Undergraduate / Describe a conflict in your life and the skills and resources you used to resolve it. [5]

An abundance of movies and television shows portray the father of the family to be caring, dependable, and most of all, a hero to his children. Although that seems to be the perfect reality, that perfect reality doesn't grant everyone, including myself.

No child enjoys going through the steps of divorce, especially if one of those steps includes hardly seeing one parent. For me, my dad was out of the picture after the split, except the occasional phone call or text message. I craved to have my dad back in my life again, but he wasn't longing for his children like we were longing for him. I would lie awake at night blaming myself for what had happened, as most kids do. I was young at the time, and at age nine, a girl needs her dad. Of course, I wasn't fond of change, but it was happening all around me. I tried every day to be strong, not because I wanted to, but because I had to, for my mom. I thought life would never get easier, but then I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. It wasn't until I was fourteen that I realized I did have a father figure in my life, my brother.

Growing up, my brother treated me as any other older brother would. We laughed, we fought, we drove each other insane, but that's just what siblings do. However, when my parents' marriage spiraled down the drain of depression, he stepped up to the plate. He didn't have to become a parent when he was only twenty-three, but he did. He didn't need the responsibility of making sure his little sister was okay, but he wanted it. My brother was there for me whenever I needed him. He always supported me at my football games, was always present to celebrate my birthday, and always motivated me to do better in life. While my father was off in some other state not worrying about his little girl, my brother was the one to make sure I got home safely at night. While my father was too busy being a boy, my brother was busy being a dad.

Being raised by my brother didn't damage me at all, for it only made me try harder to have a successful future like him. He motivated me to keep my grades high and get into the school of my dreams. He's always told me to try my hardest in everything I do, and if you're not going to give something 100% of your effort, don't do it at all. My brother always told me that early is on time, and on time is late, for other people's time is and will always be more important than yours. I hope I never fail him, because he has never failed me. Because my brother has basically been the father figure in my life, I have grown up to be a strong, hard-working, independent, and responsible young woman. He helped me get on the right track to a successful future, and I am forever grateful he stepped in when my father stepped out.

Without my brother's love, support, and guidance, I wouldn't have the drive I do to succeed. My father may not hold the qualities of a dad like the ones on the movies or in novels, but my brother sure does, and for that, I am thankful. Because of my experience, I am a firm believer in the saying, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad."

This is my first draft and I really need some input! Thanks!

Undergraduate / 'to be a leader in the colossal shark tank of the corporate world' - Texas A&M 2016 application [2]

PROMPT: Considering your lifetime goals, discuss how your current and future academic and extra-curricular activities might help you achieve your goals.

When a child is young and they are prompted the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" they naturally respond with answers like a doctor, a lawyer, a professional athlete, and the list goes on, yet none of them typically reply saying they want to be a leader. Whether it is in the colossal shark tank of the corporate world, or my small hometown community, I want to make a difference and a positive impact wherever I step. When people hear my name, I want them to think of me as someone who made this world a better place, and with my hard work and determination in my academics and extracurricular involvements, I am on the right track to my goal.

The entirety of my high school career has been filled with AP and dual credit classes, so I have come accustomed to the rigorous work it takes to achieve a goal. These classes have tested my ability to keep my mind on right track, and not slack off. By taking these classes, I have gained an outstanding amount of responsibility, which I think is of vital importance to have when you are on your way to success. I have learned to work with other people much more patiently than in the past, and I believe everyone needs to learn how to be a team player and not just a one-man show. My coursework has metamorphosed me into an incredibly intelligent, devoted, and painstaking young woman. Because of my hard work in my academics, I have been inducted into my school's chapter of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, and those honors prove how far I am willing to go to reach the top of the success mountain while never letting the goal out of my sight.

I am involved in countless extracurricular activities and clubs in my school. One that holds a special place in my heart is Interact. Interact is a branch off of Rotary, where anyone ages twelve through eighteen can come together as one and help make their community a better place. Whether we are cleaning up roadways, organizing a blood drive, or helping young children learn to read better at our local library, we are making sure that this town is making a step in a brighter future. We put forth hours a month helping our community grow and blossom into something amazing, not because we are asked to, but because we want to. Interact has helped me develop the leadership skills I didn't even know I had. Other than being a member of Interact, I am also the Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad at my school. Being a cheerleader isn't about the cute uniforms and Friday nights, it's about being a part of something bigger than you. It's about showing love and support for your school and community, and I am honored to be the captain of the most spirited girls in my town. We aren't glued to the school, for we are spread about our community helping to get people involved and come together as one. Being involved in my school and community is the best choice I have ever made, not only because it fills my heart, but because it helps better the lives of the people around me, and that brings a gigantic smile upon my face.

When I enter college, I do not plan to slack off in my academics or extracurricular. I cannot wait to test my brain on the knowledge my professors have to offer me. I will definitely be going from a fish bowl to the Pacific Ocean considering the fact that my class obtains 131 students, while Texas A&M is home of over 58,000 of them. While I know my coursework will be far more difficult than what I am used to, that will not stop me from trying my hardest to reach my goal, yet if I get into a learning community where my classes are a bit smaller, which I am praying I do, I know I will have a better chance to become successful and make this world a better place to live in. I know I can do this; I just might need a little help. Now, just because I won't be involved in my small town as much anymore, doesn't mean I won't be involved in my new town! I can't begin to explain how excited I would be to get to work events like the Big Event if I am accepted to Texas A&M! Helping my small town was just a start, and I will be making a huge step in the right direction by volunteering more in college.

Being a leader is something that I am grateful of every day. If it weren't for my high school involvements and hard work, I would not be the young woman I am today. I know I am on the right path to helping my community grow as one and making this world a better place to live in. This world needs more positivity throughout its lands, and I am here to bring it!