Undergraduate / "political philosophy" - UVA- College of Arts and Sciences [2]

What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?

I chose Literature- John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government

John Locke, an influential Enlightenment thinker and philosopher of the late seventeenth century, made several contributions to western thought regarding political philosophy. Specifically, Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government had monumental influence on the views of our Founding Fathers, as evidenced by their inclusion of his principles in the American Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. In Second Treatise, Locke states that humans abide by the laws of nature which restrain individuals from invading others' rights. Due to the selfish nature of man, however, citizens are willing to abdicate sovereignty to maintain social order and protect their property. This philosophy has influenced my thought regarding the extent to which a government should exert control over society, a topic I had previously given little thought. Rather than questioning government regulation of certain aspects of American life, I simply accepted it as commonplace. Though I have always identified with a conservative ideology, Second Treatise has challenged my sentiments regarding United States governmental control over social issues. According to Second Treatise, humans are capable of logic and reason and can resolve social matters on their own. Therefore, government should not interfere with the routine affairs of the people. The principles detailed in Second Treatise have greatly influenced my outlook on human beings and their interactions with an administration. John Locke's political philosophy that man is naturally free and government exists solely to preserve order has reinforced my fiscal conservatism and has fundamentally altered my views of governmental involvement in social issues.

Undergraduate / "the Republican Party of Virginia" - GMU- Significant contribution to your community [3]

From the Presidential Election in 2008 to the present, I have spent many hours in October at the Albemarle County Republican Committee Headquarters, a local branch of the Republican Party of Virginia. I have volunteered in the election campaigns of John McCain, Bill Bolling, Ken Cuccinelli, Bob McDonnell and, most recently, Robert Hurt. My work as a volunteer consists of making telephone calls to Virginians in the fifth district, surveying them about the upcoming election, and promoting them to register and vote, particularly for Republican candidates. Usually, I begin working the first week of October and volunteer at least twice a week for two hours. As the nation has grown increasingly politically apathetic, the most significant contribution I have made to the Albemarle County community through my volunteer work has been promoting political party participation and the utilization of the right to vote. The phone calls from headquarters act to inform residents about the candidates in upcoming elections and encourage them to get involved. Volunteering at headquarters is enjoyable because it allows me to participate in politics and exercise my right to be a member of a political party while simultaneously permitting me to encourage other Virginia residents to do the same. Through experience I have learned that this volunteer work is rewarding, no matter the outcome of the election.

Undergraduate / UVA- What is your favorite word and why- Coherence [3]

I have not finished yet. I'm in a bit of a bunch and I don't know where to go from here. Please critique what I do have and suggestions for additions are much needed! Thanks!

Simply the definition of the word is what most people seek in life. It is what makes an argument reputable. It gives a written composition flow and it is what I have organized my life around. Coherence, from the Latin prefix "co" meaning together and the Latin root "haerere" meaning to cling, means literally "to cling together". Conventionally, however, it means logically ordered and consistent or having overall clarity. Coherence is unique of the infinite number of words in the English language in that it applies to me personally as I constantly strive to incorporate order and simplicity into my life. From the moment I knew what a list was, I made them frequently, detailing the things I needed to do and scheduling how to accomplish them in the most efficient manner. I have always valued simplicity and rationale in all aspects of my life, be it how I organize my clothing or how I approach writing an essay.