Undergraduate / my own willpower ; PRINCETON / PERSON WHO HAD AN INFLUENCE [2]

When I was young, I was a kid filled with ambition and charisma. I always had a dream of becoming someone who achieved their maximum potential in life and lived this life like the honored highly ranked people, we all look to as inspirations today. But as I grew older, it seemed to dawn upon me that the status of those "above" us, was something achieved by miracles and was made only for a chosen few. It was not made for everyone. As time progressed, I lived life like everyone else, not caring much about the future ahead of me. Until... Until I got hold of a book by the great German philosopher Freidrick Nietzsche. This man believed in something called the will to power. The main driving force in humans; the striving to reach the highest possible position in life. It may not have seemed to look like something too intriguing at first, but as I started to implement these words in my life, I could soon notice the change build up inside me. First off, this was seen in my academics as I started competing amongst my classmates. Then I started increasing the duration of my time in playing soccer, so that I would improve upon it. Finally, I pushed myself to expose and share different ideologies with the people around me. Out of everything else, this was the most challenging task I had taken yet. As they spread amongst my peers, they were accepted by some, yet also criticized by others. In my opinion, historical leaders have rose to power with this idea in mind. Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Hitler, Caesar. These men were all willing to do things that other men would not. Most of these men were not even positioned in the high ranks of their community to be even considered for leadership. On the contrary, they were well below it. Genghis Khan for example was a slave. Hitler, a soldier and etc. etc. People followed them, not because of what they believed but why they believed. They had the will to rally people to their cause and gain their power. Thus, they moved not only themselves, but they moved others with them.

As I look at it now, I realize how much I have learned about my own willpower and how it has affected me throughout the years as it has been a vital part of my intellectual development throughout my secondary school years. Growing up, moving to become a great student from an average student to compete for the best marks in class. Growing up, facing failure and regret but still moving forward. Trying my best not to give up even if there is no option left and learning a lesson from my mistakes. It is what has brought me here. It is what will keep me going. Will. It will always stay with me.

Undergraduate / Practical Application of theory; UPENN/ ENGAGE ACADEMICALLY [6]

My primary goal at UPenn is to get practical with my work. Given my resources and equipment, I cannot say I have exactly had a chance. Drawing a machine on paper is one thing but spanning it into physical space is something completely different. That is just what I plan to do. From the very beginning I have watched student after student being awarded with one prize or another on creating things such as an ingenious transformer robot or flying saucer. Now my time has come. Places like the Melvin J. and Clair Levine Hall and Skirkanich Hall filled with square foot after square foot of engineering excitement, are just what I need to get a head start in discovering more about my passion that is engineering. I have also found the Hayden Hall and Laboratory of Research on the Structure of Matter very appealing. Working with things such as complex organic compounds and formulas has always fascinated me. The things that lie behind the countless chemical reactions that take place in our body. Thus I wish to learn and explore more about them. Other than this, I have a mad love for astronomy. I have been wanting to fathom the marvels of our universe since 6th grade(the last year we had with solar systems) and other than the Discovery channel.

UltimateIy I plan to take full advantage of UPenn's renowned faculty and resources as I work alongside my engineering companions. As I spend my time here, I hope I can turn my lack of clarity in my future career into a definitive path as I pursue my interests and goals.

Undergraduate / Lego Blocks; PRINCETON ENGINEERING [5]

ANY COMMENTS SUGGESTIONS APPRECIATED

My experience in engineering goes back as far as I can remember. From building those Lego blocks to create a building or a ship as a 4 year old kid to disassembling my gaming console to the very last piece of hardware and assembling it back to the way it was to fix it countless times, by using things like a hairdryer for a heat gun etc., I have engineered. From working with complex chemical or mathematical formulas to fixing any broken household electrical appliance, I have engineered. Whether this was done by tutorial videos on YouTube or by carefully guided instructions from experts, I have engineered.

My interest in the exploration of science and how it works is limitless. Not learning the science behind my flight from one continent to another, or the work done behind the discovery of a planet in outer space and assuming for them to just happen or be there always seemed to me kind of unfair. If they marveled it or discovered it, we should fathom it right? That is why you would have often found me finishing my homework late at night since I spent too long watching a YouTube video on how solar systems are discovered or watching an episode of Michio Kaku's Physics of the Impossible on the Discovery channel. Engineering has always played a part in my daily life. As an engineer I believe that I will develop the skills to be more innovative in my work and serve the masses. I strongly believe that studying at Princeton would prepare me just for that objective that I have in my life as I will gain access to one of the top engineering programs worldwide. With places like the engineering quadrangle building filled with engineering excitement and resources I can't wait to put my hands on and the faculty and staff of which I plan to fully make use of as I explore my passion for this degree alongside my engineering companions, the sky is the limit.

Undergraduate / 'my character of a helper' - RICE SUPPLEMENT (UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE) [2]

A. The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice? (Most applicants are able to respond successfully in two to three double-spaced pages.)

Every student who arrives in college for the first time shares their own unique ways of life. They represent where they come from, what neighborhood they come from, what family they come from and more importantly the kind of place they come from. When I hear college life I think of a cross-cultural experience, a gathering of people from all walks of life learning and sharing information. Like most students at Rice, I have experiences which make me unique. I grew up in a district called Al-Rehab, a small, peaceful district in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which consisted mainly of Pakistani, Indian and of course Saudis heritages. I was engaged in my community from a very young age, whether it be playing street soccer or cricket every weekend with the kids from the neighborhood or an event that was being held. I took weekly Arabic classes, organized a fundraiser for the poor, and taught local children. We even created projects for the annual Arts and Science exhibition held in downtown. I have always taken pride in serving my community. But it is not from a sense of civic duty but rather from my culture that encourages hospitality and giving to others what you would give to yourself. Thus, I see this as more of a responsibility than a task. As a student of Islamic beliefs, I have been taught from the very beginning the significance of virtue to others which has inspired me to do more. Moreover, this sense of service and buttress to my community is also reflected amongst my family.

Hospitality and being consistently in touch with each other is vital in maintaining a blissful relationship in my household. An absence of phone calls or visits to each other's house usually results in dismay. Thus, my father's and my uncle's family who live here happen to get together every week or so and try calling once in a while. Respect to elders is also something to be honored and shown through actions. Which is why my parents entitle me or my younger brother to massage my grandparent's legs and feet every night. Education, is a key factor of recognition in our family. As my father was the first from his family to venture overseas to acquire the education he got for the sake of me and my family so that we may stand where we stand today. In return it would only be expected that me and my siblings show gratitude through our academics. Furthermore, living with my grandparents has allowed me to enlighten and broaden my perspective about the world as they have shared stories with me on their hardships and the difference between opportunities of receiving education at their time and mine.As far as our festivities are concerned, Ramadan is the most looked forward to month in our calendar. Not only is it a holy month, but also happens to be one of the busiest times of the year. During this month, in every house, everyday families sit together at sunset to break their fasts. Major activities and events are planned throughout the neighborhood of which most are central to the Mosque. At the end of the month, money for the poor and needy is submitted by head members of the family to be distributed around the city as per our beliefs. Then there is the Eid to look forward to, which marks the end of our Holy month and is a day of celebration. The day for which everybody prepares by buying their best clothes, shoes and adornments which are worn by women. On that day various number of events occur throughout the city such as fireworks on the corniche sea side or a large number of parties and get-togethers thrown out by the 'sheikhs'(the wealthier Saudis)of the city. The kids are gifted with toys and Eidis, which happen to be like pocket money except a bit heavier than the usual amount. Growing up to witness these events from a very young age, I have gained something to hold onto as I grow older and face the long road ahead.

With regards to my academic society. There is much I have experienced and learnt. The word 'Saudi' in Saudi Arabia actually doesn't have much to imply with only Saudis here. In fact this country includes people from places such as Europe, Africa, North America, South Asia and other countries in the Middle-East. With this country being the place that it is, with its prosperous economy and in a tax free state, visitors from around the world are not uncommon. Hence, living around such a vibrant community I have been able to learn and change my views of different cultures that I was not too fond of before. For example prior to my secondary school I used to think the Britons as being one of the rudest and shrewdest of people. However as my 8th grade commenced I was able to see from my friendly and helpful class teachers from England, that Britons weren't so bad at all.Thus, I can only hope that this experience of working and studying with these many different cultures can reflect in the community of Rice. My mood is also heavily influenced by the environment around me. Often times when the kids from my neighborhood have gone on vacation or I am surrounded by little life around me, you will often see me very dull and disengaging. But if I can expect a community of companions and friends, then you will see me really open up and exhibit my own unique way of dealing in my social life. It is for this reason I like to be disturbed rather than left alone on my own, peaking into my book all day and night. Rather I wish to communicate as much as I can with everyone around me. It is one of my primary goals in life. Of course when the time comes you will see me spending hours together on my oncoming exam or assignment since I am a natural competitor easily intimidated by others around me. My study and work are usually done in a peaceful and lively environment so this is also one of the reasons I am applying to Rice due to its magnificent and beautiful campus. With places like the Fondren library, the Bioscience Research Collaborative, Rice opens up to me like no other university. For a person who has taken countless extra classes, gone from tutor to tutor (of which many were some of the worst "people" I have ever encountered as they didn't do much more than waste my valuable time and took my father's hard earned money), the significance of proper instruction and conveyance of knowledge in the perfect environment with the perfect faculty such as that of Rice could probably have not been understood by anyone better.

Ultimately I hope my diverse background comprising of more than one straightforward culture can add much to the mix at Rice. With experience in my voluntary and extracurricular work, I hope I can truly reflect my uniqueness in my character of a helper as I hope to take advantage of Rice's renowned faculty and resources and live like Rice's very own Owl.

Undergraduate / Steve Jobs/ Portland/ Diversity; WHY REED ? [3]

1. Why Reed essay:

Reed is a unique and exciting college experience. Discuss the reasons that you believe Reed would be an appropriate place to continue your education.

My interest in Reed could not have been sparked by anyone other than the founder of Apple himself, Steve Jobs. Learning about his life in Reed, has intrigued me. To learn of his inspirations such as the work of calligraphy and the serif and sans-serif fonts that he implemented into the first Mac (which eventually found their way onto the traditional computers) learned in Reed, or how his decision to drop off from the bigger classes to his dropping in into smaller ones was one of the best decisions he made when he finally connected the dots in his life a decade later. What fascinates me even more is the fact that this person had no clue as to what he was going to do in his life. Something not too different from my current situation. But the fact is, that he was only one person of a big and diverse community as that of Reed. For Reed to have such an influential and intellectual figure can only make me hope I can find more people of the like here. Because when I hear college life, I think of a cross-cultural experience, a gathering of people from all walks of life learning and sharing information. However, the time of Steve Jobs is now over. It is now our time to shine. Our time, to show what we can create and build with our minds. And for this to commence one has to be exposed to an environment and atmosphere where one can really feel at home and work alongside his or her peers to do what they love to do and thrive in it. With the countless events and activities being planned by the many Reedies and taking place throughout the year a person like me can only hope to be in a place like Reed. For example, making things like "The Beest" regardless of Reed having an engineering department, creating one of the many organizations being made for students by students for helping each and everyone out or even conducting research at Reed Canyon. As I have looked for the most challenging colleges the U.S. has to offer, Reed with its rigorous courses, academics and liberal arts education really is the kind of college, I would like to go to. With the kind of mindset I will bring, I believe an education at Reed will help me truly reveal what my true potential holds.

My mood is heavily influenced by the people around me. Often times when the kids from my neighborhood have gone on vacation or I am surrounded by little life around me, you will often see me very dull and disengaging. But If I can expect a community of companions and friends, then you will see me really open up and exhibit my own unique way of dealing in my social life. It is for this reason I like to be disturbed rather than left alone on my own, peaking into my book all day and night. Rather I wish to communicate as much as I can with everyone around me. It is one of my primary goals in life. Hence one of the reasons why I am applying here. Of course when the time comes you will see me spending hours together on my oncoming exam or assignment since I am a natural competitor easily intimidated by others around me. And for a person who has taken countless extra classes, gone from tutor to tutor (of which many were some of the worst "people" I have ever encountered as they didn't do much more than waste my valuable time and took my father's hard earned money), the significance of proper instruction and conveyance of knowledge in the perfect environment with the perfect faculty such as that of Reed could probably have not been understood by anyone better. Other than the university itself Reed appeals to me even more because of its location. The place where I usually study depends on the environment around me. It has to be peaceful and filled with positive energy so I can harness it into my work. It is why I find Portland as an ideal place to continue my education. Its beautiful environment is worth more than anything in the world. Not to mention the fact that it happens to be one of the best places to live in the U.S.

To wrap it all up, with all the things Reed is going to offer me. I believe I have much to offer to this college as well. I have always taken pride in serving my community. But it is not from a sense of civic duty but rather from my culture that encourages hospitality and giving to others what you would give to yourself. Thus, I see this as more of a responsibility than a task. As a student of Islamic beliefs, I have been taught from the very beginning the significance of virtue to others which has inspired me to do more which is why I am also an active member of my community and social activities in my neighborhood. With the liberal arts education I receive I hope to fulfill my aim in life that is to serve the people around me at a much bigger scale. Ultimately I know that my diverse background can add much to Reed. Among the various student, professional, and religious organizations on campus, I know I would thrive in each of them. It is with pride that I have served my community until now and that tradition will continue in campus and all the people I come in contact with as I live like Reed's very own Reedie.