Undergraduate / "my mother's choice" - UC Prompt #1 "Openmindedness/LGBT" [4]

Personal Statement 1
Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

As I write this essay, a close friend of our family is downstairs recovering from his (previously her) double mastectomy. Most people would consider a sex change a big deal, not only for the individual, but also for everyone around them; however, in my mom's household, this is far from an unusual undertaking. That can be attributed to the large diversity that is present in my mother's circle friends. Matter of fact it is quite common for all varieties of the lesbian gay bisexual transgender (LGBT) community to be seen around our house. It is just a part of day to day life for me. However, five years ago this would have seemed downright outlandish to me.

My whole life changed the day that my mom came out of the closet. I had just started seventh grade, and it was not all that long after my parents' separation. I vaguely remember my mom and sitting me and my sister down at the couch in our new unfamiliar rental home with no real explanation for what was going on. It was then that she told us. I really can't remember how. I am quite sure that I didn't even know what it meant for a person to be gay at that point in my life. I was just too young and too caught up in the traditional family model to even comprehend what it meant. I just felt so confused.

Now, five years later, I feel like I have really come to terms with my mother's choice. Her girlfriend of the past couple years currently resides with us and she is the equivalent a stepparent for me and my sister. My mother's unique friends are some of the more interesting people that I have met in my life. Whether it's the gay hairdressers, who feel the need to take responsibility for the wellbeing of my hair, and playfully tease my mother with the term "fag hag." Or the far more masculine lesbian couples with their interesting conversations and passion for manual labor. Or even our newest tenant the newly made man Dayne with his deep spiritual ties, and desire to help those in need. Whatever the case I never would have met these, much less had such an interesting connection with these people had it not been for my mother's decision. Of course I think about how the future might have been different had she not decided to embrace her nature, but I think that I'm better off for the way things turned out. If not for this I never would have been so open-minded and accepting of others for who they are. And if there is one thing that I aspire to continue with in my future it is to continue maintaining that open-mindedness

Undergraduate / "Steadfastness and my resolute nature" - my quality, talent [4]

I would love it if you would give her a read. This is a very rough first draft, so be kind (but still critical).

Personal Statement 2
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

Of the personality traits that I possess the one that I appreciate most is my steadfast approach to my engagements. If I commit myself to something I ensure that I pursue it all the way to completion. This may make me appear somewhat hesitant in making major decisions because I feel that it is essential to be more cautious in weighing both the pros and cons. This may seem like a waste of time to some but I know that it is crucial to avoid unnecessary compliance in pursuit of an original goal even if said goal is later invalidated. I know that it is critical for me to stick with my ideals and commitments even when it may be challenging, if I were to do otherwise it just would not be right for me.

A prime example of my resolve is evident in my diet. Eighteen months ago I chose to give up the consumption of animal's flesh, milk, and eggs, and thus began my transition into veganism. Veganism came to me as a result of much internal analysis. During this period of examination I thought briefly about perhaps becoming vegetarian instead of going full on vegan; however it seemed like it would only be a partial solution to consume animal's milk or eggs as this still facilitates the captivity of animals living in far less than ideal situations. My vegan lifestyle has not only affected the ethics of my life but also introduced a much needed sense of discipline to not only my dietary regime but also my day to day living. Since I began my new lifestyle I have rarely looked back, for I know that if I ceased to follow through with it then not only would I be forsaking the animals but I would also be betraying myself and my own personal commitment.

My resolute nature has played an immense role in my development as a human being and without it I would not be the man who I am today. It is important for an individual to stand by his choices and I am proud to be the kind of person who carries out commitments. Some people would go so far as to color my unwavering nature negatively and call it instead simple stubbornness; however I know that if I don't have the tenacity to pursue my goals to completion then I will never be able to accomplish anything relatively worthwhile, and if an individual can't do something constructive with their life then they are hardly deserving of life itself. I for one am proud to be so relentless.

The notorious musical composer Ludwig van Beethoven once said, "This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble."