Undergraduate / Common Application Essay (Sticks and Stones) [9]

Option #1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

"You dirty Jew." Those words still ring in my head today. Though it was not the first time I heard such slurs, it was the last time I let myself be hurt by them. "Why am I the target?" I frequently asked myself. I never provoked him. At least I don't think I did. I questioned why he despised me, a normal and respectful teenage boy. Was it because of my religion? Was it really because I was Jewish? Frustrated by his torment, I decided to take a stand. Although I had ignored his crudity for so long, I will never forget how he affected me, particularly on the day I stood up for my religion, my identity, and myself.

Emotional distress came over me every time I saw him in our gym class. Every time I walked into the locker room, he never hesitated to lash out at me with various defamations. Brutish with a sneer on his face, he glowered at me as I stood in the shadows- as if I were an insect to be stomped on. Naturally, I was intimidated by his attitude. After months of enduring his name-calling, his insults, and his taunting, I confronted him.

What began as a typical Friday morning, transformed into a profound moment in my life. After washing my hands after an outdoor basketball game, the boy menacingly approached me. Through the mirror, I watched him trudge towards me with the cocky swagger I'd grown to dread. He stood over my shoulder and whispered with malice, "You dirty Jew." I couldn't ignore his taunts anymore. Rather, I took a step toward him, stood my ground, and responded with a powerful, "What?" with a force I didn't know I had. As I expected, he replied, "You heard me," and elbowed me rather vigorously. Although he was considerably stronger than me, I had too much self-respect to allow him to dominate my conscience. A sense of purpose consumed me, and I knew I could hold my own. I was no longer scared of the ignorance that stood before me. I was ready to fight for what I believed in. Through the murky haze that obfuscated my rage, I remembered what my religion truly stood for, and as a result, unclenched my fists.

Instead of physically fighting him back, I used my words to tell him exactly how I felt. I looked into his eyes and declared, "Look, I don't appreciate you disrespecting who I am. I've never done anything to you, and I don't deserve this." Though I expected him to retaliate, he actually listened. It was as if a different person was standing before me: he was neither offensive nor menacing. We even engaged in an open and heartfelt conversation. Speaking to him gave me newfound courage and solidified my sense of integrity. I will always remember how determination empowers me to speak my mind to any audience. I understand that strength to stand up for what I believe in is the key to ending personal animosity.

Although that boy's ignorance and naivety caused me distress, I refused to be the victim of ignorance, and to watch my dignity crumble at his hands. Even though these small words were harmful to my individuality, it has made me a better person. Now, I know my faith and strength can prevail over narrow-mindedness. Today, I am proud to say I stood up for my religion, my identity, and myself.

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Thanks so much,
Daniel