Iceman
Aug 17, 2011
Undergraduate / "to work as hard as my parent had to" - Rice Supplement essay [2]
Any criticism, preferably through and harsh, is welcomed. Also, please have some suggestion for the harsh criticism.
The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences
and cultural traditions each student brings. What perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice? (Most applicants are able to respond successfully in two to three double-spaced pages.)
Whenever I consider my fortunate circumstances, I immediately think of my parents' sacrifice; they traveled halfway around the world and somehow established themselves within a couple of decades to a nation so different from their own. In the process, they provided me with a brighter future and access to academic opportunities as I will be the first child to attend college in the United States.
As the first-generation Chinese-American eldest son, I serve as the melting pot of cultures, able to experience aspects of both; however, my unique background also has its challenges. In Chinese culture, the eldest child traditionally upholds many responsibilities to family which, in my case, includes helping my parents adapt to a culture so foreign to their own, and forging a path for my brother to follow. Although some might view my situation as a burden, I believe these responsibilities cultivated accountability and catalyzed my development: I hold myself to higher standards, aspire to greater goals and constantly seek for areas of self-improvement. Overall, I believe my challenges have hastened my maturity, and fostered a drive for excellence.
Therefore, I believe it is now my turn to repay them for their kindness and dedication. I want to support my parents when I become financially independent, not only because of Chinese tradition, but because of my own gratitude and indebtedness to them. Thus, my aspirations are vital to my family, who continually rest their hopes on my success. Although they are frugal in many respects, in education and my future, they readily pour their resources. Because my parents not only have provided for me materially but also with intangible gifts such as opportunities, their work ethic and their cultural core values, a prominent consideration for my aspirations is how I can reciprocate their generosity. Therefore, no matter what I hope to achieve, I plan to work as hard as my parent had to provide me with a promising future in attempt to repay them for all of the priceless resources they have endowed me.
Any criticism, preferably through and harsh, is welcomed. Also, please have some suggestion for the harsh criticism.
The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences
and cultural traditions each student brings. What perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice? (Most applicants are able to respond successfully in two to three double-spaced pages.)
Whenever I consider my fortunate circumstances, I immediately think of my parents' sacrifice; they traveled halfway around the world and somehow established themselves within a couple of decades to a nation so different from their own. In the process, they provided me with a brighter future and access to academic opportunities as I will be the first child to attend college in the United States.
As the first-generation Chinese-American eldest son, I serve as the melting pot of cultures, able to experience aspects of both; however, my unique background also has its challenges. In Chinese culture, the eldest child traditionally upholds many responsibilities to family which, in my case, includes helping my parents adapt to a culture so foreign to their own, and forging a path for my brother to follow. Although some might view my situation as a burden, I believe these responsibilities cultivated accountability and catalyzed my development: I hold myself to higher standards, aspire to greater goals and constantly seek for areas of self-improvement. Overall, I believe my challenges have hastened my maturity, and fostered a drive for excellence.
Therefore, I believe it is now my turn to repay them for their kindness and dedication. I want to support my parents when I become financially independent, not only because of Chinese tradition, but because of my own gratitude and indebtedness to them. Thus, my aspirations are vital to my family, who continually rest their hopes on my success. Although they are frugal in many respects, in education and my future, they readily pour their resources. Because my parents not only have provided for me materially but also with intangible gifts such as opportunities, their work ethic and their cultural core values, a prominent consideration for my aspirations is how I can reciprocate their generosity. Therefore, no matter what I hope to achieve, I plan to work as hard as my parent had to provide me with a promising future in attempt to repay them for all of the priceless resources they have endowed me.
