to develop my passion for music.