Undergraduate / All students at Reed share my passion; Why Reed? [2]

Prompt: Why do you want to attend Reed College?

From the time I was a little girl I have loved to learn. I buried my nose in books, threw my hand in the air to answer my teacher's questions, and was always the first to voice an opinion. In high school, my inquisitive nature and strong work ethic set me apart from many of my peers to whom attending school was the worst kind of chore. Of all the things that matter to me in a college, the most important thing is that the students view their educations not as a chore but as a blessing. After visiting Reed College last year I am confident in my belief that each and every student at Reed shares the same passion for learning and knowledge that I do.

For the better part of my time in high school I have been interested in Reed. At first my intrigue was based merely on a reputation for academic excellence, small class sizes, and a beautiful campus, but the more I learned about Reed the more I realized just how perfect a school it was for me.

During my visit last year I was able to observe a Humanities 110 lecture and discussion. The wisdom and eloquence with which the professor spoke was unlike anything I had ever seen, but what impressed me even more was the discussion portion of the class. To see students express their opinions on the book with such conviction and passion was truly inspiring and solidified in my mind that Reed was the school for me. I left the discussion portion of the class that day knowing that these students who were so proactive in their education, were just the type of student that I wanted to become.

It was not merely the intellectual vitality of Reed students that impressed me during my visit, but also their confidence. Walking around Reed was an experience unlike any I have ever had in high school. That day I saw students that were confident in their individuality and accepting of the uniqueness of their peers. The respect that emanates from the Reed campus is yet another reason that I would love to attend Reed. Reed is the only college I have ever heard of that has an honor system. I love the trust and responsibility that an honor system provides to students, and it is refreshing to know that the students of Reed respect and value the honor system as much as I do.

While the honor system is a wonderful trait that sets Reed above its competitors, it is not the only unique asset that drew me to Reed. I also love the challenge that going to school at Reed would present. I have always done well in school but l still feel like I have just grazed the surface of what my brain can do and I am eager to put it to the test. Reed requires a strong academic commitment from its students during all four years of college, and ends with the Senior Thesis Paper. The Senior Thesis is a paper far above what is asked for from most undergraduate programs. The fact that Reed students are able to complete such a challenging task speaks wonders not only for Reed's academics but also for the work ethic and desire to embrace a challenge that is possessed by Reed students.

As I look back at my visit to Reed, my Reed brochure worn thin from reading, and my countless hours of college research, there is no doubt in my mind the Reed is the college for me. I love the strong academics, the small class sizes, and the beautiful campus, but more importantly I love the quirks of Reed. I love that Reed has an honor system, a nuclear reactor, a senior thesis paper, a comic book library, and countless other traditions that make being a "Reedie" so unique and special. Reed students are accepting of each other, possess a strong work ethic, and above all love to learn. These are three qualities that I to possess, and very much hope to share with the Reed community next fall.

Undergraduate / 'pleasantly unsure exactly who I am' - Stanford what matters to you? [3]

Prompt: What matters to you most and why?

Salty tears stream down my face, over cheeks flushed from crying, and on to my bed. I usually hate to cry, but seeing my tears mirrored by those glistening in the eyes of my best friend gave me comfort in knowing I was not alone. We were a few months into our freshman year of high school and had slowly watched our friends from middle school drift down the path to drugs, alcohol, self-harm, and partying. After crying for hours, we promised each other that together we would stay strong. As the years past I watched more and more of my peers trade their dreams and ambitions for way to escape the pains of growing up. I am proud to say that I stayed true to promise I made at the start of my freshman year, but I am sorry to say my best friend did not.

This past summer I volunteered at the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) summer program, sponsored by our local police department. At GREAT we educated incoming 4th-8th graders about the importance of being leader in their community, stopping bullying, and saying no drugs and alcohol. That summer I watched innocent faces crinkle with determination as they promised to stay strong against peer pressure. Thinking of their conviction still makes me smile with pride, for their strength reminds me that I made the right choice.

Growing up is hard, the lines we establish as right and wrong as children begin to blur, and many fall victim to temptation. It is natural at times to feel alone or sad, but while my peers turned to partying, I chose other means of coping. I became more diligent student, explored my creativity, and found new friends that respected my choices.

As an adolescent, I change, shift and grow everyday, leaving me pleasantly unsure exactly who I am, but resilient what I believe. I believe in doing my best, not succumbing to peer pressure, and holding myself to high standards in everything that I do. It is these beliefs that guide my moral compass everyday and are truly what matters to me most.

Undergraduate / 'My parents are both artists' - Stanford Roommate Essay [4]

Dear Roommate,
I can't wait to get to meet you next year but I thought it would be nice to get to know each other a little before then. Well to start off my name is Malayka Jordan Mottarella; yes I know it's a mouthful. My middle name was named after Michael Jordan as my dad is a huge basketball fan. While I have always loved to watch basketball, I was never good at sports due to my immense lack of coordination. I warn you now don't ever throw anything to me and expect me to catch it, I won't.

Ironically despite my lack of coordination I have an immense passion for ballet, but beware if you put on music of any genre there is a high probability that I will have to bust a move. Perhaps this uncontrollable need to groove whenever I hear music is a symptom of my dance training, but more likely it can be attributed to an early exposure to a vast number of musicals. Yes, I won't deny it. I wish my life were a musical, complete with sappy love songs and bad dance moves.

If I'm not singing in the shower or dancing in the aisles at the grocery store, you will probably find me doing something crafty. My parents are both artists, and while I have never been able to draw or paint the way they can, I have always loved to scrapbook and make jewelry. I also love to cook, and therefore of course I love to eat, the spicier the better. While I have an adventurous taste for food, I am sorry to say I am a bit of a cowardly lion when it comes to most things. I hate horror movies and avoid roller coasters like the plague, so if you were looking for a fellow thrill seeker, I'm afraid you will be disappointed. While I am not much of a risk taker, I love to cozy up in my Snuggie with a cup of chai tea and a good murder mystery after a long day of studying.

I'm sure that whatever your interests are we will get along wonderfully. I am confident we will make many wonderful memories together in college and I can't wait for the adventures to begin.

All my best,
Malayka Jordan Mottarella

Undergraduate / 'Fillmore and Prince' - Stanford Intellectual Vitality Essay [2]

Prompt: Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development.

"No, Fillmore came before Pierce!" I insisted with conviction.
"No it was Pierce and then Fillmore!"
"Fine then lets look it up! Ha told you Fillmore came first!" Knowing that I had won a smug smile formed along the creases of my mouth.

"Alright you won that round but who invented Calculus?" Without another word our battle of intellect resumes.
My Grandfather and I have always challenged each other, we rack our brains for questions to trip up the other. This may seem an unusual way of bonding with a grandparent, and perhaps it is, but it is within these debates that I have gained a consciousness and a passion to learn about history, politics, and the world around me. From the time I was a little girl I have always sought to make my family proud. My Grandfather has always been the hardest to please and therefore the one whose praises meant the most. While other members of my family would indulge my childhood whims to play Candyland or Clue, my Grandfather insisted on playing Chess. At first I lost miserably, but soon I began to embrace the challenge. The day I finally bested my Grandfather in Chess was a wondrous day, but then as always a new obstacle presented itself. As I grew older I approached our battles of intellect with the same determined composure I exhibited during the Chess matches of my childhood.

I once read that one should never discuss politics at the dinner table, but in my family it has always been the starting point for conversation. My Grandfather and I have always differed on our political views, turning many family dinners into heated political debates. I used to hate the raised tones, but now I see these moments as challenges to test my opponent in yet another round of our ever ending scrimmage of whit.

My relationship with my Grandfather has never been as easy as I would have like it to be, but in truth hardly anything worth having is. The intellectual challenges my Grandfather presented to me gave me so much more then just knowledge about history and politics, they gave me the confidence to form my own opinions of the world. These dinnertime debates have allowed me to reflect on the issues that face the world today, consider a possible major in Political Science, and most importantly taught me that you don't have to agree with someone to love them.

Undergraduate / UC Prompt #1- "Superheroes" [2]

Prompt: Describe the world you come from and how it shaped you.

When I looked into the mirror I saw a small girl with bushy hair wearing a purple blouse, jeans, and black ballet flats, sporting a nervous smile. This was the day. The day I had waited years for. This was the first day that I would attend Nevada Union High School and I was ready, or so I thought.

My first day of high school was not the glorious and much anticipated adventure I was expecting. On the contrary, it was overwhelming, loud and intimidating. I walked the hallways searching for a friendly face and being, for the most part disappointed, but the moment I walked into the Dance Room I found not one friendly face but thirty.

From the time I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be in the dance program at Nevada Union. I looked at those beautiful dancers and did not see acne-ridden teenagers struggling to learn Trigonometry instead I saw superheroes. I watched in awe as the dancers took flight across the stage, wishing with all my might that someday it would be me on that stage. As my first day of high school ended, and I stepped through the doors of the Dance room I realized just how close I was to my childhood dream. What I did not realize was just how many rehearsal hours it would take to get there, but when it was finally time to step onstage there was no greater feeling. My legs propelled me across the stage with a joyful anticipation that had been years in the making. I was convinced in that moment that there could be no greater feeling, but I was wrong. The greatest feeling was looking into the elated faces of the audience and knowing that now I was someone's superhero. I would not trade that feeling for anything in the world, but in truth being in the dance program gave me something even better. Somehow between learning a seemingly endless supply of new dances and desperately trying to finish my schoolwork, thirty friendly faces became my family.

Looking back on my time in the dance program I am eternally grateful. Amidst those long rehearsals I learned about dedication, commitment, and the importance of time management. These are skills that have served me not only in dance but in my academic course work as well. The dance program at Nevada Union has also enabled me to choreograph my own pieces, to teach beginning dancers, and above all to find the confidence in myself that I so desperately lacked on that first day of high school.

When I first walked into the dance room, I saw mirrors, ballet barres, a stereo, and thirty friendly faces. Now I see my fondest memories of high school, my best friends, and the exciting truth that no matter what I do in the future the lessons I have learned in the dance room about commitment, discipline, and hard-work will always guide me along the path to success.

Undergraduate / "Arguments of Affection"; dinner with my family. UC Prompt #1 [3]

Prompt: Describe the world you come from. For example your family, community, or school.

It's Friday night, and the soft sound of plucking guitar strings is resonating faintly from the walls of Friar Tucks Restaurant. The lighting is dim and the mitigating buzz of conversation around me pleasant; then as always the arguments arise. Our tones rise slowly at first gradually diminishing the amiable flow of small talk until our simple disagreement teeters on the verge disaster. This is dinner with my family. [,,]

Undergraduate / Stanford Application - "Getting it Right" [4]

Prompt: Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development.

"Can I see that?" Those four simple words spin me into panic mode; I had never seen anyone show choreography so quickly. I felt the piercing eyes of forty other dancers watching me as I attempted to slide my adrenaline shaking leg into a tondu, before I could even extend my leg I am stopped. "That's not the combination I showed, again", feeling myself start to crumble under the stagnant gaze of my newfound peers, I stammer out an apology. "Stop apologizing! Just focus and get it right", still shaking I returned to my dorm. In that moment I wished I had never left my small hometown to attend the California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA). My homesickness then turned to anger, I had finally gotten a solo in a piece and instead of working to make it perfect I was drowning in pool of unwarranted self-pity. That night I practiced for hours and when I returned the next day it was with newfound confidence.

My experience at CSSSA taught me more about myself in a month then I had though possible. I not only was able to sharpen my memory for choreography but also learned to, in the words of Mr. Dawson, "Stop apologizing, focus and get it right", of all the lessons I learned this is the one that stays with me everyday. These seven words taught me to leave my nerves and ego at the door of a challenge, and bring with me motivation and determination.

Dance, like life, is unbelievably frustrating. Everyday I stand at the barre and agonize over every muscle in my body. I look at the perfection of my peers with frustration wishing my arabesque floated to such graceful perfection, and then I remember, moments of frustration are never the time to feel sorry for myself. Moments of frustration are times that test my resilience, strengthen my desire to achieve goals, and most importantly remind me to focus and get it right.

Undergraduate / UC essay prompt- "Making a Comeback" [3]

*Please read and comment your thoughts. I would also love any other title ideas.

Beads of sweat roll down my face and on to the worn black cotton of my uniform, as I glance longingly at my purple water bottle just a few feet away. My parched throat has almost convinced me to stop, to throw away my hard work, and fling my fatigued body towards hydration, but I don't. Instead I take a deep breath and remember why against all logical reasoning I am dripping in sweat on a Saturday afternoon while my friends bask in the unencumbered glory of summertime.

I started training in the Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won the year I turned ten, at the demands of my father. As a self proclaimed girly-girl the idea of running around with a bunch of boys kicking things was not one I found appealing, but unsurprisingly the protective father won out against the melodramatic fifth grader. As the years past I realized that I possessed a natural affinity for martial arts, and by the end of my freshman year I was a third of the way through the grueling twelve-test process required to get my black belt. My sophomore year was when everything changed, the thrill of being told how high my kicks were had worn off, leaving behind only indolence, and after repeatedly telling myself, and my disappointed parents, that I didn't have the time to continue with Kuk Sool Won, I quit.

A year past, and I often thought about the shiny medals packed away in boxes, the choreographed sequences of punches and kicks that I could not forget, and the fact that I never reached my goal of becoming a black belt. My regret gnawed away at my subconscious slowly picking apart my false justifications for giving up on my goal until there was nothing left to do but go back and finish what I started.

When I returned to Kuk Sool Won I was a totally different person, because this time I was there for me. I substituted the ego of my childhood for the work ethic of the adult I was becoming, and opened my mind to all that Kuk Sool Won could teach me.

Of all these lessons by far the most important thing that Kuk Sool Won has taught me is what it means to persevere. Looking back now, I don't see taking a year off from Kuk Sool Won as a mistake, but as a much needed reminder that any goal worth achieving requires a massive amount of hard work and dedication, and even more importantly taking a year off helped me to realize that I truly have a passion for Kuk Sool Won.

It is this passion that drives me through my thirst to finish my tenth black belt test with a smile, knowing that in a few months I will finally receive that long sought after piece of black cloth that will mean that all my hard-work has finally paid off.