Undergraduate / USC Supplemental: A time my beliefs were challenged [3]

Prompt: USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. 250 word limit.

I just wrote this and feels really simple and boring. Can I get some thoughts?

Prayer Before Meal

During my first day of fifth grade I was assigned a seat next to a freckled girl with blonde hair named Lisa. We were both nervous about the new class, but we quickly got along due to a few cartoons that we both enjoyed. We helped each other through our first classes and even spent our recess together talking. When the lunch bell rang, I fell in line to buy food while she went straight to the tables since she had packed her lunch. After I purchased my food I took a seat next to Lisa and I was surprised to see that her lunch was still untouched."Could you pray with me?" she asked. Thoughtlessly I responded, "You pray before you eat? That's weird." Lisa frowned at me, then closed her eyes and quietly prayed by herself. She didn't say another word to me for the rest of the day. On my way home from school later I told my dad what happened. He told me that I should be respectful of everyone's beliefs and that I should apologize to Lisa. When I arrived at class the next morning, I apologized to Lisa and explained that I had never prayed before. She forgave me and explained that she used to attend a catholic school. When I sat next to her during lunch that day, I asked her if she could teach me how to pray. She smiled and took my hand. We prayed together at lunch everyday after that.

250 words

Undergraduate / The brain chemistry. USC Supplemental Essay: How will you pursue your academic interests [2]

Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (250 word limit)

fascination with the brain

My fascination with the brain has prompted me to pursue a degree in neuroscience at the Dornsife college while following the pre-health pathway. I strongly believe that USC's neuroscience program offers me the greatest opportunity to to attain academic fulfillment. The program covers a wide breadth of disciplines within neuroscience, such as developmental and cognitive neuroscience, which will help me to further develop an in depth and well-rounded understanding of the brain. I plan to fully take advantage of USC's experienced and knowledgeable staff by immersing myself in the research labs taking place in the neuroscience department. One exciting lab that particularly catches my attention focuses on how molecules work together to enable neural signaling within neurons. As chemistry is another strong interest of mine, being able to observe and study the interplay between chemistry and neural functioning would be an exciting goal for me upon transferring. I'd also hope to associate myself with fellow students with whom I share a similar career path through clubs such as the Pre-med mentoring society or the Neurosurgery Student Interest Group. At the same time I believe that helping my community is a vital aspect of my growth as a student and an individual, so I would love to take part in one of the many groups at USC that aims to give back such as the StudentsCare group. The multitude of opportunities that USC offers assure me that there is no better place to hone my skills for my path ahead.

Undergraduate / Passion for Neuroscience transfer intent essay [2]

Please provide a statement that addresses your reasons for transferring and the objectives you hope to achieve. (250-650 words)

I want my intellect to grow to its full potential

California State University Northridge (CSUN) is a wonderful business and liberal arts school that I've been glad to call my home for the past two years. The motivation and drive that my professors and peers embody has inspired me on my academic journey, but I now desire to pursue a major in neuroscience, a program that CSUN unfortunately does not offer.

I feel exhilarated when I learn about the complexities of the brain. The brain's ability to harmoniously process and communicate such a vast amount of information is truly beautiful. My fascination with the brain has motivated me to immerse myself in my coursework, and to hunger for knowledge beyond textbooks and exams. I desire an education that will prepare me to do more than simply earn passing grades on tests, and to seek challenges that will push me out of my comfort zone. One important aspect of challenging myself is getting involved in the many research opportunities that Neuroscience offers. I've spent much of my past semester learning about research opportunities from my Professor and mentor Dr. Tamae, in anticipation of his upcoming lab which focuses on particular chemical pathways in breast cancer cells. This lab is not related to Neuroscience, but has definitely exposed me to a research environment. Dr. Tamae has taught me a lot through sharing his research experiences and has helped me to prepare myself to be a part of such a rigorous and demanding environment. I've also taken the time to look into the neuroscience departments of many California universities and have been astounded by the accomplishments and capabilities of many students conducting research at the undergraduate level. Upon transferring, I hope to be a part of these studies and to contribute the skills that I've learned into these efforts.

Being part of program that is full of inspired staff and students that will challenge my understanding excites me. I want my intellect to grow to its full potential, and I can't accomplish this by simply remaining in my comfort zone. I wish to tackle new challenges head on alongside peers with a similar desire for knowledge. After earning my bachelor's I plan to attend medical school and eventually carry out research of my own. As Neuroscience is still a growing field, I am sure that many new groundbreaking discoveries will be ushered in by upcoming neuroscientists. These discoveries may hold the key to curing neurological ailments that plague people worldwide, and I couldn't wish for more than to be a part of this search.