Undergraduate /
Acceptance of a small town girl going to a university [5]
Essay: Rutgers University is a vibrant community of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. How would you benefit from and contribute to such an environment? Consider variables such as your talents, travels, leadership activities, volunteer services, and cultural experiences.
Narrow-minded, snobby, and selfish; these are just a few of the words one might use to describe a young girl attending a private catholic school in a wealthy town. Although I have attended private school my whole life, I have never lived up to those names.
From pre-school to senior year of high school, I have attended private catholic schools. Class room size was never more than fifteen students and everyone knew each other. We all practiced the same religion, and both schools were predominantly white. The majority of my friends and classmates were wealthy. They lived in beautiful large homes and wore high end designer clothes.
On the outside looking in, one might think that we were all the same. But that was not the case because I, on the other hand,lived in a relatively small house and bought my clothes at discount stores. My parents both work full time so that my two sisters and I could attend private school. One thing I've learned is acceptance.
Both schools had their cliques. If you were not accepted into a certain group, you were ostracized and considered uncool. Because I know what it' s like to not exactly fit in, I would make an extra effort to befriend and include those who were shunned by the others. My classmates took note of how much I really cared about them and rewarded me by nominating me for class president in eighth grade, and homeroom representative in high school.
Material items were of major importance to many. If you weren't wearing designer clothing, people would almost look down upon you for it. The girls would ask "Stephanie, did you see Hermes new scarf collection." My only response would be to stare blankly and ask "who's that?" They would laugh at me, but in reality I was the one who should have been laughing at them. While they were concerned about scarfs, I was concerned with whether or not my mom would be able to eat dinner with us tonight, or if she would be working really late again. Hand bags, wallets, and scarves meant nothing to me compared to my family.
Going to private catholic school all my life has not only taught me to accept others, but it taught me how to work hard. I have received an excellent education that will be with me for the rest of my life. I have learned time management, and to never do anything last minute. It also taught me that there is more to life than the four walls of a class room, and to be involved in something. Since I am very outgoing I have not only learned in school but also from the many different clubs and activities I have joined over the years. From a club as simple as baking club, I have learned that my artistic abilities don't just have to be on a piece of paper. I am willing to join clubs to meet new people and to learn something new.
After attending two small schools I am now eager for something more. I want to situate myself in a whole new environment with people of all different backgrounds, races, and religions. That is why I chose to apply to Rutgers University. I know Rutgers will not only give me a good education, but also diversity that I am looking forward to experiencing.
