Undergraduate / Education interruption Common App response [3]

Alright, yet another portion of writing that needs editing/feedback. Please be as honest and brutal as possible! And if it matters, I am a prospective Sociology major applying to USC.

2. I didn't attend ASU during the Spring 2011 semester because of two chief reasons. My financial aid was delayed for so long that I couldn't attend any classes for that semester. I decided to deal with this interruption in my educational career constructively and I accompanied my expatriate father to Angola. During this time, I was immersed in a fusion of Portuguese and Central African culture. I stayed in Luanda, a city where poverty and privilege existed in close proximity together. Even though we lived in the richer part of town, I still saw many examples of poverty and destitute on the city streets. I frequently ran into children as young as 10 operating boats and driving taxis. With the help of a guide, I managed to have conversations about their plight, their fears and their lives. These engaging conversations made me appreciate how fortunate I was to live in America, where opportunity is plentiful. Even after I stumbled in my earlier educational years, I am given ample opportunity to redeem, challenge, and engage myself. Although I felt that the short time I spent there wasn't nearly long enough, it affected me positively and I have renewed dedication to both aiding those in need and realizing my full potential, if only for those who don't have that chance.

Undergraduate / 'our different human experiences' - USC academic interest paragraph [4]

Please provide feedback! I'd like to submit the supplement ASAP. =]

As a child, I have always been intrigued and fascinated by all of our different human experiences. Although I have had the luxury of living in an upper middle class background, I have always felt that it was my intrinsic duty to connect with and be a voice for those who may not be heard. My diverse friendships with those from differing ethnic and racial backgrounds has allowed me to have clear and multiple perspectives on life and society. Because of this interest, I am hoping to pursue a bachelor's in Sociology from the University of Southern California. As I am particularly drawn to those in need, I plan to take courses in public policy so that I can have a more intimate understanding of the disenfranchised populations that I'll work with. I am also very drawn to sociological perspectives on the family and its changing definition, specifically minority families. Judith Stacey and Timothy J. Biblarz's academic article, "How Does the Sexual Orientation of Parents Matter?" solidified my interest even further, as it outlined the connections between children and parents within the family. After receiving my bachelor's, I want to earn my Ph.D in Sociology and eventually work on the government level, specifically providing an inclusive sociological perspective on how educational resources can be used to serve the needs of the community. To better connect with as many people as I possibly can, I hope to be able to take as many courses in foreign languages as my schedule allows, perhaps minoring in German. As there is a shortage of Sociologists in Europe, I would love to travel abroad and provide my skills as needed.