Undergraduate / An idea that has been important to my intellectual development - multidisciplinary nature of subject [6]

Could anyone help in reviewing my essay? Thanks!

Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development. (100 to 250 words)
In 2012, I took the "Introduction to Finance" course by University of Michigan's finance professor Mr. Gautman Kaul on Coursera. Since then, I became intrigued by the idea of time value of money.

$100 now or $110 in a month's time? Why are some people able to delay gratification of monetary benefits while others not? What explains the phenomenon of the poor being less able to reap the benefits of compounding? Is it because after spending their meagre amount of income on necessities, they do not see a point in saving the paltry sum left, and simply spend the rest? Or is it because of their weak discipline to save that cause them being poor in the first place?

My curiosity has brought me into the realm of decision economics, behavioral economics and social psychology. I read Dan Ariely's books about irrational behavior. I was exposed to a framework of decision-making in economics, Game Theory, and watched lectures on it by Professor Ben Polak. I took a course on Social Psychology by Wesleyan Professor Scott Plous of Wesleyan University and it introduced me to the interesting factors at play in the dynamics of human behaviors.

I am more enriched with ideas from different disciplines just because of my curiosity in Finance. I have learnt a principle in my intellectual pursuit: never view a problem in isolation. Right now, I am waiting for the class of Medical Neurosicence to start on Coursera.

Undergraduate / Extra-curricular activity of being a listener and petition writer - inspirational life experience [9]

In this essay, please reflect on something you would like us to know about you that we might not learn from the rest of your application, or on something about which you would like to say more. You may write about anything-from personal experiences or interests to intellectual pursuits. (Please answer in 500 words or less).

One of my extracurricular activities is volunteering in the Meet-The-People sessions in Nee Soon South Group Representation Constituency, where I serve as a grassroots activist. These weekly sessions serve as an avenue of support for residents in need.

I was motivated to volunteer my service as my family was a beneficiary from the session. We were advised by a relative to attend a session in late 2011 when our family's economic condition worsened. During the session, we were attended by a middle-aged female petition writer, Sally Tan, who was very courteous and treated us with much respect that dispelled my parents' concerns of the discrimination associated with people asking for financial aid. She listened to me describe our extenuating circumstances with genuine interest and care, and further helped us explore the sources of financial aid available and proceeded to make applications for us. Touched by how kind she was, I immediately affirmed that I must reciprocate her graciousness by helping other vulnerable residents in need.

I followed in Sally's footsteps and volunteered my service. As petition writers, we first counsel residents on their problems, then write to relevant governmental authorities who are able to provide the solution. For instance, if a resident has trouble paying his utility bills, we write to the utility company to arrange an installment plan for him. While attending to residents, I always bring to mind the session attended by our family, so I can remember how I want the residents to feel at the end of the session: supported and understood. I listen to their problems without being judgmental and condescending, with Sally being my role model.

Once, I attended to an elderly woman who sought assistance interpreting a letter in English about her pension. It was a simple job of translating English into Hokkien (a Chinese dialect) on my part, but she thanked me profusely as she clutched my hand tightly, showing me appreciation that was more than what my effort deserved. She even invited me to her house for dinner the next day. I felt I could do more, and since serendipitously she lived near me (does this work?), I decided I would visit her every week to help translate her letters. I found out that she lived alone, as her husband has passed away, and her children have not visited her for a very long time. Through talking with her, I was shocked by how she transcended suffering and circumstance to still live a fulfilled life. She possesses (or possessed?) incredible emotional strength and became my source of inspiration and go-to mentor in life. Encountering residents in more unfortunate life circumstances has humbled me and helped put into perspective my own problems. I am inspired to keep in contact with some of them after the "official" hours of the volunteer sessions because I could further help them and also learn from them at the same time.

The residents may thank me after the session, but I am more grateful to bear witness and be inspired by their strengths and characters.

Undergraduate / My free time - hunching over my laptop, with my headphones on, messing around with my MIDI keyboard [9]

Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better. (100 to 250 words)

Dear would-be roommate

I very much look forward to meeting you. I am Vincent from Singapore. I am sure you are anxious to know what sort of person I am like and whether we would be compatible living together, just as I am. Let me tell you a little about myself.

In my free time you will see me hunching over my laptop, with my headphones on, messing around with my MIDI keyboard. I sincerely hope you don't see me as the typical nerdy Asian. I would do anything to dispel that stereotype. I will have you know that I am a wannabe electronic music producer, my playlist is only filled with electronic dance music, and in the club, look for me on the dance floor, not in the recessed corner. I would go to your friend's party if you invited me and I would love it if you invited your friends over to our room for parties on weekends; I would be happy to be the DJ.

I wonder if watching television is a staple for you, because if it is, I would love to share a Netflix subscription. We don't have that in our country though, so be warned that I may be addicted to it in the beginning. I love comedy, and am waiting impatiently for the next season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm". I am open to other genres though, just don't recommend "Game of Thrones". TV should be a platform of relaxation, not something that increases your cortisol level!

P.S. When we first meet, please do not mind if I get carried away inundating you with questions about your culture. I get excited when I meet a person with a culture different from mine, and it automatically makes that person interesting!