Undergraduate / BORN IN BRAZIL; U Mich 250 words "Cultural Salad" [5]

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. (Approximately 250 words)

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I consider myself a global citizen. Born in Brazil, I come from a culturally diverse family. Back in history, Brazil was a place where people from all over the world would came to start a new life and runaway from wars. As a result, Brazil became stage of the miscegenation that occurred, turning into one of the most diverse countries in the world.

I am a result of my country's history. Italian, English, German, Russian, Portuguese and native Brazilian are just some of the many ethnic backgrounds I descend from. From the reddish blonde hair that I got from my Vikings genes, or the pasta and strudel served on my table, it is clear to see the influence my ancestors have on me. This multiracial background has enriched me as a human being and taught me to be respectful of every person, no matter where they come from, what they look like or what their traditions are; our differences are what make us unique.

I am grateful for being born in a family with different opinions, values and traditions, because it has shaped me to become the individual that I am today. With a multicultural campus that celebrates and encourages diversity, I am positive the University of Michigan will be a place I could call my home.

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Please critique and be harsh!
Thank you.

Undergraduate / U Mich "Not love at first sight" 500 word essay [2]

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific 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? (500 words maximum).

***** Communication studies major
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What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a question that everyone is asked at some point in life. When I was little, I was full of fear to even think about interacting with people. I would always hide behind my parents when someone started talking to me and blush when I had to read in front of my class. At that moment, I would have never imagined that my answer to that question would be communication studies.

Eventually, I came to a point in my life that I had to start being more sociable and not be so insecure. Even though it seemed easy, I struggled a lot because I had to change who I was; but I knew it would be for the best. It took about two years for me to begin to say simple words to strangers, such as "How are you doing?" or "The weather looks nice today", but I had finally become more talkative. Once I started talking, no one could make me quiet. But that was not enough for me; I wanted to explore in depth the wonders of communication. I soon created a blog, where I shared my stories, expressed my opinions and interacted with my readers. I fell in love with the power of this simple skill and realized that I had found my true passion.

My parents' have always thought I would end up pursuing a career in the medical field; however, I was drowned by the amusing communication studies' curriculum. I love how it is an interdisciplinary major; it derives its knowledge from analyzing many different fields both in the interpersonal and mass level. In addition, it is exciting to know that I will be studying subjects involving media, culture and society. It is also a very flexible major with many different career paths to follow, and I know that no matter which one I choose to specialize in, I will be equipped with the skills and tools I need to succeed.

Communication is an essential skill of life, and one that I wish to gracefully master through the University of Michigan communication studies' program. Its strong networking community will offer me a greater opportunity to land internships and give me the hands on experience that I need to succeed on my own. With top-of-the line equipment and facilities, I am positive that UM is the right fit for me. I am positive I will be provided with the best education available to grow not only as a professional, but as a person.

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Thank you for your help!