Undergraduate / Leadership & Service; UIUC EC Prompt - Student Council/Extracurricular activity [3]

This is kind of rough, I know, so feedback would be extremely appreciated. After writing four essays for University of Michigan, I'm EXHAUSTED.

Thanks in advance!

In an essay of 300 words or less, choose one extracurricular activity, work experience, or community service project from the list you provided on the application and explain why you initially chose it, why you continued with it, and how you benefited from it.

During my freshman year, I knew very little of leadership or service. I was reluctant to join any clubs, nor was I interested in participating in school events. The move from middle school to high school was rough and I struggled to find my niche-the very thought of extracurricular activities was intimidating, to say the least. In an attempt to distract myself from my social shortcomings, I focused my attention on my academics instead. Fortunately, I gradually became more accustomed to my new environment, and by my sophomore year I started to look into being more involved in school. In my quest to find a club that catered to my interests, I stumbled upon Student Council.

Student Council allowed me the opportunity to meet people and make new friends, as well as develop a greater appreciation for the "high school experience". It has also taught me valuable skills that have been beneficial in my growth as a person. Through my involvement in organizing school events such as Spirit Week, Homecoming, and canned food drives, I have learned to become a more efficient team member. Furthermore, my success in these endeavors has bolstered my confidence and encouraged me to take on leadership roles. Since joining the club, I have chaired committees such as the fundraiser committee and the bulletin board committee. During my senior year, I ran for office and consequently was elected treasurer. From these experiences, I have come to find that I truly enjoy taking on responsibilities. Granted, it could be stressful, but more often times than not, it is rewarding, especially when the event is a success.

Undergraduate / "multi-cultural dinner" - UMich Diversity Short Answer [4]

"We know that diversity makes us a better university -- better for learning, for teaching, and for conducting research."(U-M President Mary Sue Coleman)

Share an experience through which you have gained respect for intellectual, social, or cultural differences. Comment on how your personal experiences and achievements would contribute to the diversity of the University of Michigan.

During my sophomore year, the Diversity Club held its very first multi-cultural dinner. Students brought a meals inspired by a variety of cultures. Despite being a picky eater, I was determined to try everything that was available. My leap of faith, as it turned out, was rather rewarding. I was surprised to find that most dishes were not as different in taste compared to the Filipino meals my mom made at home. After dinner was a talent show of sorts; many students performed traditional dances and songs that reflected their heritage. One of the most memorable acts of the night involved two Bengali girls. Accompanied by a traditional Bengali folk song in the background, they danced fluidly in their brightly colored saris, with a quiet confidence that rendered the crowd speechless. Although the lyrics were incomprehensible to me, the passion conveyed by the dance was something that I felt was collectively understood.

From my experience, I learned that despite many distinctions between cultures, there is often a universal thread that inevitably links them, whether it is through music or food. This common bond enables diversity to thrive, especially in places such as the University of Michigan, where I hope I can contribute my Filipino heritage, as well as my personal experiences, to the amalgam of cultures already present in the campus.

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This was really difficult for me to write, so I hope it's not too bad. Feedback is appreciated! Thanks in advance :)

Undergraduate / "in search for a better life in the US" - MSU PERSONAL STATEMENT [3]

Describe the environment you come from. Example: your family, community, or school - and how this environment has affected or influenced your plans for the future. (400 word limit)

As with most immigrants, my family moved to the United States in search for a better life. The American Dream, after all, is a tantalizing prospect, especially for a family that has always been plagued with financial concerns. It has been eight years since and our situation has, unfortunately, barely improved. Money is as tight as ever, and my parents' hope for a better life is beginning to fade, what with the idea of prosperity no longer as attainable as it once had been. Living in a neighborhood that is primarily upper middle class hasn't made it any easier, either. The opportunities and amenities are plentiful, sure, but not necessarily affordable. My parents work hard to make sure that my sister and I aren't entirely left behind by our peers. Still, despite their best efforts, it is hard not to feel a little out of place, especially when surrounded by those who can't even fathom being unable to afford trivial things like class field trips. I learned early on that it was necessary to make sacrifices-to distinguish between necessities and things I want, but can do without. It is a daunting task; after all, for a teen such as myself, these things tend to be separated by a fine line more often times than not.

Thankfully, I have garnered a great deal of perseverance from my parents, as well as the ability to adapt to change and circumstance. Their struggles have served to only motivate me further. Instead of lamenting over missed opportunities, I focus all my energy into excelling in school. After all, a good education is a stepping stone into a brighter future. I am confident that at Michigan State I would be able to fulfill my goals and be prepared for a career that would enable me to help my parents, so they no longer have to struggle financially. Perhaps, given Michigan State's vastly diverse campus, I might even find my niche.

Word Count: 326

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Please comment! Any input would be very much appreciated :) Also, I was wondering if this essay could also fit Notre Dame's Essay Prompt (posted below) after some tweaking, perhaps, if I focused in on wanting to use my education to better my parents' lives and ease their financial struggles? Let me know :)

Notre Dame Prompt

In a homily during his visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI stated, "Today's celebration is more than an occasion of gratitude for graces received. It is also a summons to move forward with firm resolve to use wisely the blessings of freedom, in order to build a future of hope for coming generations." How will a Notre Dame education enable you to answer the call to "use wisely the blessings of freedom, in order to build a future hope" for others in your own way?