Undergraduate / "a childhood worth remembering" - UVA supplement -- World I come from [4]

- Describe the world you come from and how that world shaped who you are.

You guys feel like my essay accomplishes its purpose well? Anything excessive or unnecessary? Anything necessary? Thanks all!

The sharp, nauseating smell of nail polish, the stale, hissing sound of air guns, and the sight of fresh, varying faces of women, and the occasional men, who wanted to do business with my parents: these were the sensations that surrounded me everyday for nearly ten years of my life. These were the sensations that I reluctantly became used to and then soon after, love. Although I didn't get to see my friends outside of school, nor did I get to do anything fun such as play tackle football with the neighborhood kids like I wanted, I still had a childhood worth remembering in that nail salon.

Those years behind the front desk, the manicure station, or the pedicure station weren't years of tedious tasks, but rather, years of opportunity. Those years presented themselves with chances of getting to learn about the lives that made my life and my family's life possible. I timidly spoke to women, sometimes men, of all walks of life: teachers, doctors, stay-at-home wives, lawyers, and other many other professions. Teachers talked about students, lawyers about cases, wives about husbands, I listened, and more importantly, I cared. Somehow, as I listened and spoke back to some of them, they seemed to appreciate the ears and voice of a little child.

Today, not much has changed. Even though the nail salon business is over and school's become more demanding, I still like to listen to others and sometimes offer a little perspective.

Undergraduate / the "Davidson in Focus" web page - supplement and Colgate supplement essays [5]

Davidson is an academically and socially engaged community bound by an Honor Code and committed to thoughtful discourse and an abiding sense of inclusiveness. Reflecting on your own background and educational experience, in what ways is Davidson a good match and how might you enrich this community?

Unlimited length.

Do you guys feel as though I answer the prompt in this one? Thanks.

this is the "Davidson in Focus" web page I'm referring to in my essay: www3.davidson.edu/cms/x14776.xml

When I first glanced at the "Davidson in Focus" webpage, after viewing several names, I imagined what type of ovation I would get under my name and year: "Alexander La '15." The page displayed athletes, scholars, and sometimes both. I saw linguists, artists, actors, and other unique titles, and I asked myself if I could fit in the big picture that I see Davidson as. These people that Davidson celebrated; they were too good, so much so, that I thought it impossible for me to fit in. Looking at the students Davidson broadcasted made me think about who I was, almost to the point of frustration. I am no Division I athlete, nor am I an actor or an artist. I am just me, and as I sat there glaring at the demigods Davidson made its students out to be, I realized that that was all I needed. Being me, however cliché that sounds, was what made the names "Alexander La" and "Davidson College" go hand-in-hand, just like it did for "Clint Smith '10" or "Andrew Ma '12."

Even though the focus page still intimidates me, I am reminded to be strong by everything I take for granted. Sometimes I forget that I am a passionate history lover, a firm speaker, and a rising man of honor. Like many at Davidson College, I too adhere to a strict honor code simply because I value my education. After all, education is what I make of it. It offers truth, beauty, meaning and so much more for me; if I lose to temptation then I lose out on so much I could benefit from. I value the Davidson Honor Code not only because I value honor itself but also because it is one of the few commonalities that I might find with a fellow Davidson student. One day, I hope to meet a chemistry major sitting next to me in the library taking his organic chemistry test while I, a social science double major, am taking the American History test with him without any proctor. No matter how different my pathway might be, at Davidson, I'll find common ground through the shared sense of honor and appreciate for true learning. I am proud that of what I have: the sense of honor, my overall personality, and everything else to me.

Being me is what makes it easier to envision the possibilities of what "Alexander La '15" would say underneath: "An Oregonian political science and history double major speech and debate leader, Alexander La challenges himself in new ways all the while defining himself within the Davidson community," "A son of humble deli owners, Alexander La continues his parents' legacy at the Davis Café, serving and socializing with his peers," or "History scholar Alexander La is seen at Socratic seminars within the Davidson community, voicing his thoughts for others to know at Davidson." These are tidbits of who I am, statements that I would be honored to have under my name and year at Davidson. I can see myself at Davidson, sitting among the artists, actors, athletes and whoever else is there, talking about our names on the "Davidson in Focus" webpage. These tidbits are the tidbits that make Davidson right for me; these are the tidbits that I have to offer to Davidson.

Undergraduate / Campus, Curriculum, Others surprised by me - Notre Dame supplements! [3]

1. The Grotto is a cherished destination on Notre Dame's campus, a space that invites students and visitors to pray and take time for reflection. Do you have a place that you seek out, and what do you contemplate there?

3. The curriculum offered at Notre Dame varies from what you might expect (e.g. Introduction to Biological Sciences, Accountancy) to topics you might not (e.g. Theology and Engineering, Friendship: From Aristotle to Facebook). If you could introduce a new course and serve as the expert instructor, what would it be and why?

4. Tell us about a time when you have surprised others or yourself by doing something unexpected.

These are done respectively. Each is supposed to be 150 words about...was pretty tough. I'd appreciate any input!

Everyday, I go to an oasis of chlorinated water and restlessness. I flap my arms for an eternity, hoping to reach the other side. Such is the endeavor that an Olympic sized pool provides. So what do I do for an eternity?

I think about what I should have said to that girl or what I will say to her next time. I think about how I said "birthplace of democracy" in answering "why Greece was significant" back in the day and how I should have added "technological advances and public forums." I think about how charming I'll try to be at the next speech and debate tournament and how embarrassed I'll probably be.

Much goes on in that pool. My body floats with the water and with it, my thoughts. It's a chilling thought to be without it. How will I cope? I guess I'll have that to think about.

It was the evening rush: Sunday night, homework, and classic rock. I popped open the classic rock station on Pandora (internet radio program) and on came the live version of Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Regardless, I enjoyed the entire song: the godly guitar solo by Jimmy Page, the lyrical supremacy of Robert Plant, and the rhythmic drum-playing of John Bonham. To me, the song was eternal but to many of my generation, it didn't exist. This had to change.

If the opportunity came up, I would teach Classic Rock Appreciation: From The Beatles to Styx. It would be a class dedicated to helping students remember and understand the value of the music that fueled the attitudes of the 1960's, 70's, and 80's. I dread the day when I encounter the next generation's ignorance of the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, or even worse, The Beatles. These bands are fading legends but with this class, I could save future generations from classic rock ignorance.

I walked in with a limp, still recovering from the fractured ankle I received from falling on one of the cracks on the school's blacktop. It was the day of my brown belt test and I was ready, healthy ankle or not.

A week ago, my sensei said I'd be held back if I couldn't perform. That was unacceptable. I took it easy: no kickball, running around, or karate practice. It helped somewhat but not entirely. It didn't matter.

When I approached my sensei, he asked me why I was in uniform. My dad answered for me, telling him that I was ready. Sensei stared blankly at me but smiled after realizing that I was bent on performing the test - fighting ten black belts, endurance tests, and numerous stances. I jumped, kicked, ran and held back the tears that overwhelmed me, impressing my sensei and my peers. It felt good to receive my brown belt, knowing that I achieved more than a belt color.

Undergraduate / "the ideal foundation to build my interests" (science, history)- Why Georgetown Essay [4]

Topic: Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study?

Okay, this isn't really finished but I've been beating myself about this essay...I'm skeptical as to how I'm addressing the prompt. Should I just delve into my interests and stuff right away or keep what I'm doing? I think I'm going to address how Georgetown is still known for its catholicism but manages with so many Islamic, Jewish, and etc activities on campus as opposed to other schools...not sure if this is a good idea or not. Please help me finish this essay!!! Thanks.

It was a peaceful summer day, one of those days anyone could appreciate. I sat along side the Potomac River, staring out from the Franklin D. Roosevelt memorial to the Washington Monument. A cool breeze pressed against my face, adding to the serenity of the moment. It was strange to feel wind in the capital after having experienced a week's worth of heat and humidity. The unusual presence of the wind led me to believe that the wind represented something. Maybe it was the wind of change. Maybe it was just meant to be a good day. Whichever it was, the wind was harmonious. It was peculiar to think that not so long ago, sectional differences made the very spot I sat on a boiling pot of war.

Georgetown University, at the time of the Civil War, was a fresh university bent on the pursuit of truth and knowledge like all universities before it. However, it was marred by the divisions that embodied this national conflict. Students came from the North and the South to attend Georgetown and ended up fighting each other during this crisis. When the war ended, the national identity was restored, and at Georgetown, the Blue and the Gray were combined to create the famous insignia it holds today. It was a symbol of reunification, one in which I truly appreciate.

Georgetown University has this distinct history that reflects vulnerability of our nation. It is a history that I know I would be proud to call my own. It is a history that I know is unique among many others. It is a history that I know would drive me to accomplish my goals. For this, I am interested in studying at Georgetown University. I am applying to Georgetown University with the intent of majoring in political science and history

In my upbringing, my father spoke of relevant issues. He was always ready to criticize or praise public figures whenever necessary, primarily looking at how much good such figures were doing for society. Listening to him prompted me for a future that would benefit society and me. My goal is to help society in the best possible way, which for me is through studying political science and history. As I witness our country become ever more divided by the growing issues of today, I know I want to be a part of the solution. In order to do that, I must be well-versed in the moments that defined our country and I also must find ways to suit my involvement in society, whether that is through something grandeur such as governmental administration to something humble such as community-based organization.

With a history of predominant division followed by struggling unity, I feel as though Georgetown would be the ideal foundation in which to build my interests.

Undergraduate / "until my last official debate"-Georgetown describe yourself & significant experience [5]

"The Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you."

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

One essay for two prompts :p. Do you feel like this essay fits these 2 prompts? If not then could you help me figure what I should add in and such? Thanks so much!

With notes in one hand and a pencil in the other, I was ready. It was early Saturday morning and I was ready to give it my all. I had my cases and counterarguments ready. My timer was clocked at seven minutes for my first speech. With my ironed suit and polished shoes, I was, indeed, fresh. It was a facade. Inside, the phrase "butterflies in my stomach" came to mind. After all, it was my first official debate round.

With a cool fifteen minutes to spare, I sat down and let out a sigh. I pulled out my trusty orange-flavored Trident gum pack in a pre-emptive strike to ward off anymore anticipated anxiety. Things seemed fine: I was alone at the end of a compact corridor, learning against the wall, chewing my favorite gum, and feeling less uneasiness. Then I heard someone approach. I turned and saw an expression no different from mine: an emotionless, blank stare. We conversed about little things until it was time. As the final minutes weaned closer, I clenched my fists to feel the strength of my resolve. Knowing that I'd have to be calm during the round, I freed my hands and relaxed. I was ready, or so I thought.

Before I gave my opening speech, I noticed my hand shaking. It couldn't stop. It was a disaster waiting to happen but the debate had to go on. I didn't feel right standing there speechless. I wanted to quit, thinking that speech and debate wasn't right for me. As fear overwhelmed me, I sipped some water, started my timer, and spoke. That's all I did: speak. I could hear the distortion in my voice but it progressively dissipated as I delved into my opening speech. My soft, staggering voice turned into something stronger and before I knew it, I was asserting answers to all his questions, refuting his arguments, and providing reasons as to why I won.

We left the room without saying a word to each other. It was his first time too. I ran my hands through my hair and proceeded with a victory jump. The feeling was new to me. It was a different type of joy, different from winning simplistic things like video or card games. This was something to be proud of. I debated for the first time and whether or not I won meant little to me. I was stronger. I was different from the boy who passed up on reading excerpts from Lord of the Flies. I was more than that timid kid that nobody knew about. I was on mental steroids. I continued the rest of the day, stronger than the previous round until we reached the awards ceremony.

A clap echoed throughout the auditorium. A single clap: not ten, five, or even two. Just one. It was the clap of recognition, the gesture of honor for those who did well but not best. It didn't matter to me. It was the sound of personal progress, a rite of passage in which I was more than what I was. It was the sound of my dedication paying off. It was the sound of meaning derived from Speech and Debate. I knew that Speech and Debate was something I wanted to be a part of, something I wanted to develop a passion for, and ever since that point, I have continued with Speech and Debate, still slowly conquering the "butterflies in my stomach," and the shake in my hand. I intend on doing so until my last official debate round.

Undergraduate / "First day of the Congressional Academy" - Gtown Short Essay and U of Mich supplement [8]

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Approximately 250 words) -- U of Mich

In the space available discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. -- Gtown

These are two prompts I must do. I wrote one essay for both b/c I think I can interchange them but I'm hoping you guys can help me spot some revisions I might have to make to better suit one of the prompts. At first I wrote this for U of Mich but then realized that I could use for gtown. If you could tell me if it fits the gtown prompt as well then that'd be great! Thanks! Be critical too!

To my right was Alabama; to my left was California. They told me their names and where they came from but I could only remember the latter. After all, it was the first day of the Congressional Academy.

We came from across the country, two, sometimes three, from each state, bearing different accents and cultures, but we congregated in Washington D.C. under one interest: history. We were all impassioned history lovers unafraid to express opinion about our nation's controversies, and we were all in one building. From touring our national's capital to learning about its history inside the, we learned to love each other's differences and form a national community. For me, it was new a sense of belonging.

I was Oregon, or at least the "other Oregon." My degree of uniqueness was, at first, limited until I told everyone that I found the program myself. Everyone else was recommended by a teacher but I wasn't. At that moment, I felt proud to be there and even more proud when I saw my professor nod, possibly impressed by my initiative. In class, I spearheaded ideas and cited quotes from other history texts. I rang the bell first during jeopardy even when I didn't know the answer. I did everything I could do.

In the end, I felt like I set loose this caged, undying potential that could only be seen in our nation's capital. It was the feeling of importance derived from my newfound uniqueness that ignited this fervor and continues to burn to this day.

Undergraduate / Relate your interest in studying at Georgetown to your goals -my Georgetown Essay! [3]

Topic: Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study?

During the course of this year, I developed a rapport with my US History textbook. It wasn't instantaneous because it wasn't easy for me to read through Pre-Revolutionary era. However, I trusted the textbook to provide me with a vast array of knowledge as it trusted me to love and take care of it as though it were my first toy. I carried it around everywhere, like I did with my Power Ranger action figures of yesteryears.

It was my most cherished item of my junior year. I did everything I could possibly think of with that book. One hobby that I identified most with was identifying trends between the eras, from today's society compared to a past society or from a past society compared to another past society. By doing what I did, I made the most out of AP US History. I've read about past political, economic, and social trends. I've scourged through random facts and I've combined them with overarching themes so that in the end, I could claim the title of "guru" to my peers. It was something to be proud of as I was able to cite all the action that occurred before my time.

Today, I want to be near the action. I want to make history in places that I know I will thrive in. Having already traveled 3000 miles just to be in Washington D.C. and spending nearly two weeks studying history in the area, I knew this was the place to be. Washington D.C. possesses an aura of confidence that overwhelms my overall being like no other and I desire to pursue my interests in such a place. It is my interest to major in both history and political science at Georgetown University, followed by graduate school at a law school of my choice. This action plan is to help me garner a career in politics, meanwhile to help maintain my love and passion for history. I believe Georgetown University is the right place for me to excel.

This is my first draft and I'm not sure if I'm doing this correctly. It asks for my interests at Gtown and how it relates to my future goals. Am I actually addressing the prompt? Is there more of something I should do or less of something I should do?

Thank you!