Undergraduate / UBC entrance undergrad - tell us about you "personal growth, confident" [3]

UBC application essay

This question stumped me for months; who am I? So I asked my best friend to help me answer this question by describing me; she said, "You're loud, but like in a good way. I remember that presentation you gave in Social Justice made me feel bad about eating meat for the longest time. You're also kind of a mom friend, but you're like an Asian parent with yourself. " Her answer shocked me; however, upon reflection, I could see the reasoning. I'm brash, confident, and a perfectionist, all stemming from a constant itch to prove myself. I am caring because I've had to care for my brother, cousin, and four dogs. Yet, I am strict with myself because I understand what failure means to others.

My friends, classmates, and teachers would say that they perceive me as naturally confident, yet, I wasn't always. I was sad, shy, and insecure when I came to Canada. Yet, I never gave up. I toiled to learn English but was still timid and lonely. Therefore, I did everything I could to get outside the house. I forced myself to socialize with strangers by doing street and car photography. I learned to lead and adapt to difficult situations in Air Cadets. I engaged with my teachers and learned to work smart and be curious. I took risks, failed, and kept going. Although I could continually improve, I've genuinely grown as a person, and I am most proud of that. I want to take that attitude to UBC, work my ass off, and make something of myself.