Undergraduate / 'my energy in the classroom' - Why UPenn and what can you contribute? [6]

When I first glanced at a brochure from the University of Pennsylvania, I was immediately drawn in by the pictures of the students. Smiling, they were full of confidence and vibrant energy, budding adults that would one day become the future leaders of the world. It was then that I realized I wanted to be one of them.

Penn suits me because of my energy in the classroom and my eagerness to learn. In my sophomore year, I decided to break the age boundary, doubling in math and taking Advanced Placement Statistics. Alone in a sea of seniors, I overcame this challenge with endless notes and hours of studying. After it was all over, instead of breathing a sigh of relief, I realized I had learned to love statistics. I am eager to continue my education in statistics at Penn with the same fervor and enthusiasm with which I pursue all my passions. In addition, Penn stresses the importance of an interdisciplinary education, supporting my wish to pursue a minor in Chinese. There I will learn to combine my knowledge and skills across different fields to shape the world for the better.

I felt an immediate connection with Penn's emphasis on participation in the community, both locally and globally. As someone who believes that the gift of giving goes both ways, I have become a dedicated volunteer teacher. In my freshman year, I helped raise thousands of dollars to help impoverished children across the world. At Penn, I would be excited to be a part of West Philadelphia tutoring, Penn Music Mentors, and other community service projects. Through programs like the global health partnership in Botswana and Penn International Business Volunteers-programs that form alliances with nations and organizations across the world-Penn provides the opportunity to affect change on an international scale.

Competition at Wharton is stiff, and you are wondering why you should accept me over other applicants. Through working with children I have learned to work with people of all ages. I realized at the core of each adult is a child; children are adults who express their inner emotions more openly. Seeing the value of childlike honesty, I act with true sincerity and compassion in all I do. I am a leader in the classroom, confidently expressing my ideas and opinions. I am innovative, tenacious, and unafraid to rock the boat; I am a mover, a shaker, a changer.

Penn is my first choice not just because of the high quality education or the 450 plus choices of student groups to be involved in, but mostly because there I will have the opportunity to discover myself, challenge myself, and reach for new heights. I will contribute as greatly to the University of Pennsylvania as I will profit from it. College will prepare me to be successful. My understanding of success is not only defined by my own life, but by how much I give back to society. The famous Greek physicist Archimedes once said, "Give me a lever long enough and I shall move the world". Above all, I know that going to the University of Pennsylvania will give me the knowledge, experiences, and opportunities to lengthen my lever, so that perhaps one day, I can move the world and change it for the better.