Undergraduate / Human rights advocate - Stanford Roommate Letter Essay [3]

Please help... really nervous about my application to stanford>> here is my letter to my roommate... i accept all advice

Dear Roomie,
You know that girl? That girl who loves writing so much, she has a collection of diaries dating back to the sixth grade? That girl whose long term memory is pristine but her short term memory is just - SHORT? Yea you know the one. That outspoken girl who has as much fun being the life of the party as she does reading a good book or having a heart to heart with her roommate? That girl is me.

I'm a native Jamaican, born and bred. I am always interested in learning new things and exploring new places. I am rather loquacious but I listen twice as much and I can guarantee that even if I can't fix your problems, I can take your mind off them. How will I do that? By teaching you various Jamaican sayings and singing Bob Marley's everything's gonna be alright at the top of my lungs until you sing along. Speaking of singing, I love karaoke and all genres of music. I'm a Swiftie, Lovatic, Selenator, Usher, T.I. and Ludacris fan. I'm a night owl; I find that I do my best work during the moonlit hours. That said, I'm not a morning person, my alarm clock is jealous of the relationship I have with my bed.

I'm an advocate for human rights and I will try anything at least once. Simply stated, I'm a bit complicated but I'm like an open book that you never want to put down. The best part is, this chapter is just beginning and I hope that you will help me with the story-line, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

P.s. My name is Tijuana. (yes it's Mexican but the only Spanish I know is Hola and Adios!)

Undergraduate / high school musical songs - Stanford Intellectual Vitality Essay [5]

I'm so glad I found this site... I'm not sure if this fits intellectual vitality(what does that even mean??) but this is the essay that i wrote. I am a little over the word limit but i cant see where i can cut it down anymore. Please advise:

Growing up, I was constantly told that I was a precocious child. Flipping through the P section of the dictionary gave the definition:

Precocious (adjective)

1. (of a child) having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than is usual or expected.

At ten, I couldn't identify with this adjective and at sixteen, I wondered if I was hearing correctly. I am that girl who is always looking for an adventure, always making people laugh. Disney was my favourite channel until I turned 17. I still know all the words to the high school musical songs. Nevertheless, I was presumed precocious by others.

In the tenth grade, lunch prices rose again. Students and staff members alike were rather disgruntled as the quality of the food and service was substandard. Fellow classmates planned a peaceful strike in retaliation. Unfortunately, it turned into a violent riot, resulting in a number of students being suspended.

The next day, I wrote a letter to the board of directors outlining the issues that needed to be addressed as well as possible solutions. The following week, the head of the board came by the school to meet with the canteen workers and myself. At the end of the meeting, the head of directors turned to me and said, 'I admire the way you addressed this matter. You are a rather precocious child."

This experience taught me something that I feel was vital to my intellectual development. In the heat of the moment; we often forget that there are more than one ways to solve a problem. Once we master the art of identifying these alternate methods, we now possess a skill that will prove to be invaluable as we pave our paths to success, building a firm foundation to propel us towards a brighter future.

As I walked to my class, I smiled to myself. I finally identified with the adjective.

Undergraduate / 'president of my school's Newzpaper, The Flame' Stanford extra curricular Elaboration. [6]

Does this sound too corny?? this is a true story btw... and does it matter that i'm over the limit by 16 words??

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit.)

It has always been my dream to become president of my school's Newzpaper, The Flame. As president, it is my responsibility to produce bi-weekly and monthly publications of the Newzletter and Newzpaper. During the last year however, it has become increasingly difficult to do so. As a direct result of the cancellation of the 2012 Christmas edition of The Flame, a club that once had over 50 members now only has one.

Despite the drastic reduction in membership, I am determine to continue to keep the legacy of The Flame. I am unfazed by the fact that I single handedly write, edit and customize the paper and after every stamp of approval from the principal, sell the papers by myself. I remain unfazed because running the Newzpaper has always been my dream and nothing and no one will stand in the way of that dream. After all, hard work, sacrifice and dedication are the fundamentals for the journey to success and I hope to continue that journey at Stanford University.

Undergraduate / The Trial; For as long as I can remember, my biggest fear has always been failure. [3]

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
The Trial
For as long as I can remember, my biggest fear has always been failure. Living in a world where failure is inevitable, you can probably imagine how difficult that can be. Somehow, I managed to succeed in everything that I deemed important. Throughout my high school life, I was known for challenging beliefs, provoking thoughts and leaving no stone unturned in a quest for answers. I had quite the temper and was never afraid to speak exactly what was on my mind despite the circumstances. My methods for success were rather unconventional and some even frowned upon them but it didn't matter, they worked for me.

Despite my mischievous nature, I was an outstanding student and I was elected class monitor in the tenth grade. Being elected meant that I would more than likely be selected as a sub-prefect with the option of becoming a prefect in my senior year as well as in sixth form. I never told anyone but I always saw myself running for Head Girl. Little did I know that my explosive temper would be the catalyst to my first big failure...

I remember it like it was yesterday. It started with a simple misunderstanding. An argument over a seat. Fueled by misdirected rage and poor judgment. Before long, I found myself in a psychical altercation with a fellow classmate. The news traveled fast and students and teachers alike ran to the scene of the dispute in an effort to break up the fight. The next thing I knew I was being hauled off to the principal's office. Blinded by rage, I continued to hurl insults at other student.

Looking back it reminds me of something straight out of an episode of law and order. I sat in the foyer, the holding cell, and tried to collect myself as I wrote my statement. Then it was time for arraignment, the trial would proceed in a two days. We had court appointed lawyers (parents), and the trial went smoothly thanks to the video that a bystander had made. The jury found us both guilty and the judge sentenced us both to one week suspension and one month anger management classes. I was devastated and it didn't end there. The judge added special sentencing for me. 'You just ruined your reputation. A once spotless record now tarnished forever.' She said. 'Turn over your monitor badge and you can forget about running for head girl.'

I spent my suspension in tears and a state of depression. There was nothing anyone could do or say to make it better. I blamed everyone but myself for what had happened. I couldn't see myself ever returning to school to face the people who once held me in high esteem. To see the look of disappointment in their eyes. At the end of one of my anger management, the councilor said to me "Sometimes when we make mistakes, it's because we are destined to learn something important."

That experience taught me a lot. I learnt that it only takes a matter of seconds to make a decision that will change the course that your life. It pays to take a second and think about the consequences of your actions. Though my mistake cost me an opportunity that I can never get back, it also helped to mold me into the person I am today. I have since learnt to control my anger and remain calm during times of great chaos. I serve unofficially on the disciplinary committee and my ability to maintain my composure enables me to enforce school rules while being a confidant for fellow students. I may not wear the badge but I do play the role and for me, that's more than enough. Since then, I have learnt to embrace failure because our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up each time we fail.

Please help me.. any feedback will be greatly appreciated. I have exactly 650 words.