Undergraduate / "To succeed, to leave the world a bit better" - FSU admissions essay [3]

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SUCCESS = BETTER WORLD

For almost one hundred years, the Latin words, "Vires, Artes, Mores" have been the guiding philosophy behind Florida State University. Vires signifies strength of all kinds - moral, physical, and intellectual; Artes alludes to the beauty of intellectual pursuits as exemplified in skill, craft, or art; and Mores refers to character, custom, or tradition. Describe how one or more of the values embodied in these concepts are reflected in your life.

Vires, artes, and mores are powerful words; particularly since they sound like their English, Spanish, French and other European language translations. FSU chose a great guiding philosophy, since it clearly makes one ponder on his/her skills and traits. Vires and mores are my favorite of the three words not only because of how they sound, but because of how much of these two are reflected in my life.

I feel one of my greatest Virtes, or virtues, is I'm a fast learner, and because of this I've always been great at school; particularly in the areas of math and science. When the instructor explains something, like a new formula or concept, I usually get it right off the bat; and I'm easily able to apply it. When something doesn't come to me right away, I make sure I clarify my doubts right away. I'm unafraid of attempting to answer impossible questions, or asking questions that so many may think they know the answer to. I just make sure that I understand. Another of my major strengths is that I can handle massive quantities of stress and pressure. In fact, sometimes I feel as if I'm actually fueled by it. When I'm under pressure, like taking an important A.P test; or struggling to meet the deadline of a project, I only focus on what needs to be done. I can pat myself on the back, or think about what I'm going to do after I finish, when I finish.

I don't think one can judge one's character as being right or wrong, but I know I can say I have strong Mores. I don't let people put me down, they are no better than me, and I don't put myself above other people, I'm not all better than them. I feel everyone when evaluated is equal; its how one applies one's skills that make them more successful than others. When someone is using their skills for the benefit of others, I see that as successful. My Brazilian heritage focuses on helping people, since what you do to others reflects the community you life in, indirectly affecting yourself. I feel a sense of purpose when I use my skills to help other people, from helping someone move a couch from one home to another, to helping someone else understand how to do a math problem." I don't expect a reward or even a thank you (but of course I do like being thanked), as long as I can rest assured it wasn't an act of selfishness.

If I'm accepted into Florida State University, I know my personal skills and qualities will be a positive influence on the campus. My goal is to succeed the way Ralph Waldo Emerson describes success, "to leave the world a bit better," and I want to start this at FSU.