Undergraduate / What labeled one of the happiest days of our lives was the day my grandfather took those few steps [NEW]

TOPIC: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
What was labeled one of the happiest days of our lives was the day my grandfather took those few steps. He had that childish look on his face of exhilaration and triumph. Something as simple as taking two or three steps meant the world to him.

Grandfather had always been a dignified, independent man. But about two years ago, grandfather was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. His sickness stripped him of his pride and self-sufficiency, and he was relegated to a wheelchair. He hated his wheelchair; it reminded him that he was forced to rely on others to live his life.

As his condition worsened, he started to lose more of his pride and dignity. All he could do was sit there and watch as people cleaned, fed and bathed him. Such simple tasks, like turning your head around or holding your phone became undoable.

What was so overwhelmingly heartbreaking was the fact that as hard as he tried, his body just didn't respond. I remember, him holding a cup of coffee, which all of a sudden just fell right out of his hands. He felt so horrible about it; he would apologize and apologize, and exclaim to us that he couldn't understand what had happened; he had lost all control.

I would watch with tears rolling down my eyes as he struggled doing the things I do pretty much every second of the day. Grandfather has taught me to always appreciate life's little pleasures and to forever be thankful with what you have been given, because as I've learnt, it can all be taken away from you.

During his last few months, grandfather uttered, ""Shukur Munja Sai", which translated literally means, "Thank You My Lord".
Grandfather reiterated the belief that he should remain appreciative with his current state and exclaimed that so many people in similar circumstances were worst off. I was with him during his last few months urging him to push through with his physical therapy, pleading him to keep going. He then looked at me with those eyes and gave me that customary smile; I thought to myself, "how can he still be thankful, he is suffering so much". I then took a moment to look at myself; the legs and arms that I once took for granted were the very fruits grandfather desperately wanted but couldn't operate.

I now see my life as a gift, a gift that should be cherished, and a gift that should never be taken for granted. My days, regardless of any happenings, begin and end with a small thank you to first and foremost my grandfather and then to God.

My grandfather now watches over me daily up there in heaven, free from all the suffering. His life will forever serve as a reminder to always enjoy and cherish the little things, because one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things.

Undergraduate / 'Welcome Center' / 'Keynes' / 'Painting' - NYU Supplementary Essays [2]

TOPIC: Why NYU?

As I walked into the Welcome Center I looked around me in awe of the surroundings. The place had an aura that till today I can't seem to explain, it may be hard to believe but I know I felt something in there. As I embarked on my campus tour, guided by the students of NYU, I imagined what it would be like to be a part of it all, and it fascinated me.

What really stuck with me on that campus tour though, occurred when
I asked one of the guides,
"So where's the rest of the campus"
He paused, turned to his colleagues and looked at me for a split second
"There it is", he replied with a cheeky smile.
My eyes were instantly drawn to this unforgettable sight; it was the heart of New York City. NYU is not your typical campus college, but then again nothing in NYU is really typical. NYU is a perfectly individual community; it's an environment where a person can really find out who they really are, it allows you to embrace yourself and individualize.

When I think of NYU, I think of the unlimited amount of opportunities it has to offer, and the deep realms of possibilities that can be achieved. Be it, going global and studying abroad at NYU Shanghai or studying something as bizarre as the manufacturing process of felt tip pens at the Gallatin School, the possibilities really are endless at NYU.

I can envisage a productive academic environment where the beauties of New York City are combined with the possibilities of NYU.
There is no place in this world quite like it, it is a place that I dream of being a part of.

TOPIC 2: Regardless of whether or not you have an intended major or concentration, please elaborate on an academic area of interest and how you wish to explore it at NYU's campuses in New York or Abu Dhabi or at one of our global academic centers around the world. Please share any activities or experiences you have had that have cultivated your intellectual interests leading you to choose to study at the NYU campus of your choice.

"Boys I'm thinking of writing a book, I'm thinking of calling it 'And you thought Keynes was Good', I'm probably not going to type it up though" Mr. Lowe uttered in his distinctive voice as the classroom became engrossed with laughter. An unforgettable teacher, he was incredible in his knowledge of economics, but unfortunately he couldn't operate any technological contraption to save his life. His bizarre statements are something that strangely made one think.

And then it hit me, why can't I combine the two? Economics, is what I enjoy; its my passion, it is something that clicks with me. While, in this day and age computer literacy is regarded as the key ingredient of business and economic success. So it made sense for the two to work in conjunction, it seemed full proof at the time. But then, I began to doubt whether such a thing actually existed.

Then I realized that anything was possible at NYU, it is really about what I make of it. The joint economics and computer science major, offered at the College of Arts and Sciences is something I genuinely want to pursue. And through the expertise of professors such as: Mr. Andrew Caplin or Mr. Christophe Bregler, I cannot wait to involve myself in such a prolific and constructive environment.

TOPIC 3:What intrigues you? Tell us about one work of art, scientific achievement, piece of literature, method of communication, or place in the world (a film, book, performance, website, event, location, etc.), and explain its significance to you.

Personally, I've never been appreciative of any sort of work of art, I have always looked on the prospect of staring mindlessly at some sort of painting or a random combination of colors as tremendously boring.

I was deep in discussion with a friend, about our plans for the weekend, and at the corner of my eye I saw this painting that just blew me away. It was a feeling I'd never experienced before, I was captivated. "Starry Night Over the Rhone- Vincent Van Gogh", it read.

People have different versions and interpretations about what this painting means, but I don't like being told what something should evoke to me. Some hypothesize that this painting was a symbol of Van Gogh's meeting with God. I don't see that even in the slightest of ways. This painting intrigues me because of the couple captured in the corner.

This painting encapsulates what a first date should be. The couple is conveyed in such a way that its onlookers are able to feel the intensity of their love and subconsciously be there with them in that moment. What's more is the romantic scenery that surrounds them, the way in which the stars are illuminated typifies the pureness and serenity of the love shared by the couple.

This painting captures love in such a brilliant fashion. To me it describes what every hopeless romantic wants to hear, that anyone can be there in that moment under the picturesque sky admiring the soothing sounds of the river and absorbing the scenic starry night.

Undergraduate / Why NYU / academic area of interest; 'anything is possible at NYU' [2]

TOPIC 1: Why NYU?
As I walked into the Welcome Center I looked around me in awe of the surroundings. The place had an aura that till today I can't seem to explain, it may be hard to believe but I know I felt something in there. As I embarked on my campus tour, guided by the students of NYU, I imagined what it would be like to be a part of it all, and it fascinated me.

What really stuck with me on that campus tour though, occurred when
I asked one of the guides,
"So where's the rest of the campus"
He paused, turned to his colleagues and looked at me for a split second
"There it is", he replied with a cheeky smile.
My eyes were instantly drawn to this unforgettable sight; it was the heart of New York City. NYU is not your typical campus college, but then again nothing in NYU is really typical. NYU is a perfectly individual community; it's an environment where a person can really find out who they really are, it allows you to embrace yourself and individualize.

When I think of NYU, I think of the unlimited amount of opportunities it has to offer, and the deep realms of possibilities that can be achieved. Be it, going global and studying abroad at NYU Shanghai or studying something as bizarre as the manufacturing process of felt tip pens at the Gallatin School, the possibilities really are endless at NYU.

I can envisage a productive academic environment where the beauties of New York City are combined with the possibilities of NYU.
There is no place in this world quite like it, it is a place that I dream of being a part of.

TOPIC 2:Regardless of whether or not you have an intended major or concentration, please elaborate on an academic area of interest and how you wish to explore it at NYU's campuses in New York or Abu Dhabi or at one of our global academic centers around the world. Please share any activities or experiences you have had that have cultivated your intellectual interests leading you to choose to study at the NYU campus of your choice.

"Boys I'm thinking of writing a book, I'm thinking of calling it 'And you thought Keynes was Good', I'm probably not going to type it up though" Mr. Lowe uttered in his distinctive voice as the classroom became engrossed with laughter. An unforgettable teacher, he was incredible in his knowledge of economics, but unfortunately he couldn't operate any technological contraption to save his life. His bizarre statements are something that strangely made one think.

And then it hit me, why can't I combine the two? Economics, is what I enjoy; its my passion, it is something that clicks with me. While, in this day and age computer literacy is regarded as the key ingredient of business and economic success. So it made sense for the two to work in conjunction, it seemed full proof at the time. But then, I began to doubt whether such a thing actually existed.

Then I realized that anything was possible at NYU, it is really about what I make of it. The joint economics and computer science major, offered at the College of Arts and Sciences is something I genuinely want to pursue. And through the expertise of professors such as: Mr. Andrew Caplin or Mr. Christophe Bregler, I cannot wait to involve myself in such a prolific and constructive environment.

Undergraduate / 'the global business network' - Penn supplemental [2]

[b]TOPIC: Required for all applicants: Considering both the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying and the unique aspects of the University of Pennsylvania, what do you hope to learn from and contribute to the Penn community?

What is business? Some say it is about changing the world, while others argue that it is about making money work.

I have always asked myself this question, though I have never actually been able to evoke neither meaningful nor complete responses. I just know there is more to it than a simple sentence.

I am someone who constantly questions the world around us; I'd like to think that I am filled with intellectual inquisitiveness. See I don't know what the right answer to my question is, but I do know that I need to find out exactly what the word means. And I can with confidence say that I know my answer lies deep within the realms of the Wharton School of Business.

I look around at the global business network, and two names standout: Donald Trump and Michael Adler. Unsurprisingly both of these highly respectable personnel are graduates from the Wharton School, firstly they are both world leaders and secondly they are people who understand what the word "business" means, but what they have both done rather differently which captivates me is they have tailored its meaning in such a way to match who they both are as human beings. They are both the kind of person I hope to someday turn into, someone who can confidently say, "I get it, it works for me".

When I look at the Wharton School, I am inspired by one name and one name only quite frankly: Mr. Stewart Friedman. Now I'm not much of a reader but after having read Mr. Friedman's, "Total Leadership: Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life" I am moved, I am motivated, I become attracted to his teachings and methods. Mr. Friedman certainly is no ordinary man, he is somebody special, only in Wharton will you find such personnel. He is somebody that I know I must learn from in order to succeed in my quest for answers. I yearn to be apart of the Wharton's Work/Life Integration Project, its where I belong, its where I need to be.

I look at the large family that is University of Pennsylvania and I use to wonder where I could fit in. But now I don't even worry. The image of my low animated voice being heard at discussions held as part of "The Marketing Undergraduate Students Establishment (MUSE)" club is in operation. Being engrossed in a group of marketing enthusiasts like myself, where each person gets their voice heard, where students are able to learn from one another enthralls me. In addition, I can't wait to join the Phi Gamma Nu fraternity house. Where I actually get the chance to be a part of a community of business executives. I can already picture the many discussions to be had, and all the laughter to be shared, I can actually see myself being a part of something of that sort.

I am yet to conjure an answer to my earlier question, but I do know that Penn is a family I want to be a part of, a place where I want to learn and discover, a place where I want to lead and become.

Undergraduate / 'pass and move' - COMMON APP SHORT ANSWER [3]

TOPIC: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).

Pass and move, pass and move: that is what you call the beautiful game.

Football is my life, it is my passion. For me, there is no greater joy than leading my team out there on the pitch. Out there, I have no troubles; it's just about my teammates and I, getting the three points.

Centre mid is my position, the hub of the team, and controller of the game. Coaches along with my teammates say, that it is my duty to dictate the contest.

To be honest, I like that kind of responsibility; it instills some confidence in me. It shows that my coach trusts me, but more importantly it illustrates the amount of faith the rest of my teammates have in me.

Football has taught me about competition and the thrill of winning, whilst being a part of a team has taught me of the importance of trust and comradeship. When I'm on the field, I can genuinely tell you that when it comes to winning I am the most motivated person. Furthermore, I will do anything for the good of my team, they are my family.

Bill Shankly once said that some people think that football is a matter of life and death, I can assure them that it's much more than that. My attitude towards football could not be better described.

Undergraduate / 'My grandfather for me was the best gift' - COMMON APP QUESTION [5]

TOPIC: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.[/b]
Anthony Robbins once declared, "Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more".

In my life I've been lucky enough to know what it really means to give, and how important it is to remain grateful and appreciative with the things you have.

They say a grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. My grandfather for me was the best gift I've ever received from God. He was someone who thought me that you know you've really made it in life when you can give back more than you have.

My grandfather was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor last year and was told he didn't have much time left, and nine months later, he peacefully passed on; leaving a mark on this world that will never be forgotten.

During this period of time, my grandfather lost his mobility, his mentality and his appetite. But extraordinarily, his eyesight remained perfect. Doctors were mystified as they stared with amazement and wonder at the impossibility of this occurrence. It was pretty much impossible.

About five years ago, my grandfather opened an eye clinic, where he provided complimentary cataract eye surgeries to the public of Indonesia. And till today this clinic is still in operation.

My grandfather has given over a thousand people the ability to see once again. I remember him telling me about this lady of 65 years, who had never seen her grandson. He told me after the surgery had concluded the lady walked around experiencing what it was like to see again she stumbled upon a young man, and she broke down in tears, this was the first time she saw her grandson. And my grandfather couldn't help but shed a tear too as he stood there looking at what he had done.

During my grandfather's time of need I now realize it was those people which he had once helped that kept his eyesight alive. It was as if those individuals represented his own eyes.

Throughout his life my grandfather told me of the importance of giving back, I now see life as an opportunity to... (I URGENTLY NEED A NICE WAY TO END THIS)

Undergraduate / 'we made one united family' - University of Michigan supplemental [3]

TOPIC: Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.
"Everywhere we go
People wanna know
Who we are
Where we come from
So we tell them
We are the boarders
Mighty, mighty boarders"

At that point, as we paraded around Craig Oval, bellowing our traditional chants of intimidation, all eyes were on us as we took centre stage. The entirety of the school body watched on with envy as they dreamed what it would be like to be one of us, to be a part of something truly special. We topped the school hierarchy and everyone knew it. Towering above the rest of the school body both academically and on the sporting field, we were kings of the school. We were the boarders.

We consisted of boys from all over the globe, boys from family backgrounds like you couldn't even imagine, boys who were homosexual, bisexual, you name it. If the term "perfect diversity" ever existed, we defined it.

Yet, despite all of our differences we made one united family. It didn't matter what our interests were or what our race may have been, what mattered was that no matter what the circumstances were, when any member of our family needed our assistance we were there for them. A term I like to call "perfect comradeship".

I was just a solitary person, a part of something bigger than myself. I understand how blessed I was to have been a part of such a wonderful community, as I now understand the true meaning of "mateship" and what family really is all about.