Undergraduate / (give back to the communities / interest in philosophy) - UW 1 and 2 [5]

These are my essays with the prompts above. School name excluded, not sure which school it is for yet. If you could help that would be great. I want these to be as good as possible.

1. The University values an educational environment that provides all members of the campus community with opportunities to grow and develop intellectually, personally, culturally and socially. In order to give us a more complete picture of you as an individual, please tell us about the particular life experiences, perspectives, talents, commitments and/or interests you will bring to our campus. In other words, how will your presence enrich our community?

It is important, in my view, to give back to the communities or systems which you depend on. As an avid skier, I am a member of the National Ski Patrol and a certified Outdoor Emergency Technician. I have spent many hours at my local hill keeping it safe and assisting the injured. As an avid outdoors-person, I have always had jobs in which I can pass on my knowledge of the equipment and skills necessary for outdoor activities and my enthusiasm for an active lifestyle. In all my activities and interests I have tried to give back. I want to apply this principle to my academic life as well.

If given the opportunity to be a part of the community at _________, I could provide my skills and talents for mutual benefit. My involvement in climbing, skiing, and many other outdoor activities could be shared with peers. Also, as a dedicated student of philosophy, I can provide my analytical strengths and understanding of complex issues. I have always had strong analytical skills and my interests and persuasions have always been driven by them. I love to solve problems and deal with tangled issues. These proclivities led me to an interest in philosophy and the sciences. Ever since my first philosophy class, and even before it, I have focused much of my energy and free time on reading philosophy. I turned to all of my work with a newfound passion. In my freshmen year I was the youngest member of my school's philosophy club. I loved how it challenged me and my peers; I would be very anxious to participate in such a group again at _________. After almost two years of personal engagement with the subject, I have come to realize that it has much to offer an academic community and the larger world. I want to bring my aptitude and knowledge in philosophy to concrete application. I hope, first to study it, then to find the best place I can apply what I have gained from it. I intend to use what I gain in philosophy for future work in education, law, or a social science.

To me, an education and the initiative to use it for good ends amounts to a responsible and reflective place in the world. I think I could achieve this, benefit the community, and grow personally if given the opportunity to attend _____.

2. Tell us about your academic goals, circumstances that may have had an impact on your academic performance, and, in general, anything else you would like us to know in making an admission decision.

I did not go through the same process as many of my peers did in high school. It took me a little longer to realize what valuing an education meant. Back then I wondered why my peers were so excited and driven by their studies; now I regret that I wasn't. Things changed in my first year of college. I became enthusiastic about my work and found that I cared strongly for it. Even though it took me a little longer, I believe that my deliberate change in values has now resulted in a drive my academic goals.

When I began to seriously take interest in philosophy, I realized it would take much effort and support to move forward in the discipline. It is my dream to learn in an environment which could provide such support, where resources are available, and my efforts could engender academic progress. Because I hope to use what I learn in philosophy for a future vocation, it is important to me to be in a place where many opportunities are available.

My academic prospect could be broken down into two goals, short and long term. My short term goal is to get involved in the academic world of philosophy, to learn as much as I can and to make a contribution of my own. My long term goal is to find a vocation to couple with my passion for philosophy; this may be teaching, law, or a social science.