Undergraduate / 'Pro-Solution Views' - Global Scholars Program Essay [NEW]

Discuss a significant global issue about which you are passionate and describe how you would create meaningful change.

Israelis and Palestinians have been locked in a bitter conflict for generations. My exposure to the culture and people of the Middle East has shaped the person I am today. Spending all my summers with my Jewish family in Israel has given me firsthand experience and taught me the importance of harmonious international relations. Today's troubled conditions, call out for a new generation of leaders dedicated to public service, and educated in the dynamics of deepening globalization. It is my passion to learn and use these skills to become a catalyst for peace among nations.

Recently, in the face of devastating violence and pain, thousands of ordinary people have stepped forward to end bloodshed, preserve human rights and promote reconciliation. Yet although Palestinians and Israelis who support peace outnumber the militants, their voices are continually drowned out by sensational, explosive headlines. It is clear that no matter what happens on a political level among Palestinian and Israeli officials, lasting peace will only take hold with widespread participation of civilians. We need to hear more from people who are committed to building a stable, dignified future.

I believe there should be no more Pro-Israeli or Pro-Palestinian views only Pro-Solution. I strongly urge policy makers to support an even-handed US engagement in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Currently, thousands of courageous Israelis and Palestinians cross political, economic and cultural boundaries to work together to build peace and promote equality in the Middle East. Many people are committed to non-violence as a means of ending the conflict. I would like to work to create peace and tolerance through co-existence programs and interfaith dialogues. Today, any meeting calling for non-violence is immediately labeled "normalization" -only for those who sell their principles and give in to enemies. However, it must begin by getting them to sit; they do not have to love each other but their efforts are crucial to the establishment of lasting peace in the region, and must be complimented by concrete steps on the political level. I strongly support the US adopting a policy that encourages Israeli and Palestinian politicians to resume the difficult process of negotiation, and is actively involved in holding each side to steps agreed upon in those negotiations. For our own sake and for the future stability of the Middle East, the United States must support a dignified future for both Israelis and Palestinians in the region.

Meaningful contact is of consequential importance, and forums for dialogue and not conversion must be created. The Bereaved Families for Reconciliation and Peace is a prime example; it is an organization of bereaved Palestinians and Israelis that promotes reconciliation as an alternative to hatred and revenge. If those who lost what is most precious to them can talk and look forward to a better future then everyone else must do so as well. Education is critical for people to become compassionate. If you don't know both sides of the problem and you don't know the reality, how can you help?

Reverberations from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are felt worldwide. It is perhaps the most divisive, polarizing and documented political issue of our time. Just like Nelson Mandela, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, and Badshah Khan all realized they could achieve more through peace than violence, a similar movement is beginning in the Middle East and I will be a part of it.

Undergraduate / "DC is the place to be"- Why GW? Essay [NEW]

Attach an essay of no more than 500 words indicating what most influenced you to apply to The George Washington University (required of all applicants).

Choosing what school I want to attend has been anything but easy. There are many factors that must go into my decision such as the school's city, campus, and academics. It is difficult to find one institution that fulfills all my desires in these aspects. I feel that the quality of academic and social opportunities furnished is one of the most important things to evaluate when choosing a college. Fortunately, I have discovered George Washington University and I feel as though I need not look further.

My aspiration to attend GW extends further than just because it has my major and is in D.C. Predominantly, I love the atmosphere in the city; it is modern yet has ample history. Not only is George Washington University located in D.C, it is integrated into DC two things that must not be confused. GW is not off on some hill, or in a suburb, but is directly in the city only blocks from the heart. I cannot wait to be studying within miles of the White House, right in the center of the most powerful city in the world, where history is made everyday. It is the academic setting a student with my interests' dreams of.

I especially admire how extensively GW employs DC's resources. Many other schools offer agreeable academic programs but none can deliver what GW does for its students. I enjoy many aspects of the political world, and only George Washington would allow me to explore various possibilities to find my professional niche. The school uses its proximity to everything to hire amazing professors, place students in internships, bring in guest speakers, and host events. Not setting specific geographic boundaries for its campus, allows GWU to utilize the entirety of DC as an educational experience giving students the excitement of having world leaders at their fingertips. This is the kind of school I see myself attending.

In addition to the wonderful location and use of resources, I am impressed by The Elliot School of International Affairs. Superb courses offered such as Politics of Peace Agreements and The Arab-Israeli Conflict, hugely grab my attention. I thrive when I am challenged, but not when I am struggling; for this reason I have every confidence this school will be a perfect fit. The rigor of the academics seems demanding but not suffocating, a perfect balance. It would be an honor to join notable alumni such as General Colin Powell and Senator Harry Reid in calling George Washington University home.

Undergraduate / 'International Relations' + 'culturally diverse environment' - BU [NEW]

Why BU?-
I want to attend Boston University because of its global student body and reputation for excellence. I have looked at the syllabi for courses in International Relations and appreciate how rigorous they are. I know firsthand that BU graduates are well prepared for careers because my father went from BU to medical school to a thriving private practice. Because BU is highly selective, I expect to be challenged by exceptionally gifted classmates and world-renowned faculty. I am especially looking forward to taking classes from Professor Dunbar, because of his long tenure as a diplomat in the Middle East. Boston is the ideal place for me to attend college because of its rich history, many cultural amenities, and vibrant Jewish community.

Why is a culturally diverse environment important to you?-
What separates BU from many other colleges is the culturally diverse environment that surrounds the campus. The Census Bureau projects that by the year 2100 the US minority will become the majority with non-Hispanic whites making up only 40% of the population. As the US becomes more diverse, it is critical colleges reflect that diversity, and that students learn how to interact in a mixed environment. I believe that diversity is a crucial aspect of college life. Jean Snell, clinical professor of teacher education at the University of Maryland, believes cultural diversity enhances the school experience, too. "There is a richness that comes from students working side by side with others who are not of the same cookie-cutter mold," she says. I agree not only because I plan to study International Relations, but because college is about making new friendships, discovering different avenues, and exploring new things. Diversity makes this possible. Every year my family spends about two months in Israel; I love these family trips and look forward to further travel when I am older. I am very interested in participating in Boston University's Study Abroad programs. While I may not be able to visit every country I'd like to I know that attending BU will give me the opportunity to meet people from many different places on earth. In addition, exposure to diversity broadens one's outlook on life and others, making one more culturally and socially aware. Just by exploring BU, I can tell that this university will be able to offer me the culturally diverse experience I desire.