Undergraduate / Traveling and exploring the world - UBC University Undergraduate Prompt Response #1 [2]

Tell us about who you are.

How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why. (maximum 250 words)

Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I have travelled to and lived in various Asian countries and these differing cultures that I have been exposed to have shaped and developed my values, morals, and ultimately, my personality. Initially I was shy, timid and social interactions would heighten my anxiety, but having been exposed to a welcoming environment, I have grown out of my shell and have become more adaptable and expressive.

Curiously, I have never been described as one particular thing; different environments and situations enhance my various personality traits. While my English teacher would describe me as diligent, focussed and soft-spoken, my family members, especially my younger sisters, would argue otherwise. Unlike anyone else, they have experienced the sort of explosive, spontaneous, and admittedly chaotic side of me unlike anyone else. Similarly, while my middle school music teacher has observed my creative and thoughtful characteristics, my soccer coach would highlight my passionate, aggressive and competitive elements.

The more that I have travelled and explored the world, the more I have learned about myself and ripened as a person. Some might point out the challenges one might face when moving houses, much less to an unknown land. But having moved from Abu Dhabi to Azerbaijan and later to India, I've learnt to ride the stream because over time I've embraced life's unpredictabilities. This sort of maturity is something I'm extremely proud of.