Ashleigh
Oct 22, 2016
Undergraduate / Child of a thousand hills from Rwanda [5]
These are my mit essays, I need assistance. I feel as though they are vague!
1. Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity (100 word max)- Optional
Rwandan Culture binds love and diligence to bring out the best in people! This runs back years to the age of barter trade when Rwandans toiled to own a cow, for it was the most cherished asset. Cow-owners sold their cows for expensive clothes, mats and other belongings; and when visiting their friends they would fill an 'Agaseke' ( a traditionally grass weaved basket) with food or belongings with significant value- expressing love! These practices are no longer, but the spirit of love and hard work are ever-present!
As a child of a thousand hills, I am diligent and loving!
2. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why (100 words or fewer)
My love for Math, Chemistry and everything between has drawn me to Course 16- B.S A.E, but the complex mechanism and beauty of aircraft is the primary reason I aspire to be an AeEng. . My curiosities led me to look through the MITx: 16.101x _2 course; and though I barely fathomed, it was quite enjoyable. With the guidance of professors like Mr. Darmofal, I look forward to; learning, developing innovations, research under UROP and crafting (plus reconstructing) apparatus in the 25 AeroAstro labs at MIT with fellow engineers.
Most definitely, I will minor in an interesting arts course!!
3. We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. (100 words or fewer)
I enjoy Cooking-especially the eating part! But, I'd rather spend my day with headphones, musixmatch floating lyrics and a full battery. According to my playlists, on average I listen to approximately 54 songs in a four hour span each day. I listen to music almost everywhere doing anything and hardly lose focus but rather complete tasks faster.
Afro beat rhythm literally takes over me, then I find myself swaying in-phase with the beats and surprisingly smiling at nothing; music not only ensures me a good time, but helps me blow-off steam and find resolutions to affairs!
Music is everything!
4. At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words)
From March to Mid-September this year, most weekday mornings followed a routine- Waking up at 5:30am, getting my sister ready for school by 6:20 then I'd quickly tide up and head out! And after a 25 minutes' walk I would be at Group Scolaire Kicukiro -GSS (a public community school). I was a volunteering teacher's assistant in the Primary four and nursery classes, I began my morning with the little nursery kids exercising over rhymes and amateur drumming. Then, after an hour or two of enjoyable coloring and shading, classes commenced over in the primary section for reading lessons- I loved these!
These kids rarely got time to read because teachers alternatively used the time to 'advance' (as they called it) in other subjects where they lagged.
With time lost during transition between classes, the allocated 40 minutes were actually 30 ; 30 minutes to get 60 students to read !In random groups of six they read a similar paragraph amongst themselves in turns and correct each other, as I walked through listening. These students are forever eager to learn, and as they read in front of the class (after correcting each other) a few of them were shy - they are confident as there smiles and giggles revealed. Even though their pronunciations were some-what miss placed, they are amazing students: fast learners and co-operative. My time at GSS is one I will live to remember, because to me it was evident that I had an impact in somebody's life.
5. Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words)
After moving to Rwanda, a lot changed! With no friends and no cartoons to watch; at nine, I was in hell! My sister was month's old needing special attention that mom could not provide; she was unemployed and nobody in the family seemed bothered-plus dad never sent money since we came.
She toiled to make ends meet; so hard that sleepiness turned her eyes red. I despised my Dad! He never takes responsibility to take care of us all he does is call when he's drank. And, I never understood it; he called frequently and when asked to send money for school and groceries -he hang up! But still my mom makes it work!
Little did I know that the man who refused to cater for us was not my father! My real dad left me a longer time before all this- I was two by then. And this same real dad wanted to make-up for his mistakes, I agreed to make contact but all he did was hurt me: lying and making excuses for his actions. It was hard for me at school listening to stories of how other students go along with their dad's, when I had two that are not worthy of the title and still laugh along as though I understand.
No matter how realistic my requests are, mom tries her best! And she keeps me going, she's mom, dad and everything across. Having her helps me move past my daddy-troubles and appreciate happy mommy moments!
6. Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations (200-250 words)
African culture has brought a mindset that 'men are superior and better than women'. This was the same case at school. As I began high school, males held top positions academically. To me it was satisfactory that I was not a complete failure, but as I grew I wanted more!
Years unfolded and came 2013, I was an IGCSE candidate. I had spent two years battling to sparkle, but still I was second place. Time was running out and teachers were focusing on students ready to move at a faster pace, unluckily at that exact moment; I began to decline! It was hard enough that my teachers publicly said I was no longer able to produce an A and that if all goes well my best would be a C! I had no idea how to retreat, it was all happening fast! I spent sleepless nights and barely had the pleasure of free time. I wanted so bad to be better than Nouru, results were out in January and I was the best - proved them wrong!
In February I returned for A-levels and I came to realize that my success was not due to jealousy but rather optimizing my potential; exposing hidden A's within me. Acknowledging this helped me realize my goals, be better than yesterday and understand I don't want to become a finance major like most girls opted for. But instead do something I love and I wouldn't ask for anything more than being a female engineer.
I tried reading out flowed and it felt vague! I appreciate all the help I can get!
These are my mit essays, I need assistance. I feel as though they are vague!
1. Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity (100 word max)- Optional
Rwandan Culture binds love and diligence to bring out the best in people! This runs back years to the age of barter trade when Rwandans toiled to own a cow, for it was the most cherished asset. Cow-owners sold their cows for expensive clothes, mats and other belongings; and when visiting their friends they would fill an 'Agaseke' ( a traditionally grass weaved basket) with food or belongings with significant value- expressing love! These practices are no longer, but the spirit of love and hard work are ever-present!
As a child of a thousand hills, I am diligent and loving!
2. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why (100 words or fewer)
My love for Math, Chemistry and everything between has drawn me to Course 16- B.S A.E, but the complex mechanism and beauty of aircraft is the primary reason I aspire to be an AeEng. . My curiosities led me to look through the MITx: 16.101x _2 course; and though I barely fathomed, it was quite enjoyable. With the guidance of professors like Mr. Darmofal, I look forward to; learning, developing innovations, research under UROP and crafting (plus reconstructing) apparatus in the 25 AeroAstro labs at MIT with fellow engineers.
Most definitely, I will minor in an interesting arts course!!
3. We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. (100 words or fewer)
I enjoy Cooking-especially the eating part! But, I'd rather spend my day with headphones, musixmatch floating lyrics and a full battery. According to my playlists, on average I listen to approximately 54 songs in a four hour span each day. I listen to music almost everywhere doing anything and hardly lose focus but rather complete tasks faster.
Afro beat rhythm literally takes over me, then I find myself swaying in-phase with the beats and surprisingly smiling at nothing; music not only ensures me a good time, but helps me blow-off steam and find resolutions to affairs!
Music is everything!
4. At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (200-250 words)
From March to Mid-September this year, most weekday mornings followed a routine- Waking up at 5:30am, getting my sister ready for school by 6:20 then I'd quickly tide up and head out! And after a 25 minutes' walk I would be at Group Scolaire Kicukiro -GSS (a public community school). I was a volunteering teacher's assistant in the Primary four and nursery classes, I began my morning with the little nursery kids exercising over rhymes and amateur drumming. Then, after an hour or two of enjoyable coloring and shading, classes commenced over in the primary section for reading lessons- I loved these!
These kids rarely got time to read because teachers alternatively used the time to 'advance' (as they called it) in other subjects where they lagged.
With time lost during transition between classes, the allocated 40 minutes were actually 30 ; 30 minutes to get 60 students to read !In random groups of six they read a similar paragraph amongst themselves in turns and correct each other, as I walked through listening. These students are forever eager to learn, and as they read in front of the class (after correcting each other) a few of them were shy - they are confident as there smiles and giggles revealed. Even though their pronunciations were some-what miss placed, they are amazing students: fast learners and co-operative. My time at GSS is one I will live to remember, because to me it was evident that I had an impact in somebody's life.
5. Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (200-250 words)
After moving to Rwanda, a lot changed! With no friends and no cartoons to watch; at nine, I was in hell! My sister was month's old needing special attention that mom could not provide; she was unemployed and nobody in the family seemed bothered-plus dad never sent money since we came.
She toiled to make ends meet; so hard that sleepiness turned her eyes red. I despised my Dad! He never takes responsibility to take care of us all he does is call when he's drank. And, I never understood it; he called frequently and when asked to send money for school and groceries -he hang up! But still my mom makes it work!
Little did I know that the man who refused to cater for us was not my father! My real dad left me a longer time before all this- I was two by then. And this same real dad wanted to make-up for his mistakes, I agreed to make contact but all he did was hurt me: lying and making excuses for his actions. It was hard for me at school listening to stories of how other students go along with their dad's, when I had two that are not worthy of the title and still laugh along as though I understand.
No matter how realistic my requests are, mom tries her best! And she keeps me going, she's mom, dad and everything across. Having her helps me move past my daddy-troubles and appreciate happy mommy moments!
6. Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations (200-250 words)
African culture has brought a mindset that 'men are superior and better than women'. This was the same case at school. As I began high school, males held top positions academically. To me it was satisfactory that I was not a complete failure, but as I grew I wanted more!
Years unfolded and came 2013, I was an IGCSE candidate. I had spent two years battling to sparkle, but still I was second place. Time was running out and teachers were focusing on students ready to move at a faster pace, unluckily at that exact moment; I began to decline! It was hard enough that my teachers publicly said I was no longer able to produce an A and that if all goes well my best would be a C! I had no idea how to retreat, it was all happening fast! I spent sleepless nights and barely had the pleasure of free time. I wanted so bad to be better than Nouru, results were out in January and I was the best - proved them wrong!
In February I returned for A-levels and I came to realize that my success was not due to jealousy but rather optimizing my potential; exposing hidden A's within me. Acknowledging this helped me realize my goals, be better than yesterday and understand I don't want to become a finance major like most girls opted for. But instead do something I love and I wouldn't ask for anything more than being a female engineer.
I tried reading out flowed and it felt vague! I appreciate all the help I can get!