Undergraduate / "Have fun", "Relax a bit" - Why NYU? It is because diversity has always been important to me. [12]

NYU is global, urban, inspired, smart, connected, and bold. What can NYU offer you, and what can you offer NYU? (200-400 words)

When approached with diverse ideas and beliefs, two options are present: one can either reject and condemn or listen and learn. And for as long as I can remember, I have consistently chosen the latter. Had I chosen to proceed with the former, I know that I would have been a victim of the complacent mindset so prevalent in the South and within my own family. I am now a student who has had the opportunity to travel to ten countries throughout high school, accept diverse ideas and beliefs, and form my heterogenous identity. And my diverse identity is something I truly believe will enhance the NYU community as well as learn from it.

I went abroad for the first time my freshman year of high school. My parents sent me off to Ethiopia to visit family. They kept saying the same expectations prior to my departure: "Have fun", "Relax a bit", "Take pictures with all of your family". I couldn't help but have these words reverberate in my mind, reminding myself of what I am supposed to do. However, as a result of having the tendency to go beyond the expectations of others, I did more than just relax, have fun, and take pictures. I explored Ethiopia. I learned new stories from each person I met. I learned how to appropriately dress and act in different areas. I essentially became cultured, which is probably the inadvertent goal of traveling abroad. And this tendency to go beyond and learn about contrasting beliefs has repeated itself. It has repeated itself in Australia, India, Canada, Italy, and virtually everywhere I have gone thus far and will continue to venture.

After numerous discussions with NYU alumni, plenty of research, and a lot of personal introspection, I finally found the reason I am so drawn to NYU. And the reason is this: NYU has and will continue to be the epitome of diversity on the collegial level. Being a black, gay, Muslim from the contradictory South and having traveled to various countries, I genuinely believe that I will add a fresh perspective to NYU. Furthermore, what better place to study religion than the institution that embodies religious, cultural, and artistic freedom. NYU has developed its illustrious reputation as a haven to foster the critical mind from years of excellence. And this is the haven I know I will learn and achieve the most from.

Undergraduate / Hi Vanderbilt, accept me! An inequality occurred to me when I transferred schools, in my junior year [3]

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150-400 words)
I am at the 400 word limit

The institutionalization of education within impoverished communities in the last 60 years had positive intentions but unfortunately has fallen short. Sadly, it took me 15 years to realize this inequality, which occurred to me when I transferred schools, affluent to impoverished, my junior year. This disparity is by no means hidden, it's witnessed in the halls, the classrooms, and the eyes of the 3,600 students who attend my school. Thus inundated with the constant reminder of the disadvantages of others, I created the Minority Association Promoting Progress in Education and Development (MAPPED).

Many debate that shear will, determination, and work ethic should override the disadvantages underprivileged students face. However, the rarity of success stories have left me baffled for as long as I've been at Meadowcreek High School. I've heard students mumble things like "I'm dropping out because I want to make money" or "College isn't for me". This mentality is not chosen but has been fostered by the proverbial great wall that keeps these students behind seemingly unattainable aspirations. In order to remove that wall, I've targeted MAPPED towards the freshmen and sophomores of Meadowcreek because the transition between those two grade levels contributes the most to our 53% dropout rate. In MAPPED, 12th grade students tutor and plan pathways the youth will follow throughout their academic career. By selecting the highest achieving upperclassmen, we are attempting to instill academic diligence and collegial promise within the underclassmen. While this all may be on as small scale, I'm confident MAPPED will have a positive and escalating impact on these students' lives. My experience in developing MAPPED truly opened my eyes to the inequalities in education, but I'm rather grateful because I can now spread this awareness.

Fortunately, I grew up with the privilege of having a family that promotes academic excellence. And I'm grateful that I've become aware of such a prevalent issue in such a short period of time. However, I refuse to allow this inequity to remain dormant while many remain ignorant. The innovative thinking and open-mindedness that is exemplified at Vanderbilt is the perfect haven to foster eager minds that help advance myself and others around me. I truly believe that Vanderbilt's forward thinking student body, brilliant professors, and plethora of resources in conjunction with my fervent desire to implement change is the perfect combination to combat these injustices and work towards changing this distorted structure.

Letters / I tweet, a lot, and I am very proud - A letter to isolationists, differentials, and non-tweeters. [6]

UVA PROMPT: Tweet or Not to Tweet

Dear isolationists, differentials, and non-tweeters,

I tweet. And frankly, I am an avid tweeter. I am not ashamed. I am not regretful. I constantly hear boasting from those who refuse to make a twitter - why? We are the millennials. We are the most connected generation that has come upon this earth thus far.

after review:

Dear Non-Tweeter,

I tweet. And frankly, I am an avid tweeter. I am not ashamed. I am not regretful. I am however confused as to why you refuse to make an account. As millennials, we have a duty to live a more informed life than our predecessors. And twitter is a clear tool for fast, unfiltered news and information. When Michael Brown was unfortunately killed six months ago, I vividly remember Twitter bringing the news to the forefront and major news stations following after. When sexual assault cases were coming to light at major universities, Twitter allowed me access to first hand statements from the victims, whereas news networks simply did not have the air time for it. Of course there are websites, newspapers, and so forth, but the high concentration of current events in conjunction with rapid pictures, videos, and anecdotes from witnesses transforms Twitter into a major hub for information. But there are some worries. We constantly hear about the possibility of addiction and squandering of time, but can addiction ever occur when in moderation? Can squandering ever occur with a little discipline? Therefore, before you opt out in making a twitter, please hypothetically reflect on how joyous your life will become if you join Twitter. Think about how you will have more opportunities to add substance to discussions. Think about how you will win more arguments with raw information. Essentially, think about how much more of a well-informed citizen you will become.

Sincerely,

The Tweeter