Undergraduate / What is a GLOBAL CITIZEN? GWU SUPPLEMENT [5]

2. In an essay of approximately 500 words...
a. An important aim of the GW University Honors Program is to enable its students to become 'active global citizens. 'What do you think it means to be a global citizen? Be specific, and use imaginative examples or illustrations. Surprise us.

Alice Liddell of Lewis Carroll's most beloved story and Mr. Kurtz of Joseph Conrad's in depth literary exploration of the human psyche, although quite unconventional, can both be seen, in their own right, as archetypes of "global citizenry". With expected takes on prominent international figures such as Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Gandhi, how could these mere fictional characters ever compare? The answer lies in their adventures which have entranced us.

Being a global citizen is often defined with that sense of unselfish concern for the international community. Yet being unselfish means knowing the necessities of those of the downtrodden, the bereaved, and the oppressed. It is knowing that beyond the scope of altruistic intent is embracing the reality that beyond man's façade is something "Curiouser and curiouser"- one that beckons "The horror! The horror!" It is this knowledge that makes one a global citizen: One that has the willingness to traverse upon the heart of darkness and have the courage to embrace that we are all products of a mad world.

Through Alice's eyes and her adventures in Wonderland, I learned that our world is no different. It is a place of maddening proportions where the paths are all but straight- a world governed by nonsense. Understanding this, I reflected upon Alice's actions of moving forward. Nothing seemed to slow her down. Though obstacles of idiosyncratic breadth appeared in her path, she stood up against the dictates of the Queen of Hearts' "Off with their heads" and escaped unscathed. A global citizen is similar. It is an individual that continues, that perseveres, that moves forward despite international barriers and constraints of time. He is like a diplomat that continuously passes an international stature that he firmly believes will save the lives of those plagued by an epidemic. He does not falter. Defeat becomes his motivation, not his downfall.

Transformed by the ominous environment of Africa's uncharted territories, Mr. Kurtz was poisoned by the fangs of Africa. Coming there with his idealistic goals, he becomes bewitched by a society where rules do not matter. He discovers the ultimate truth of human darkness. True admiration should not stem from talented feats of prodigious nature but from the courage of doing something that no one else would ever fathom to accomplish. People are faced with constant fears, yet it is only the exceptional that face these fears point-blank that can rightfully call themselves as global citizens. The world is a dark place. Traveling through these infested territories is not only a test of courage but of faith that despite poverty, corruption, and political dissentions is a world crying out for change. Heeding that summons is the first step.

Global Citizenship encompasses beyond multiculturalism and the battles for peace. It is listening to what is beyond the seemingly melodious hymn of false hopes and accepting the reality that the world is anything but good. Obtaining one is an oath of service, a pledge of unwavering allegiance to one nation- the world.

*The ending sounds weak to me. How should I end it with a bang?

Undergraduate / BU supplement 3 words= "Alice in Wonderland-ish" [5]

In an essay of no more than 500 words, please select three words that describe you best and tell us how you will use these qualities/characteristics to contribute fully to the BU community.

Change: a monosyllabic word that which embeds an abysmal chasm into one's psyche. In Alice's case, change was in "Wonderland". In my case? It was in America.

Upon arrival, I was greeted a question so brutal that makes one perspire of ambivalence while being stabbed by the knife of insecurity-"Who are YOU?"

"I knew who I WAS, but now I hardly know."

It took Alice one trip to Wonderland, while it took me five years to unravel- and still unraveling-the ultimate riddle of self-identity. I may be, in pretense, a reserve, composed, and seemingly unimaginative individual yet behind that façade, "through the looking glass", beckons the presence of the eccentric Hatter, the compulsive White Rabbit, and the ingenious White Knight.

Just like the Mad Hatter, I have my own fair share of idiosyncratic behavior. Whether it be talking "too fast", laughing inappropriately, or staring at the ceiling in the middle of a crowded hallway, to randomly reciting "Mychonny's" comedic lines on Youtube or obsessively adding new phone charms on my already cluttered phone, I find that these unconventional ways stem from my childish desire to stand out in what used to be a bleak, bland existence. I use to think that "standing out" meant a desperate attempt to escape the confines of insecurity. However, being eccentric meant being heard. I felt that my conservative canvas needed a colorful palette of liberal thought- a healthy median.

Patience hasn't always been my virtue. Time is of the essence and every second spent lingering is a drop of regret well earned. That has always been my mantra. Every waking day is planned and it has always suit me well. However, as John Lennon said: "Life happens when you're busy making other plans." I may have lost the essence of life for I have been living under the dictates of time. I have missed countless opportunities to get to know family because I forgot to let life happen. I may be driven but I am flawed as well.

Being flawed only means that unending search for the improbable perfection. I have always considered myself as a perfectionist which is channeled best in my own creativity. The White Knight was described to have been fond of inventions. Similarly, I myself am a "tinker". When it comes to school projects, mine is projected through its excessive and meticulous display of imagination. I once made "Shoji" lanterns from scratch for a mere character web in my English class. Stretching the boundaries of my own capabilities is something I pride myself with. It is in success that creates a defining moment. It is in failure that I find motivation.

As a prospective Boston University student, I see myself chasing the "White Rabbit" and plummeting down the "rabbit hole" where a land that gets "curiouser and curiouser" awaits me. I will diversify BU's intellectual wonderland with my eccentric ways, fresh insights, and immense dedication for intellectual curiosity.

I will give you a "tea party" of "maddening" proportions.

Undergraduate / "I'm a GLEEK" (glee show obsessed)- TUFTS self-identity SUPPLEMENT [7]

Self-identity and personal expression take many forms. For example, music, clothing, politics, extracurricular interests, and ethnicity can each be a defining attribute. Do you surf or tinker? Are you a vegetarian poet who loves Ayn Rand? Do you prefer YouTube or test tubes? Are you preppie or Goth? Use the richness of your life to give us insight: what voice will you add to the Class of 2014? (200 word limit)

Comments? Please tell me if it still sounds uncertain just like what Liebe said. I don't want it to sound like that.

From Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" to my "Glee" obsession of "Don't stop believing", I have always found solace in singing.

Growing up in a strict Asian household, I was raised barred by limitations. I used my father's love for music as my own outlet of freedom.

It is not the magic of singing but the magic that is singing that provides a push. A song captures a roller coaster of human emotions: from the immense grief of a widow, to a simple smile of childish innocence; from a burning passionate anger of a laid-off worker, to a flicker of hope in the eyes of a downtrodden man. Singing speaks the language of the soul- the language not of existing but of living. That in itself is magical. If words could express, then there is no reason to sing.

Singing is universal. It transcends cultural barriers and unites people from diverse backgrounds through one language. Realizing the importance of a united voice, I became a leader- one that contests, one that knows compromise. Just like in singing, you "crescendo" and "decrescendo" when only needed.

Borrowing the words of Mercedes from Glee, to Tufts: "I'm Beyonce. I ain't no Kelly Rowland."

Undergraduate / "let your life speak" TUFTS supplement= "SPIRIT OF 'BAYANIHAN' " [4]

There is a Quaker saying: ''Let your life speak.'' Describe the environment in which you were raised--your family, home, neighborhood or community--and how it influenced the person you are today. (200 words)

I lived in a neighborhood where adversity and prosperity both defined community. Despite its blaring, always festive atmosphere, the noise subsides when the hour of tragedy strikes. Instead of bursting into a requiem of grief, the people offer each other a song of solace. Their bond, that cord of kinship has instilled within me a great appreciation for "bayanihan", which means service or cooperation in Filipino.

I have grown up witnessing that piece of "good" in human nature. However, for a country that prides itself for having such a principle, the nation is plagued by poverty, blinded by corruption, and divided by dissention; one cannot help but become a critic. Yet despite that, I have lingered on to that feeling of community.

Growing up on both sides of the spectrum, I eventually became passionate about social work. Throughout high school I have enjoyed being part of community service organizations. I felt that by giving something back I would be able to safeguard those memories of amity in Cebu, Philippines and manifest them in my ways. I wish to promote that act of altruism in regions where such acts of unselfish concern are absent. I decided to give "bayanihan" a chance.

All feedbacks are welcome. What do you guys think I need to add or cut but still keeping it close to the max of 200 words?

Undergraduate / NOTRE DAME SUPPLEMENT+GEORGE WASH: being the political "bow" [4]

I've been working on this the whole day and can't seem to make it click somehow. It might sound disconnected. I really need your opinions because I'm kind of stuck.

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 of hope" for others in your own way?

As a Filipino, you are basically confined to two career choices- nurse or a doctor- and two academic paths- math or science. And so I was raised for 13 years with Biology as my paved pathway and medical school as my destination.

All seemingly changed when I came to America 5 years ago and I grew an affinity for Social Studies, proclaiming that perhaps International Political Science would be a fit just right. Despite objections from my parents, I continued down my new path knowing that in the end I wanted to choose a profession that will grant me contentment. I discovered a passion beyond the barriers of mathematical rigidity and the confines of scientific precision. I discovered human nature beyond its anatomical structure or physical deteriorations. I've always pride myself as quite an idealist and it is through my growing idealism that gradually gravitated me towards Political Science. As veteran journalist, Bill Moyers once said, "Ideas are great arrows, but there has to be a bow. And politics is the bow of idealism." I strive to become that "bow".

Notre Dame has always prided itself with higher learning enriched by the university's diversity. It has become the breeding ground of academic freedom, cultivating its' students' awareness to poverty and injustice that plagues the world of today. With a Notre Dame degree on Political Science, I wish to venture into these infested territories by becoming a United Nations diplomat. As a devout Catholic, I wish to form a communion of peace in which diversity is not a problem but a solution to the growing oppression that burdens so many lives. I wish to share that bond- that sense of community that I know Notre Dame is willing to give me. I wish to answer to the summons of freedom and give a little piece of "Irish" in the world.

Undergraduate / Ichigo - Common App essay- significant influence [4]

I'm still working on the first draft of my common app essay. I wanted to stray away from talking about how great mom and dad are so I decided to choose an atypical person. That way I'm hoping it'll stand out.

All critiques are welcome. Thanks! (no title yet...suggestions?)

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

Ichigo is the antithesis of a person someone would think of as a role model nor is he the person that a sane college freshman applicant should even be writing about in her "commonapp" essay. In fact he is the lazy, immature, adult-hating renegade who neither has goals or aspirations. He exists in the "now" and lives life as if it was a prison sentence.

I met Ichigo in an unconventional way that may now be typical in this modern age- the internet, specifically a social-networking site. He was the "slightly-taller-than-me", tanned, and really handsome guy with layered, dyed orange, spiky hair- or at least that's what his display image depicted. He was the official "hot" guy of the site, like a school's "quarterback" with peppy "cheerleaders" flooding his comment box with shallow superficial praises. His real name I never really knew, but had an inkling of suspicion that he was a "Kevin" only later to be proven by his closest friends calling him "Kev". For some obscure, potentially otherworldly reason I've always had this tendency to befriend guys with the same first name. "Kevins" are guys whom I naturally gravitate towards and their similar eccentric characters have always intrigued me. It's like there is a cult out there breeding "Kevins" for my sake and here comes another one of their creations. And so it was not a surprise that Ichigo and I became friends.

It was an awkward friendship or rather acquaintanceship at first. We filled each other's comment boxes with our daily "hellos" and "how-are-you's" with each end receiving "I'm-fine-thank-you's", and "talk-to-you-later's". Despite our everyday casual downright boring exchanges, it felt that it was more of an obligation on both our parts. He never really stood out in my friends' list despite his good looks nor did it cross my mind to even think of him as someone special. He was Isaac Newton and I was Jane Austen. He was Frodo Baggins and I was Hermione Granger. He was Charlie Brown and I was Dora the Explorer. Our worlds never met and I never thought it ever would.

However, just as life gives out its occasional miracles, life decided to lay down its gavel and hand me down a sentence: I got to know this guy. Our brief routine casual interactions evolved into full-blown Dr. Phil sessions on Yahoo Messenger. He was the deranged guest and I was the psychiatrist, simply nodding with frequent "and-how-do-you-feel-about-that" added to my seemingly Confucian advices which were only met with a "one brow raised" emoticon. He irked me; although our "sessions" did bring to light the answers behind his enigmatic exterior.

Ichigo grew up in the districts of Manila, Philippines. Born to a negligent father and controlling mother, Ichigo claims to have never had a positive role model. This drove him to despising adults altogether. After his parents' separation, a custody battle never ensued considering his debtor father would not want him. His mother remarries without her son's consent and Ichigo found himself a stepfather imported straight from Japan. The only good thing that came out of that marriage was his half-sister. He loved her unconditionally and often dotes on her. Yet despite being a loving "onii-chan" Ichigo had the makings of a mad idealist, a Mustapha Mond. He envisioned the existence of an adult-free world and total independence at his grasps. He was not foolish, however. He knew the absurdity of it all yet I cannot help but feel that beyond those piercing gaze of green colored contacts are the eyes of a defeated boy whose only escape is behind the doors of his very own imagination. He was a costume player or "cosplayer" and I believe his very art became his own private getaway. I commend him for not turning to drugs or alcohol.

Despite his sob stories, I still view Ichigo as someone who is immature. He would taunt my mistakes and criticize every flaw of my psyche in what I call our Jerry Springer going-all-out sessions. He'd poke fun of my uptightness and commented that a paper clip has more personality than I do. I was already troubled by the difficulty of adjusting in American society in lieu of our immigration, yet Ichigo never fails to deliver the deathly blow. He was a natural in sarcasm that I can't help but become sarcastic in return. Despite all that, his ruthless criticisms aided in my speedy assimilation into American society. His sharp words were words of encouragement in disguise. He tore down my walls of pride; He disillusioned me. Before I realized it, Ichigo became my crutch. I got to know myself through him. Who knew that a good looking guy other than Jude Law could have such a profound impact on me? I guess he was more mature than me after all.

No matter how this adamant rebel would like to break free from the confines of an adult infested world, he was no Peter Pan. Ichigo decided to move back to Japan on the 8th of August 2009 and I lost touch with him ever since. We never said our "goodbyes"; there was no need. I once asked him what he thought about his future. He said with such dignified air, "No marriage. No children. No job." It disheartened me and threw all my hopes of him ever becoming like a normal "Kevin" that I was so used to. However, I felt that there was no better answer from this freedom-loving cynic. This was Ichigo after all.

In the end, although I would like to think of myself as mature and independent, Ichigo taught me that maturity is not gained through independence but is measured through one's courage of becoming dependent on others. He taught me that I have ways to go but with his barbs forever etched in my mind I know I'm on the right path.

As his name implies, Ichigo meaning "strawberry" in Japanese, he became my ultimate "sweet and sour" guy...my strawberry-flavored Dr. Phil.