Scholarship / Making Amends with My Reflection- NTU Scholarship Essay [5]

Describe, in less than 300 words, a short essay on a subject of personal importance to you. You may choose any topic. Examples include: an event which has influenced you or a family member/friend/person who had a significant influence on you.

I never looked straight in the mirror since ninth grade. Any kind of mirror used to be my enemy: car windows, puddles, and even the back of my metal iPod. My bed and bathroom's mirror was covered with magazine articles at a certain height to avoid seeing my reflection. This was caused by a severe skin condition that majority of teens fret over- acnes, cyst acnes to be precise.

My self-esteem and social life was curtailed under acne's regime. The perennial fear of being taunted by my peers and teachers made me spent an extra time in the morning to cover it with make up and grew my hair long. My mother tried everything she could to be normal like my two sisters: home remedies, topical drugs, laser, as well as birth controls. We went through more than a dozen dermatologists in town, only ending up with disappointment. Thus, I had decided to give up the thought of cure for my horrid face. That was, until my English teacher came to the rescue.

Two years ago, she offered to sign me up for a speech competition. At first, I rejected it as I tend to avoid eye contact and speak in low volume; somehow, there was a small voice saying, 'She believed in you. Why do not you believe in yourself?' and I gave myself a chance. During my speech preparation, she made me face the mirror and told me to love myself. 'You are not the only one with problems. I cannot bear any children because of my obesity.' Her words still linger vividly. She made me realize how foolish it was to run away from reality. Since then, I took off the magazine articles on my mirror and accepted my condition.

Undergraduate / Soaring Higher - NUS admission essay - personal experience or an activity [2]

Prompt: You may discuss a personal experience or an activity that you have been involved that is relevant to the course you are applying for admission. (less than 2,000 characters)

Whenever I see construction sites with tower cranes jutting skyward, I always recall my grandfather. Despite the incapability to pursue higher education, he managed to establish one of the largest trading firms for heavy equipment and construction materials in Asia. His endeavors have inspired and motivated me to choose business major in NUS.

In my first year of high school, I participated in my school's Entrepreneur Club (a.k.a. Kopsis) as the secretary. In the course of that period, I learnt how to work independently and in groups, follow specific and general instructions, and complete tasks in a timely manner.

During my first summer break in high school, I joined Young Leaders Winter School conducted by Trinity College in Melbourne. It was my first experience to step out of my comfort zone and be immersed in the international environment. Having worked in several projects and presentations, my interest to work in a global setting grew deeper.

I spent my second year as the class' treasurer. The work allowed me to gain communication and organizing skills among my peers. I encountered many difficulties in this position, but I managed to resolve them with the help of my teacher and friends.

In my final year, I was engaged in my school's Social Committee (a.k.a. SSV). The Committee conducted numerous activities such as teaching needy children, selling affordable clothes and books, and collecting donations. Teaching was my favorite activity even though the kids are very mischievous. I also take part in English competitions, play violin in my school's chapel and community church, and swim on weekends.