Undergraduate / When is it okay to escape reality? Essay (PSEO at the University of MN Admission) [NEW]

I definitely need to elaborate and phrase things differently! Any feedback is helpful.

Fantasy is escapist, & that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned, don't we consider it his duty to escape?
J.R.R. Tolkien
Do you think it's every okay to escape reality? When is it okay and when is it not?

Reality is a mystery. I believe that everyone looks at life in a completely different way. Children, who simply run around on the playground, their only priority being not to get tagged. Teenagers, who focus on the fact that prom is in a month, and don't have a date. Adults, who can barely comprehend all the things that have piled up on their daily to-do list. For some people, their reality becomes a chore. Whether it be healthy or unhealthy and short-term or long-term, people do lose touch with reality.

I sat on my bed and pulled out my book after a long and rigorous day of school. The words were whirling through my head, and I couldn't stop reading.The make-believe had taken over, and I had not even noticed. Glancing at the clock, it read 2 am. How did I get here? In any case, it was time for bed, and I knew it. The end of the chapter crept closer. I quickly finished reading it and closed it shut. My daily-dose of the unreal was accomplished, and waited for me tomorrow night.

If escaping reality serves the purpose of taking a quick breather or for getting your mind off things, then you are taking appropriate advantage of it. You could read a book, watch a movie, or anything that gives you those few moments of relaxation.

There are people that rather than face their reality, hide from it. For example, a girl who hides herself from all of the makeup she applies everyday. This routine of putting on loads of makeup becomes a habit, and something that is very hard to break away from. Makeup becomes something she relies on and the only way she can face the outside world, her reality.

Undergraduate / "I belong here" Why I deserve to go to the University of MN (PSEO classes) [NEW]

I love constructive criticism and personal opinion, so knock yourself out!

"I belong here." Those three simple and honest words replayed in my overwhelmed head over and over again. As I anxiously sat in the Engineering building of the University of Minnesota in the West Bank, I examined the students; what beautiful proactive people. I wanted to be there. Sitting in one of those incredibly modern looking chairs, emailing the most knowledgeable and helpful professors in the world, working on my challenging literature essays and calculus homework, and being greeted by the warm and welcoming students of the campus.

I've always been a big believer in making the most of what you have. If you need help, ask for it. There happen to be a million people that are willing to help you succeed. The faculty of the U of M never ceases to amaze me with all brilliance and care they possess. When I attended the information seminar at the College of Engineering, Professor Paul Strykowski really stood out to me with his well-spoken and optimistic words. I hope to build strong relationships with these kinds professors, professors that I can relate to.

I remember my first semester of my junior year. It was filled with loads of homework, and loads of stress. It was a challenging chapter of my life, juggling all my academic work and art work. I've always been an extremely motivated and a determined human being, so I finished everything that needed to be done, and I had fun doing it! At the University of Minnesota, I am prepared to take on the challenge of college level classes and rigorous work. I strongly feel that hard work pays off in the end.

Many of my family members attended the U of M: my dad, uncle and cousin. My grandfather was also a professor there. They are all some of the most inspiring and successful people I know! To be surrounded by highly motivated and wise people is something I only could dream for. Students that possess a good balance between their academic priorities and their social priorities, just like me. I am ready for the college experience.