Undergraduate / Trip to Europe: my curious traits - UC essay [5]

i enjoyed writing this one, to me i think it answers the question but im in need of someone elses opinion. please criticize as much as you like from relevancy , style or grammar thank you so much in advance.

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

I am a curious person. I am dedicated and have a thirst for knowledge. Now curiosity at times has a negative connotation -- after all, it did kill the cat didn't it? But it is what killed the cat that made me stronger. So how does curiosity make me the person that I am? It pushes me to want to know the unknown, to want to do the inexperienced, and to always want more. With that being said I think my trip to Europe is the perfect example of where my inquisitive nature takes me.

From a young age I have always dreamed that one day I will travel the world by myself. As a daughter of conservative parents who live in a judgmental society I was aware that this would be a challenge. But I did not despair, because I knew that my persistent nature will find a way --and so it did. To my joy, when I hit 18 my dream transformed into a trip to France. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I decided to live in France for a couple of months. After all, where better to learn my third language than its origins? I chose to study French in a city named Biarritz located in the south. I did so because I knew that little spoke English there and so I would have to adapt quickly in order to live. I also enjoyed its close proximity to Spain because I knew that I would take advantage of it.

At first living in France was extremely difficult, the language barrier made everyday tasks near impossible. But it was not too long before it became my second home. On the weekdays, I would study by day and explore Biarritz and neighboring towns by night. On the weekends I would take the bus or train and go on little adventures to unknown territories. Some of my adventures lead me to Paris, where I met the Monalisa in the Louvre, and climbed the stairs of the Eiffel tour. To Eze where I learnt how some of my favorite perfumes, such as Coco Chanel, is made-- and even made my very own. Other adventures lead me to Pamplona, Spain where I ran with the bulls and finally discovered the secret behind their hot chocolate. And the Pyrenees, where I tried white water rafting and jumped off a 40 feet cliff into the river.

Curiosity, it makes me who I am, and who I aspire to be; an inquisitive, adventurous, and social soul. I am always up for a challenge. I am appreciative of what I have, yet will take advantage of every opportunity given to me. Curiosity makes me who I am; because while I may not have 9 lives, I intend to live the one I have to the fullest.

Undergraduate / I intend to major in communication studies. I have become extremely fascinated by mass media. [5]

i would like severe constructive criticism. on whether it answers the question, are my points clear, for those who understand the major do i convey my understanding of it etc. UCLA communication major is extremely competitive and i'm in need of a perfect essay. thank you in advance.

What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field - such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities - and what you have gained from your involvement.

I intend to major in communication studies. I love this field because it is an interdisciplinary major that draws heavily from subjects such as sociology and psychology. In fact, I developed my love for this field when I realized that it was the communication aspect of some of my favorite subjects that captivated me. For instance, in sociology we learn how certain behaviors such as eye contact is accepted in some societies, and yet is not in others. In psychology, we try to understand why individuals act the way they do and what it suggests. In political science, we analyze how important the media is in steering an election to a party's favor.

After taking a course in political science I have become extremely fascinated by mass media. I find it interesting that the media for instance plays a large role in steering the elections. I am eager to learn about mass communication, the mediums used, and the effects of each on the individual, and society. I think that courses such as Decoding Media Strategies and Sociology and Mass Communication will fulfill that quest. The understanding of these courses will also play an important role in my future plans of doing graduate school in political science and journalism.

Apart from communication in the mass level I am extremely interested in understanding interpersonal communication. I find nonverbal communication and body language fascinating because it digs into our subconscious. I am excited to learn the issues surrounding origin of language and how communication is used in relationships.

I have been blessed with many experiences in the field of communication. At age 16 I began giving back to the community through volunteer work. In one specific program I assisted in teaching a kindergarten class for the deaf. Unlike the teacher, I did not know sign language and so I connected with them by means of technology, for instance the use of vibrating stages connected to a microphone. This program has taught me the various means that we as humans communicate. Communication comes in various forms, from verbal to nonverbal. Hand gestures, sign language and body language are all means of communication that go beyond verbal words. This program also shows the various ways that we adapt to our surroundings and society, that even for those who do not know sign language there are ways in which to communicate with the deaf. It also shows us the use of technology as a medium in sending and receiving messages. The understanding of these fascinating topics is what I seek in this field.

I have always had an inquisitive mind. I love the analysis of society that communication studies offers. I am eager to understand why and how we as a society function. It is my hope, that through this brief statement I have effectively conveyed my understanding and passion for the field of communications.