Undergraduate / "successful artist" - The University of Texas at Austin [11]

Hi, everyone. My name is Vivian, and I am applying (transfer) to UT Austin for the Fall semester in 2009. This essay is not required, but I thought it would be a great way to "introduce" myself. English is not my mother language, and writing has always been difficult for me. Any comment will help, thank you so much in advance!!!

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Prompt: The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admissions committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and other application information cannot convey.

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I have always dreamed of being a talented and successful artist since childhood. In the years that passed from then until now, I endured adversity, enjoyed diversity, and discovered many important truths and uniqueness about myself and my place in this world. One important realization involves the empowerment that is available to the University of Texas students. In this essay, I will explain some of the extenuating circumstances that made me confident in my decision to apply for admission in order to excel at the University of Texas.

I have seen firsthand how the University of Texas helps people reach their goals. My older brother, David Shih, majored in Computer Science and graduated in 2005. He is now working for a great company as an IT Development. My fiancé, Austin Lumbley, will be graduating in the Summer of 2009. He majors in Asian Studies and minors in Business Foundations. He plans to work for an international trade company after he graduates. Their rewarding experiences through the University of Texas have given me the desire to attend your university.

One of the extenuating circumstances that I would like to divulge is the fact that I moved to Texas from Taiwan when I was fifteen years old. I knew a very limited amount of English when I came here. I spent one semester in the ESL program. Through hard work and dedication, I was able to be placed in the Standard English class in my second semester as an American student. Besides learning the language, I had to overcome several obstacles transitioning to the American lifestyle.

I also believe that my diverse work history may stand out from most college students and applicants. My work history has instilled me a strong work ethic, which has helped develop my sense of dedication, pride, stability and responsibility that I believe will carry over in the University of Texas. I have worked my way through high school and college, and supported my older brother while he was in school. I was assigned a job as a team leader within thirty days after I was hired during my previous employment (National Western Life), and my competence and dedication has also earned me a manager position at another company I worked for (Sakura Corporate - Yama Sushi). I was sometimes contracted to design printed media, such as restaurant menus, fliers, coupons, utilizing several software (Illustrators, Photoshop, etc.) throughout my work history. The designing experience has shown me the insight of the industry, and it has ensures my desire to work in the similar fields in the future. It was a challenging experience to go out in the real world at such young age, and was also rewarding because of the opportunity to learn the commitment and dedication required to be successful in anything.

The diversity I have observed through visits and research has also enforced my desire of attending your university. I appreciate and feel humbled of what the University of Texas tries to do to maintain the diverse environment. I believe my international background can contribute to the diversity that the University of Texas always looks for; and I look forward to exchanging differences among all cultures and communities. I will make my best effort to soak in the rewarding experience, and utilize the skills I learned to grow personally and professionally. I will be proud to be a longhorn, and will always keep in mind the impact that the University of Texas has had on me, and eventually become the artist I had always dreamed of being.

Undergraduate / The University of Texas (Artistic Impact) [3]

Any comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you so much in advance!!!

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Here is the prompt:

Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

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When I was eight years old, I had shown no further interest in art than doodling on my notebook borders. One day during my summer break, I saw "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gough in an art convention. I was dazed and motionless, stunned by the psychedelic masterpiece that sat right in front of my eyes in one of the vendor booths. I dug out all the money I could possibly find in my pockets and backpack, and purchased the duplication of a much smaller version. I would stare at the art piece thumb-tagged on my wall, and I could feel the presence of the swirling sky right above me. I would follow the swirls, lines and colors, and eventually got lost in awe. Not long after, I asked my parents if I could sign up for an art class.

I took a child's art class that taught basic skills for drawing and painting. The skills I learned gave me the abilities to transfer what was on my mind onto a blank piece of paper. I continued to take more classes for different areas of art. With the basic knowledge of composition, I could at least begin to understand the terminology in the art articles and reviews. My artistic journey did not end with just a few art classes. I was accepted to a high-end art school for my middle school. Although I was admitted to the music department, my passion for visual art continued to blossom through helping with designing stage props, costumes, and layouts of our concert programs, pamphlets and yearbooks. After middle school, I immigrated from Taiwan to the U.S., and went to a high school in Houston while I was catching up with the language and other academic classes. I then moved to Austin with my brother, and went to McCallum High School for my senior year. McCallum is known for its top-notch Fine Arts Academy, and it has brought me back to the wonderland of art. I continued to experiment with different art classes; Painting, Jewelry and etc. Even though I did not have the privilege to graduate with Fine Arts Academy because of the short of years spent, it ensured my passion and my full dedication for art. I knew my place, and I want to continue to experiment in order for me to be the best in that place.

Since that day when I first saw "The Starry Night," I have been so blessed and privileged to have the opportunities to get this close to art. I am starting to see what is behind an art piece rather than just the visual elements, and I could see the emotional flows and the roving minds of van Gough when he was painting. I want to experience and learn more, and I believe the University of Texas can provide the integrated knowledge and the right sets of tools. Ultimately, I wish to create something as astonishing as "The Starry Night," should it be a painting, a piece of jewelry, or even a billboard advertisement. Until then, the more I experience and learn, the closer I will be to that goal.