Undergraduate / "the sporting world of softball and soccer" - Bucknell--positive risk taking [2]

We're interested in the kind of positive risk-taking energy you would bring to our University. Please describe a time when you found the courage to step outside of your comfort zone to do something unexpected and completely unlike you. Why did you take this risk? What have you learned from the experience? (up to 500 words)

Throughout my life, I have always been a very sports-oriented person, playing every sport imaginable. Whether it's soccer, basketball, street hockey, or wiffleball, I play rain or shine almost every day. My childhood was spent watching the Red Sox and inventing sports with my brother in our yard. The closest thing we had to theater in our house was forced participation in our elementary school plays and concerts, something my brother and I were never too keen on. However, at some point, somehow, I began to mature, and mature me realized she liked musical theater.

It was quite a shock, especially when last year I decided not to play basketball and instead try out for the school's musical. Well, you can imagine how that went over. Or maybe you can't, so I'll tell you. It was complete mayhem. My friends and family went crazy; "Are you joking?", "What is going on!", and of course, the threatening "You'll be back to playing basketball next year."

When I assured them that I was not crazy, joking, or having a mental breakdown, they were slightly subdued, as they realized that they couldn't really do anything about it. So I auditioned for the musical, more scared then I'd ever been taking foul shots in a big game. When we received our parts, I was given a small supporting role, making me immediately regret my decision. Why was I dancing in the background when I could be a point guard on the Varsity `1squad? I knew that I had to stick with the musical though, as the commitment I had made was just as important as any I had to sports.

I went to practice every day, and soon met and befriended many new people, which is saying something, considering I attend a school of 350 students. As I began to make friends, I wasn't as concerned about my lack of a leading role, and was therefore happily surprised when a bigger role dropped out and the director gave me the role because of my dedication.

When the musical debuted, my sports friend and family attended, no doubt still dubious about the outcome of my decision. When the show ended, I nervously awaited their critiques, only to find that they were more proud of me than I was. I was so relieved, because throughout the musical I had realized something about myself, I loved to act. Because of the risk I'd taken to participate in the musical, I now had a new group of friends as well as the respect of my other friends and family.

As I went back to the sporting world of softball and soccer with as much love and dedication as ever, part of me just couldn't wait until the next musical came around. Again, I tried out, and this time received a leading role, which I am incredibly nervous about. I think that's when you know that something is really important to you; when you're anxious that you'll screw it up.

All advice is welcome! Pleaseee?

Undergraduate / "A huge tomboy" + "Guilty pleasures" + "Involved person" - Bucknell 3 things [2]

The following questions are your opportunity to demonstrate, within the context of the Common Application, what makes you uncommon and uniquely you. In your responses, be bold and have some fun - really! Tell us about your talents and interests so that we can know the "you" behind the transcripts.

What are the three most important things Bucknell's faculty and students should know about you? (up to 200 words each (1400 characters each)

1. I am a huge tomboy. From ages 7 to 12, I wore a backwards hat every single day. Sometimes citizens of my town of 600 referred to me as 'the backwards hat girl', a title I take much pride in to this day. Though this may not seem an important fact about me, the things I learned from being a tomboy make me what I am today. With only an older brother to look up to, I learned pretty fast that sports were the most important thing in the world. Playing hockey, baseball, and soccer with the boys made me tough and led to a tendency to be incredibly competitive. As I matured, my range of interests increased slightly; now along with sports I also enjoyed a good book, and from time to time even a dress, but my competitive edge was still very apparent in every aspect of my life. However, instead of a hindrance, my love of competition has helped succeed in not only athletics, but also academics and theater. I'll bring a fun, competitive edge to Bucknell's campus, and I promise I'll only wear a backwards hat once a week.

2. I have numerous guilty pleasures. My kryptonite is 90s music and movies. While my friends scoff at my screenings of The Mighty Ducks and my I-Pod full of Smash Mouth and Sugar Ray, I scoff at their lack of love. I guess I feel like I owe it to my childhood to carry on the awful, cheesiness that is the 90s. However, I do have one pleasure that I refuse to deem 'guilty.' That pleasure is my absolute infatuation with Harry Potter. And no, I don't mean the blockbuster movies that have made Warner Brothers millions of dollars. I've seen them all, but only because they keep alive the series that has, to my dismay, ended. I have every book, of course, and at least two copies of each (the hard cover for at home reading, and the paperback for travel use). I've read them all numerous times, and they just never get old. I love being able to lose myself in a completely different world, to immerse myself in a place so completely unlike than anything I've ever felt, but at the same time something I can relate to so well. Also, did I mention I play quidditch?

3. Finally, the more serious one. I am a very involved person, and I'll try almost anything, once. I'll be scared out of my mind, but I'll try it. As Americans, we have so many opportunities at our fingertips, and I think it's a shame that most people let things like social expectations and fear of acceptance get in their way of trying new things. This is especially apparent in society's biggest stereotype; high school. As previously stated, I'm a huge athlete, but I don't let that get in the way of participation in the school's musicals and volunteering in my community. While most people are content in their comfort zones, I get bored if I stand in one place for too long. I like to get my hands dirty, whether it's planting flowers in the community garden or making cookies with elementary school kids. I know that if I attend Bucknell, I will bring with me a willingness to try new things, which I find is contagious, and often leads to discovering unexpected new likes or even talents.

any comments? constructive criticism is welcome