Undergraduate / NC State is a community that is strong because of the diversity of our perspectives and experiences [2]

Ever since I was little, I have been taught that diversity is what brings us together. Without diversity, we as human beings wouldn't have been able to advance as far as we have today. Diversity isn't just about religion, culture, or the color of our skin. Diversity pertains to a much broader spectrum which includes everything we do on a daily basis. Diversity even applies to how we eat cereal! Some people like to put the milk in first while others, like to put the cereal in first. This unique distinction ranging from each human is what allows us to accomplish such marvelous achievements.

I was born in the city of Amreli in the state of Gujarat, India. When I was seven years of age, I moved to the United States. My parents saw this as a magnificent opportunity to ripen my educational career. At first, everything was different, but slowly as the days passed, I became accustomed to the new way of life. I can proudly say that I contribute to diversity by being the first person in my family to completed all three levels of education, elementary, middle school, and high school, in the United States.

While this may sound ordinary, I have learned much about my future career dreams and passion as I have marched through the hurdle of life. My passion, is helping people. Just the thought of helping those who are underprivileged and those who are overlooked by the constant movement of society gives me a sense of being human. People believe success lives their job title, their clothes, or how much money they have. For me, all that is useless. Success for me, lies in the constant improvement of those who are less fortunate. Now when I say helping, I don't mean being a doctor, I mean through technology. As I have mentioned before, I believe that through combination of different ideas/perspectives, we can enhance human life through technology.

Being at a university where diversity is one of its core values, I believe I can achieve, along with those who are like-minded, a generation where a mother doesn't have to worry about what to feed her child from day to day or a father who struggles to find a job because he doesn't have access to a good education. A generation where everyone has a door to success through the use of technology. I want to create apps and software where people around the world no matter how rich or poor, have the ability to excel in any form of education they wish. From basic to master level classes, I want to create an online system where anyone can learn, and what better place to start my dream than at one of the top IT universities in the world! With the diversity that NC State has, I can share and develop ideas from people all around the world to help kick-start this program! NC State is, and always will be the best choice.

Undergraduate / Discuss your reasons for pursuing the Major/Academic Program selected above? [2]

There are five very common stereotypes associated with being Indian. These include: taxi drivers, 7-11 owners, to your local motel owner, medical doctor, and finally computer geeks. I am proud to promote this common stereotype by hoping to pursue a career as a computer geek. Whenever there is a conversation between friends about what we want to be when we grow up, everyone always assumes mine. Every time, they narrow it down to two. The regular, old, and mean doctor or the savvy computer geek who knows everything. Without any resentment I always laugh knowing they are partially right. Ever since I moved to America I have developed a connection with computer science and technology.

While most kids take the computer for granted and use it to play video games or watch movies, I always found the computer to be a land, jam-packed with information and opportunities. While living in India I never had access to a computer so moving to America allowed me to see with a new perspective. I realized the true potential of the computer at a young age. With so much enthusiasm, energy, and imagination, I began to interact with the computer. I saw it as a way to boost my academic career and to ascertain innovative things I wouldn't until I was older. After a couple of years of investigating and taking out unanticipated viruses, I became the go to guy in my house for anything related to the computer. From deciphering simple network glitches to discovering, unwinding, and swapping computer hardware, I was the man.

I continually saw the computer as a method of enhancing the human civilization and as a way to enrich the living conditions of the underprivileged. With the computer, humans are able to achieve great things. Since the computer permits us to interchange ideas in a matter of seconds, we are able to develop inventions everyday that change the world. If you take just one minute, you can contemplate that computers play a monumental role in lives of every human being. From surgical procedures, school work, climate change, business, space, computers are used universally. Just like a doctor, the computer can make a transformation in millions of peoples lives. I always wanted to develop software's and programs that would ease our every day life, from automatically making your coffee in the morning to driving you to work, my goal has been straight forward. I want to make a life without problems, a life where everyone is happy, a life where you cannot be held back because of financial or environmental problems, a life where everything is possible through technology. And no, I did not get that line from the Amazing Spiderman. Therefore, being part of a computer science program in the number one university in the state of North Carolina and possible the United States will allow my imagination, knowledge, and ideas to propagate so the world can develop into a healthier place for each human being.

Thanks in advance guys!

Undergraduate / Discuss any obstacles and/or hardships you have encountered and how you dealt with them. [3]

Looking back, moving to the United States was the finest decision my parents ever made for my future. However, the rocky days that followed my first years in America weren't so appealing or pleasant. As I sobbed my way to the Ahmedabad airport, I fluttered one last goodbye to my close friends, family, and neighbors. Knowing I wouldn't see them in a while, I yelled and screamed at my parents for compelling me to move to the United States. Even thought it was my first time on a plane, I wasn't enthusiastic or hyper for the sixteen hours that we had in the air.

My first thoughts as I walked out the international airport were beyond my imagination. So many people, so many cars, and so much traffic. This was definitely not the same as India. I was greeted by my aunt and uncle who had been living in the United States for twenty years. After two months of observing, exploring, and questioning, I became accustomed to the environment and the people. I even began to love it. That is, until my first day of school, a day every child dreads of when they first move to a new country, state, city, or town. As I got on the bus and sat in a seat all by myself I wondered what school would be like in America. Walking into the classroom, everyone stared at me. Quietly whispering behind my back about the clothes I was wearing and the way I looked. A skinny little Indian boy, they weren't used to, the new kid.

As the days passed and I scarcely carried on, there were times where kids would come up to me and ask me if I was from Afghanistan, Iraq, or an Arab (with the southern accent). Confused, I realized these stereotypes would continue and there was nothing I could do about it. Other days, when I tried making friends or interacting with other kids, I was ignored and at some points, told "to go back to my own country, you terrorist." Alarmed, irritated, and infuriated, I wasn't able to comprehend how kids, who are thought of as innocent and as the only human beings who don't judge or criticize a person based on their skin color, could say such harmful things to me. These occurrences caused by enthusiasm and passion towards school to slowly deplete. Before, school was the best part of my day, the idea of getting to learn something new everyday aroused me. Finally acknowledging that I would never be accepted into the mainstream society of the United States, I began to give up.

However, the following years, things began to change. My fellow classmates began to interact with me. They began to take an interest in my culture and realized the exciting things I had to offer. And just like that, in just a matter of just two years, I wasn't the "skinny little Indian boy who looked like a terrorist."

Writing Feedback / Two version of the "background, identity, interest, or talent" essay [4]

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe...

THERE ARE TWO VERSIONS

Determined, independent, family-loving, warmhearted, and above all humble, are just few words that describe my amazing great-grandfather, Raya Depani. Everything I have become today is because of the sacrifices that my hero made in his life. The story of my great-grandfather's life is packed with blood, sweat, tears, hard work, and grief. Raya Depani was born in a small town called Keshod to very poor parents. At a very young age, my great-grandfather was married and a couple of years later he had a son, my grandfather, who they named Panchan Depani. When it came to family, my great-father didn't have much. His wife and parents died just a couple of years after my grandfather was born. Despite this my great-grandfather filled both duties as a parent. When my poor great-grandfather asked his brother if his son and he could stay at their farm, he was turned away. As humble as he was, he never got mad, instead he got a job at a nearby farm. The owner of the farm only gave my great-grandfather one pair clothes for the entire year. Imagine that, having to live in just one pair of clothes for the entire year! By the time the year ended my great-grandfather's clothes would be filled with holes, dirt, and ripped to shreds. When he wanted to wash his shirt, he would sleep without it at night and when he wanted to wash his shorts, he would use his shirt as a substitute. The owner of the farm also didn't provide a bed so my great-grandfather had to sleep on the muddy ground everyday.

Every morning my great-grandfather woke up at five and went to work. Working in scoring sun with temperatures not going below 90 degrees is a very excruciating job. He worked till sundown, a total of 14 hours everyday. When it was time for dinner, he first fed his son and if there were any leftovers, he then ate those. There were many times were he went to sleep hungry. Everyday my hero would pray and thank God for allowing him have this beautiful life filled with love and opportunities.

It took my hero 40 years gather enough money so his son could get married, start a family, and move to a bigger city. From here our family was able to develop and flourish economically. From a small town to the United States to applying to college, it is because of my grandfather that my family has come this far. 650 words just don't cover the life story of my ultimate idol and hero. Everyday, before I go to school I thank God for allowing me to play in hands of my great-grandfather. I always bow down to a picture of my hero and thank him for everything he did and hoping that I become ten percent of the man he was. My father always said, "Son, if you live on the principles of your great-grandfather, then your life will be successful." God did truly lookout for my great-grandfather all of his wish did come true and he lived to be 101 years old. My hero was able to see three generations of kids grow up joyfully. Whenever the story my hero is told, a tear always rolls out of my eye for there never will be another Raya Depani just like there will never be a Mahatma Gandhi. My hero died when I was two and it upsets me that I couldn't grow in the presence of such a powerful idol. Even though he wasn't able to shower me with his delightful greatness, the principles of my hero will always stick with me. Family first, working hard, being humble, putting others before oneself and many more will define who I will become. My life, personality, and identity is a direct reflection of the sacrifices my great-grandfather, Raya Depani, made throughout his life.

OR

Heroes can be ordinary humans who end up having an extraordinary impact on us.
Everything I have achieved today is because of the sacrifices that my hero made throughout his life. The story of my great-grandfather's life is packed with blood, sweat, and tears. Raya Depani was born in a small town named Keshod to very poor parents. At a young age, he was married and a couple of years later he had a son, my grandfather, who they named Panchan Depani. When it came to family, my great-grandfather didn't have a whole lot. His wife and parents died just a couple of years after my grandfather was born. Despite this, my hero filled both duties as a parent.

Without a job, money or a home my great-grandfather pleaded his brother give him work, food, and a place to stay at his farm. However, he was disregarded. Being very humble, my hero never got angry, instead he got a job at a nearby farm. The owner, only gave him one pair of clothes for the entire year. Imagine that, having to live in just one pair of clothes for the 365 days! By the time the year ended my great-grandfather's clothes would be filled with holes and dirt. My hero also didn't have a bed, so he slept on the ground from day to day. This exemplary action by my great-grandfather shows that no matter how many times life will tread on you, life will scrunch you, life will squeeze you, you will always have your inner self-confidence, just the way my hero had.

Every morning my great-grandfather woke up at five and went to work. Working in scoring sun with temperatures not going below 90 degrees is an awfully excruciating job. He worked till sundown, a total of 14 hours, everyday. When it was time for dinner, he first fed his son and if there were any leftovers, he then ate those. There were many times were he went to sleep hungry. Everyday my hero would pray and thank God for allowing him have this beautiful life filled with love and opportunities. This optimism that my hero had, drives me to appreciate all that I have in my life because there are those who have much less but are still a lot happier then me. This spark that my hero lightens in me everyday, urges me to put others before myself.

It took my great-grandfather 40 years gather enough money so his son could start a family, and move to a bigger city. From a rural town to applying for college, it is because of my hero that my family has come this far. 650 words just don't cover the life story of my ultimate idol and hero. Every morning, I thank God for allowing me to play in hands of my great-grandfather. I always bow down to a picture of my hero and thank him for all he has done and hope that I become ten percent of the man he was. God did truly lookout for my great-grandfather as he was able to live a healthy 101 years! My hero died when I was two and it upsets me that I couldn't grow in the presence of such a powerful idol. Even though he wasn't able to shower me with his delightful bliss, the principles of my hero will always stick with me. Family first, working hard, being humble, putting others before oneself and many more will define who I will become. My life, personality, and identity is a direct reflection of the sacrifices my great-grandfather, Raya Depani, made throughout his life. Whenever the story my hero is told, a tear always rolls out of my eye for there never will be another Raya Depani just like there will never be a Mahatma Gandhi. People like my great-grandfather only come once a generation.

Undergraduate / Tell us a story that helps us better understand a person, place, or thing you find inspiring. [2]

THERE ARE 2 VERSIONS, please check them both, I can't decide which is better.

1. Being the Prime Minister of India isn't the easiest job in the world. It takes unconceivable hard-work, attentiveness, and commitment to lead 1.252 billion people. When he was little, Narendra Modi used to sell tea at the local train station in Gujarat, India. When his family of eight was short on money, they used to go from house to house cleaning dishes. While helping his family out, Modi studied at Gujarat and Delhi Universities struggling to make ends meet. As my paramount inspiration, Prime Minister Modi and I share one critical factor. That is, our struggle to support of families when we were young. While young Modi had to support his family in India, I had to support mine when we first arrived in America, when I was seven years old. Since my parents weren't proficient in English I supported them through many ways. Helping them get groceries, going job hunting, and signing up for school are just three simple examples out of hundreds. This profound connection allows me to sync with PM Modi and seek valuable life lessons he learned throughout his childhood and to encompass them into mine. With these experiences, I am further help not only my family but also my community in every possible way, just the way Modi is in India. If one needs motivation or inspiration, I would most confidently recommend the story of PM Modi as he knows how to overcome the struggle that lies the in true meaning of life.

OR

2. Imagine this, a poor and underprivileged kid to the leader of the largest democracy in the world! It takes unconceivable hard-work, attentiveness, and commitment to lead 1.252 billion people. When he was little, Narendra Modi used to sell tea at the local train station in Gujarat, India. When his family of eight was short on money, they used to go from house to house cleaning dishes. While helping his family out, Modi studied at Gujarat and Delhi Universities struggling to make ends meet. As my paramount inspiration, Prime Minister Modi and I share one critical factor. That is, our struggle to support of families when we were young. While young Modi had to support his family in India, I had to support mine when we first arrived in America, when I was seven years old. Since my parents weren't proficient in English I supported them through many ways. Helping them get groceries, going job hunting, and signing up for school are just three simple examples out of hundreds. This profound connection allows me to sync with PM Modi and seek valuable life lessons he learned throughout his childhood and to encompass them into mine. With these experiences, I am further help not only my family but also my community in every possible way, just the way Modi is. If one needs motivation or inspiration, I would most confidently recommend the story of PM Modi as he knows how to overcome the struggle that lies the in true meaning of life.