Undergraduate / Santa Clause-Somebody That Influenced Me a Lot [8]

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you and explain that influence.

I want to make this as long as possible, but so far I only have 292 words. I'd like it to go up to at least 350.

Santa Claus is more of a concept than an idea for me.

The world was a terrible place in my opinion. Back in the winter of 2006, when I was in third grade, I saw things as they were: disasters. Some were unavoidable, natural disasters like the drought in Minnesota. But a lot of them were caused by people, like how Senator Harry Reid took briberies. These horrible things that happened in the world disheartened me. We studied a bit about interesting and good things that were happening, like Yunnus's Nobel Peace Prize for lending out money to poor people, but none could help me be optimistic. I wanted the world to be a better place, but the way things were going, I just couldn't believe it.

And that's when I met Jolly ol' Saint Nick.

My friend said to me that she had received an Aeropostale shirt from Santa Claus. I was familiar with Santa, of course. He is the mystical being that brings gifts to the nice little children. I just could not believe that someone could actually travel the world in one night. Maybe Santa had a Time-Turner like Hermione from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Anyways, she told me of how she went to the mall and asked Santa for the shirt- and received it on Christmas. As I listened, I felt sorry for the old man who traveled the world without breaks at that age. Maybe he is more than what people give credit to. He does not just bring presents, he brings morale and hope to little children. Because of him, many children try to behave, and make themselves into better people. I thought that maybe, just maybe, that if people were more like Santa Claus (a good role model and the epitome of virtue), the world could become a better place.

That is just what I think the people need: a good role model, someone who could lead us morally. We need someone who truly cares about people and working towards the greater good. However, when I researched Santa Claus on the internet, I was disappointed to find that he was not real. I stared out the window. How sad everything seemed again. I watched as the neighbors across the street set up the wooden Santa that said, "Share the Holiday Spirit!" Then, I realized how stupid I had been. Santa Claus is real- but he's not a person. He's the jingle of coins whenever somebody gives spare change to the poor. He's alive in the waving man, Mel Hartman, and basically everyone as they go around making others happy. Santa isn't a person who gives and shares; he is giving and sharing.

In case you are wondering, no, I do not want to become Santa Claus. Actually, I do better than him. I plan on making my generation the best yet along with other individuals who have a sense of ethics. I believe in the future. I believe that we could change.

Undergraduate / "the best school to pronounce" - Yale Supplementary Questions [7]

Yale Supplementary

I realize that the Why Yale short answer is silly, but it's the sad truth. Also, someone got in even though they wrote about how Yale uses sand instead of salt. What they're looking for is something special about Yale and how well you write.

II. Why Yale?
What in particular about Yale has influenced your decision to apply? Please limit you response to the space provided.

I really want to go to Yale because it's one of the best schools in the country- and the easiest to pronounce. I was born with a short tongue, so it is hard to pronounce the "r" and the "th". Out of the entire Ivy League schools, only Yale and the University of Pennsylvania don't have these sounds either, but U of P seems too crowded. When I proudly say that I went to an Ivy League college, I don't want to mispronounce and become a laughingstock.

III. Short Takes
Please respond in 25 words or fewer to each of the questions below.
1. What would you do with a free afternoon tomorrow?
I would find new songs for my harmonica and try to learn how to bend notes.
2. Recall a complement you received that you especially value. What was it? From whom did it come?
"You Got This"- Omar Nolasco, a friend who wrote this in a P.S. of a goodbye card when I was about to move

3. If you could witness one moment in history, what would it be and why?
I would choose Independence Day because I wish to know if the Founding Fathers signed it in August like my textbook states.
4. What do you wish you were better at being or doing?
I wish I was better at realizing the relevance of things because I can never make a decision off the bat.
5. If you were choosing students to form a Yale class, what question would you ask here that we have not?
How do you react when you are frustrated?

Undergraduate / "A Harmonica for my 10th birthday" - Short Answer extracurricular actitivy [9]

Short Answer Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below or on an attached sheet (150 words or fewer)

Please make some adjustments!!!

For my tenth birthday, my dad bought me a harmonica. Small and easy-to-carry, it was the ideal instrument for me. Lots of people don't understand the harmonica. Most of them think it's the type of instrument useful only for earning money in subways. However, that's completely wrong. I believe that any instrument can bring joy and happiness to others, because that's the entire point of music. Earlier this year, I joined the school chorus. When my music teacher wanted someone to play during the instrumental break, I felt obliged inclined to volunteer. After all, the harmonica does make a nice sound. As my part ended, I looked up, overjoyed to see the many smiling faces. Our group exited off the stage, applause following us down the hallway.