Undergraduate / "an enthusiastic person interested in many activities' - upenn Arts and Science [3]

Considering both the specific undergraduate school or program to which you are applying and the broader University of Pennsylvania community, what academic, research, and/or extracurricular paths do you see yourself exploring at Penn?

Upenn and Me

Penn has one of the broadest ranges of activities among all the universities in the United States; from sports and student body organizations to environmental groups and media. I actively take part in different extra-curricular activities in my high school and I am looking forward to doing so at Upenn. In my opinion, a well-rounded student not only has to be well-educated, but also be able to give back to the community.

I am applying to Upenn School of Arts and Sciences and I am planning to major in criminology. Upenn is the only Ivy League institution that offers a specific degree in criminology and it is also the only university that offers a double degree in criminology and law.

Penn has a very diverse community. There are a lot of people from many different parts of the world. I live in Jakarta and I socialize with people from different backgrounds. I've got friends who are Chinese, Indonesians, and Indians among other people. Having been brought up in a diverse community, I developed interest in learning about people from different cultures. Upenn has a diverse community and I am looking forward to socializing with them.

I have been part of my high school's student body organization for past three years. It has taught me responsibility, co-operation and creativity. I want to join student body organizations in Upenn and try and give back something to the Upenn community. I am looking forward to taking part in activities in Upenn about helping the environment. I am quite passionate about helping the environment. Although I admit that I don't do much, I always do the little things that people neglect, like turning off the tap while brushing, refuse to use plastic bags in supermarket when I only buy in little amount, etc. I am looking forward to be a part of Upenn eco-friendly activities. I also am looking forward to taking part in University traditions like Spring Fling, etc.

I am a sports enthusiast. I play various sports like tennis, basketball and soccer, but my main strength is playing badminton. If I am enrolled at Upenn, I am definitely joining the badminton club. It will give me a chance to play with other people who share similar interests as I do and make myself better. Plus it is a chance for me to meet new people, burn a few calories and keep myself fit.

All in all, I believe that I would be a great addition to Upenn. I am an enthusiastic person and I am interested in more than one activity. I am enthusiastic about helping the environment, sports, education and socializing. I am a unique person and I am ready to develop myself more and more at Upenn.

Undergraduate / "A Changing nation, living in Indonesia"; I am of an Indian descent [2]

A Changing Nation

Often people ask me why I like living in Indonesia. I am of an Indian descent, yet I prefer to live in Indonesia rather than India. The reason that I give to people is that even though I am of a different race, Indonesia feels like a home to me and I feel one with the local people. My family migrated here in 1920 and I am the second generation of my family who is born here. I consider this country my home, my identity and my roots. Unfortunately, in the recent past, the feeling is slowly diminishing. Certain incidents have made me uncomfortable and question my safety and security in this country.

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country which is known for its ethnic diversity and religious tolerance. People here are very friendly; they do not give much importance to race or religion. They get along well with Indians, Chinese, Africans, Europeans and Americans. However, due to certain groups, security is no longer here. People are becoming increasingly intolerant towards racial and religious difference due to influence form these radical groups. This country was founded on constitution and the laws are not religion-based, however fanatics often take the law into their own hands, committing violent crimes, all in the name of religion. Priests are getting attacked, churches burnt, demonstrations held against other religion, etc. Sometimes, these groups often attack people of their own religion. There is an internal struggle going on between moderates and extremists in Indonesia, where the extremists align themselves with Al-Qaeda and Taliban Islam. They either condone or directly support violence and terrorism. We can no longer practice our beliefs without watching our backs.

I am disturbed by these. I need to know that the way my ancestors have lived peacefully in this country for generation, my children and future generation will also be able to do so. I love this country and proud to call myself an Indonesian. However, I want my children to feel the same love towards this country as I do. My family should be able to live peacefully with Indonesians, become friends with them, mingle in the society and not face difficulties due to being of a different race. After all, if you are born in Indonesia, you are an Indonesian.

(p.s-not trying to disrespect any religion-purely facts)