Essays / Understand the situation & be less judgementl; What concept intellectually excites me [NEW]

What concept intellectually excites you... (500 max.)

We all travel down a path, thoroughly encrusted with speed bumps, throwing those ajar who fail to remain steady on their course. With great despair, it is after that first bump that some coil back in fear. They lose focus, train of thought, perseverance, and most saddening, hope. They say, "The road is too bumpy; I cannot continue." I earnestly respond with "My friend, you are the only person that constrains your capabilities, and ambitions." Then it hits me, the "cycle of poverty." How many of us leave the entanglement of its boundless web. Should I believe in the concept of the "blame the victim" mentality or critically analyze situations that have placed them in inauspicious predicaments.

Many factors lead to the development of the cycle of poverty. With all of these factors, it is amazing how anyone manages to transcend boundaries and rise to success. Society believes that anyone can make it no matter what obstacles. We all want to succeed, but what disadvantages does poverty place upon individuals. Anthropologist Ronald Paul Hill's ethnographic research illustrates the cycle of poverty at a greater depth. He describes our economic situation, and the difficulties of surviving in a material world. It was then that I realized that I should be thankful of how far I have come, and that I would make it my duty to help those enter a cycle of prosperity.

I was in a debate with one of my friends, a republican, who believed that African American children could strive for more. He believes that we are not motivated to excel, hence we place ourselves in the current predicament. In a rebuttal, I asked him a series of questions. He responded with 'yes' to my first set of questions. Do you live with both parents? Do they have college degrees? Do you have a car? Do they make over $100,000? Are you an only child? He responded 'no' to the rest. Does either one of your parents have a criminal record. Do you have a job? Do you work to support your family? Do you know what food stamps are? My last and final question was "Had you given the opposite response for any of my questions, do you still think you would have made it as far as you have today?"

"AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks ď many calling them ... responsible for their own troubles." But wait, there is the Protestant work ethic, "Everyone can make it if he or she tried." Right? Learning about the cycle of poverty intellectually excites me, appalls me, and then saddens me. My question is how are African Americans expected to excel with the pervasive mentality that blacks are in essence, responsible for their own plight. Ignorance is the cause of oppression of people who are poor. My purpose is not to make an excuse, but to try understanding their situation and being less judgmental.

Undergraduate / Your contribution to the UF campus community, admission essay [6]

Describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment in your life and how it will affect your college experience or your contribution to the UF campus community. You may want to reflect on your family, your school or community activities, or your involvement in areas outside of school.

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Please leave comments as to how to make it better!

It was not until I met my mentor that I realized that it only takes one act of kindness to forever change the life any one person. My sister and I had recently moved from Mississippi to Florida to live with my father. It was our first time in Florida, as well as meeting our dad. My sister and I were finally with him, and all was well.

As time progressed, we began to less of our father. During this time, we had been introduced to our biological mother who had just quit her drug addiction. One day at her boyfriend's apartment, my mother asked my sister and me to sit in the living room. There, she explained that she had had the HIV/AIDS virus for 16 years. Looking at me, she began to cry and apologize because I was 15 at the time. She explained that she did not know she had the virus at the time of my conception. My mother then told me that at birth, I had tested positive. I was hurt, and began to feel immediate self-pity.

Later, I walked in my home, only to find out that none of the bills had been paid. This was the beginning of 2-month period without a telephone, cable, electricity, and water. I then realized that my father had started back his crack addiction. This addiction would be his demise in the subsequent year.

A month had passed, and things had seemed to have gotten progressively worse. I had just taken an HIV test, and the wait was by far one of the most excruciating emotional pains I had ever felt. I had no where to reside but with my father, even under such inhumane conditions. At school, I had been acquainted with a school teacher, her name was Ms. Stephanpoulos. She was there to lend a helping hand during the time when I felt isolated from the world and destined for failure. I felt that no one would want to be around me if I had HIV. She was not repulsed by my current conditions, but instead, she was comforting. Thankfully, I had tested negative. Being that she was an educator, she spent time making sure that I never gave up on life, and that I continue to excel in my studies and become a successful and philanthropic person. I eventually joined the International Baccalaureate program at Rickards High School. At times when I felt discouraged, she was there making sure that I persevered. As of today, I remain in the top 10% of my graduating class, in addition to striving to obtain my IB diploma among other achievements.

My meaningful experience was meeting my mentor because of the tremendous impact she has had on me and the people I have helped. My mentor's tender acts of kindness have propelled my desire to help others at no expense. She was there for me, and I intend on doing the same for my fellow undergraduates, staff, and faculty at the University of Florida. I have dedicated my time to helping others, especially during difficult moments of their lives. I have committed over 550 community service hours, helping and providing motivation for people who believed that hope was a thing of the past. This is the attitude I hope to bring the University of Florida campus. People go through rough experiences in there life, but, one thing that always helps is to have someone there to aid during a time of need. It is these acts of kindness that help promote prosperity and the love for humanity. As a UF Gator, I will help to contribute to the success of the campus community by helping others whenever and wherever.