Undergraduate / Most significant academic experience - "interviewing the mayor in your house" [2]

describe your most significant academic experience

It is not an every day experience interviewing the mayor in your own house or seeing real-life impacts of your school project. These were the least expected outcomes of my year-long 'Senior Geography Project', a research task on a local issue of concern. I considered it as just another school assignment until mayor contacted me to tell me that improvements were being made at my local park due to the ideas raised in the project. I was stunned. This became more than school work, but a valuable life lesson that no matter how insignificant it may seem, one man can make an impact. One man, can change the world.

its only 100 words. Therefore, though it could be confusing, i didn't explain the school project itself because i don't think it was needed to support my argument. But if you think otherwise, plz let me know.

as always grammar check please!

and the ending - does it seem toooooo dramatic and overstated?

any suggestions are welcome! thanks a lot!
any help plz due today! thanks!

Undergraduate / Why GWU? This new beginning. [6]

500 word limit! (its at 499 now lol)

thanks guys!

needs a lot of work on grammar, awkward sentences etc! any help is greatly appreciated!

also is the first paragraph too weird? i tried to convey the point that GWU's surroundings are awesome etc in an interesting way.

With heavy textbooks in my bag, a camera hanging loosely around my neck and a small map in my hand, I wander down the street searching for my destination. With the United States Capitol behind me, I continue to stroll, absorbing the atmosphere, studying the surroundings, and becoming part of the crowd. As I walk, I am deeply amazed at the history, the culture, and the value these buildings represent and demand. None more so than the White House. I stand in awe and imagine myself working in such a place. Although a security guard stops me from approaching closer for a better picture, I continue to amble in high spirits. Before long, I approach the World Bank, where I push past the protesters. As I reflect on this path called Pennsylvania Avenue, I realize how wonderful it would be to do this every day, only to realize I have finally reached my destination. The sign reads, "Welcome to George Washington University."

As an international student who decided to attend university in a country he has never been before, I had big dreams. I dreamed of a place where I could walk the streets and become amazed at the milieu, filled with hope for the future and ultimately, inspired to achieve my best. I dreamed of a place where my childhood ambitions of serving the President in the Oval Office or working in a major international organization like World Bank would be just one step away; where my aspirations and aims would no longer be behind a television screen but so close that I can see it with my own eyes. (the use of semi colon - correct or incorrect?) Most of all, I dreamed of a place where the education and skills I obtain will take me closer to making my imaginings a reality. But I thought such place was fictional. I decided that my hopes were too abstract.

However, my attitude changed quickly. As I began my search on the Internet, I found a certain university. At first, its interesting name grabbed my attention and as I initiated a research about this university, I began to feel that this was the place. GWU not only satisfied the objective of my search but I was beginning to believe that at GWU, my dreams and imaginings could come true.

The shrinking process of globalization has brought everyone in the world closer together. This is why I believe we should be more aware and educated about our neighbors instead of ignoring them. GWU's Elliot school of International Affairs will help me to understand the world not only through books, but also with its diverse campus, through first-hand experience. Its immediate location of Washington DC will provide unique opportunities, enabling a special social and political network and providing unparalleled experiences that could one day lead to fulfillment of my dreams. I believe that GWU will prepare me to face any challenges and to lead this new beginning of our world.