Undergraduate / "Chinese eat dogs"- a cultural conflict I enoutered, Common App [14]

Hi, everyone, please help me with this common application essay. Helps are appreciated! ;)

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. (250 words minimum)

"Only Chinese would feed street dogs for the sake of eating them!" a classmate proclaimed at the end of a discussion about cultures. I am Chinese and I love dogs -as pets. I believe that dogs are humans' buddies. Still, when confronted with that accusation, I blushed and covered my face with a piece of paper. I was not sure why I was hiding, but I felt abashed.

I moved to Bangkok at the age of fourteen and immediately became infatuated with the Thai culture. I liked eating the delicious spicy tom yam soup and enjoyed the traditional Thai "wai" as a way of greeting. While enamored with the culturally lively city, I also faced many cultural challenges as I was still transitioning from my native Chinese culture. In fact, after the "Chinese people eat dogs" incident happened, I experienced more cultural clashes. People complained about the quality of the products made-in-China, criticized the chaotic Chinese tourists, and challenged me on the merits of communism as a viable system of government.

I was overwhelmed and embarrassed by the friction between the two distinct cultures. However, I was actually more disappointed at myself for not answering to these matters.

Ever since then, I started to look for examples in life that would offer insights into these issues. On one occasion, I gave a small musical performance for my friends. I played the Erhu, my favorite traditional Chinese stringed instrument that produces clear soulful sounds. While I was enjoying the music, praise and enthusiastic words from other people also flowed freely. At that moment, I felt a surge of pride and happiness for Chinese culture. But more importantly, I realized the virtue of cultural difference that had perplexed me so long. Every culture is different, but those differences provide a wealth of diversity to our global community. It is not necessary to differentiate the "good" differences and "bad" differences because opinions are merely subjective. If I can acknowledge and accept those differences as part of experiences, I would be able to deal with conflicts of cultures in a more beneficial manner.

By examining and embracing a different culture, I also began to understand my own country's culture better. I would always consider the cultural conflicts I faced as providing significant insights. Through internalizing two distinct sets of cultural norms, I was able to synthesize my personal beliefs and values. By viewing life from multiple vantage points, I broadened my horizon of the world. The confusion I once felt has now gone away. And as a part of growth and maturation process, I gained measure of strength and wisdom that will assist me as I encounter new experiences.