philliplombard
Jan 6, 2017
Undergraduate / 'I was never truly exposed to poverty' UBC Undergraduate Entrance Essay [3]
Tell us about an experience, in school or out, that taught you something about yourself and/or the world around you. (maximum 200 words)
Being born in Germany and growing up in Canada, I was never truly exposed to poverty. As a child I simply assumed that everyone had the privilege of being able to get up from watching T.V, and grab some food from the fridge. This drastically changed when my family and I took a trip to South Africa. Both my parents were born and raised in South Africa so I assumed it would be just as pleasant as Canada, but I was about to experience a massive culture shock. Landing at the airport and driving through beautiful Cape Town was fantastic, until we reached the outer parts of the city. Besides the fact that every single regular house had barbed, electrified fences in the poverty-stricken country, but what really left me in awe were the massive shantytowns. People packed under small metal roofs for as far as the eye can see. This experience taught me even to this day, to be extremely grateful for everything from safety and education, to simply getting a snack when hungry. I try to help slightly by sponsoring multiple children but I will forever acknowledge my privilege and be generous to those in greater need.
Tell us about an experience, in school or out, that taught you something about yourself and/or the world around you. (maximum 200 words)
a privileged child from South Africa
Being born in Germany and growing up in Canada, I was never truly exposed to poverty. As a child I simply assumed that everyone had the privilege of being able to get up from watching T.V, and grab some food from the fridge. This drastically changed when my family and I took a trip to South Africa. Both my parents were born and raised in South Africa so I assumed it would be just as pleasant as Canada, but I was about to experience a massive culture shock. Landing at the airport and driving through beautiful Cape Town was fantastic, until we reached the outer parts of the city. Besides the fact that every single regular house had barbed, electrified fences in the poverty-stricken country, but what really left me in awe were the massive shantytowns. People packed under small metal roofs for as far as the eye can see. This experience taught me even to this day, to be extremely grateful for everything from safety and education, to simply getting a snack when hungry. I try to help slightly by sponsoring multiple children but I will forever acknowledge my privilege and be generous to those in greater need.
