Undergraduate / An experience through which you have gained respect for you differencies. [2]

Share an experience through which you have gained respect for intellectual, social, or cultural differences. Comment on how your personal experiences and achievements would contribute to the diversity of the University of Michigan.

Two years ago I went to a summer school in England. It was the first time that I traveled abroad without my family, and it was an amazing experience. For the first time in my life, I felt different. Everyone there seemed to behave and think differently from what I expected. However, I knew that it was vital for me to adapt. Why? Because we live in a global community so we need to understand and appreciate the differences amongst nations in order to live harmoniously in this World.

An example of such differences is the following: Greek people typically greet each other with a hug and a kiss while British people are more reserved and they avoid any unnecessary contact. Conversations amongst Greeks are loud and animated, unlike those of British people that tend to be less noisy and more controlled. I quickly learned that what Greeks often see as "coldness" in English people is simply a sincere respect of privacy.

Regarding my contribution to the University's diversity, I believe that the most important one is my Greek heritage. Many of my British friends were very interested in Greek history, language, and way of life. For example, they asked why science, medicine and mathematical terms come from Greek. I explained to them that the ancient Greeks were pioneers in these fields. In my opinion, the variety of nationalities in a University is an opportunity for students to learn about other cultures and gain respect and appreciation for others.

Undergraduate / What led you to choose the area of academic interest you chose? [2]

What led you to choose the area of academic interest that you have listed in your application to the University of Michigan?

Ever since I remember myself I was always eager to participate in events such as school celebrations and charity events. I used to organize theatrical plays and bazaars at my school in order to fundraise for charities. I have always loved everything that has to do with organization, management and finance, so when I started thinking about my future I searched for a program that would satisfy these passions. I realized that the most suitable major field that combines all of my interests is Business Administration. At the University of Michigan, I am interested in studying Economics, since they are very good base for Business Administration.

I had always had the impression that Economics comprise only the circulation of money. In high school, I took Economics courses and I was glad to realize that many aspects of a society, apart from financial, can be fully understood through Economic theory. I also learnt that in economics an issue may be approached by several ways, a fact that made the subject even more appealing to me. I have finally come to the decision that Economics is a field of study in which I am very interested in and I believe that I will be very good at. I think that studying Economics is the best way for me to make my passion a carrier. I am sure that I have a lot of potentials in this field, since I am studious, passionate, shrewd, creative, social and dedicated to what I do.

Undergraduate / Describe a setback that you have faced (brother) - essay [7]

Describe a setback that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? If something similar happened in the future, how would you react?

It took me sixteen years to realize what an extraordinary influence my brother has in my life. He is the person who always advises me and tries to help me with anything I need. He was the first to hug me when I didn't want to go to school at first grade; he was the first to hold my hand when I was ill; he was the first to congratulate me when I won my first trophy. In every single achievement in my life, he was always there. Our relationship was exceptional, as was everything in my life until the day he had to leave for the United States to study at the University of Michigan. That day I felt like the whole world was falling apart. That day I realized he would no more be a part of my everyday life, and that was insupportable.

All my life I used to share everything with my brother, from my happiest moments to my biggest problems, and he was always there, eager to listen to me. During the first month after his departure, the impact of his absence on me was even greater than I had expected. Apart from the fact that I missed him, other problems were also created. Having used to open up only to my brother, I had nobody to talk to after he left, and therefore I was feeling even lonelier. Thankfully, with the new school year I was distracted and I did not feel the need to talk to anyone about my personal issues.

A few months later I noticed that I was usually angry and stressful, and I realized it was due to my introversion. I decided that I couldn't wait for my brother to return to Greece in order to open up to someone, neither could I spend a fortune in transatlantic calls. So, firstly I tried to open up to my parents, but even though they love me and care about me very much, they couldn't understand me, mainly due to our age difference. They couldn't understand how an issue that is of no importance to them can be major for a sixteen-year-old girl. Secondly, I tried to talk to my friends, but this attempt wasn't that successful either. Even though I communicated better with them, I couldn't trust their discretion. Finally, I found the best balance between the credibility of the family and the understanding of the friends. I found a girl that was trustworthy and seemed to care sincerely about me and I shared with her my silly girlish issues, but when it came to more important matters, I always discussed them with my parents.

A year after my brothers departure, I had finally resolved the setback and had got accustomed of his absence. If something similar happened in the future, I am certain I would be more prepared for it and I would face it more maturely.

My brother's absence may have been one of the most significant setbacks in my life, but it has also been one of the most educational experiences. I learned to be independent, to trust people and to be able to find a balance between things. Of course I haven't stopped completely communicating with my brother, but I have learnt to make my own decisions and not to rely completely on him, or anybody else.