Undergraduate / Escaping my comfort zone; University of Richmond Supplement essay [4]

Hello, this is my first draft for my Richmond supplement essay. It gets kind of choppy and strange at the end. I am looking for lots of constructive criticism, so any feedback is much appreciated! I know it is long, but I will review your essays if you review mine (I can provide a lot of feedback!)

Here is the prompt:

Tell us about an experience in which you left your comfort zone. How did this experience change you? Length should be approximately 1-2 pages, double-spaced

I was walking through a thrift store when something caught my eye. However, upon the urging of my friends to leave the store, I had no choice but to leave behind the sleek robin's egg blue typewriter that I had noticed. For some unexplained reason, I couldn't stop thinking about that typewriter when I returned home. I asked my father if we had any old typewriters in our attic. Although his reply was not what I was initially hoping for, what he said next would only reinforce my fascination with the typing machine. By pure coincidence, my father had almost brought home a typewriter that he noticed, as he thought I might be interested in it. He was certainly correct, as I spent the next few days researching typewriters. As I read articles on the history of the typewriter and the mechanics of the machine, I started seeing the names of different types of keyboards, mainly The Sholes layout, otherwise known as QWERTY, and the Dvorak layout. This sparked my interest. I had certainly heard of the QWERTY keyboard; it is what is found on all modern phones and computers. It was the keyboard that was unfamiliar to me, the Dvorak keyboard, that I wanted to learn more about. I soon stumbled upon an interesting article that detailed the history of the Dvorak method. I soon became educated on the many downfalls of the QWERTY keyboard as well as the many benefits of the Dvorak design. Dvorak had arranged the keys in a way that simultaneously improves accuracy and allows for faster typing, all while requiring less finger motion. By the end of the article, I was convinced.

That day, I decided to completely rearrange my keyboard and start learning the Dvorak method. When others asked why my laptop keyboard looked so odd, I told them of my spontaneous decision. I was met with plenty of odd looks and some occasional blatant laughter. I spent weekends adapting to the new typing style. I was met with the initial difficulty that I had expected. Because of my daily school typing classes that I took since the fifth grade, I had become proficient with the QWERTY keyboard. Learning the Dvorak keyboard was like learning another language. The keys were in entirely new places; it was like a new alphabet. However, I preserved because other converts had assured me that the benefits would be far worth the time outside of my comfort zone. I sat in classes trying my hardest to remember which letter was in which spot. I had never realized how truly reliant I was on my old keyboard. I was completely vulnerable. I had reverted back to my fifth grade self, struggling to hammer out the keys one by one. I no longer typed at eighty words per minute. Instead, I was typing at a snail-like pace of ten words per minute. I knew that it was my choice to put myself out of my comfort zone and that I had the choice to stop at any time, but I was determined to push through it. A faster, more accurate, and healthier way of typing was close in my grasp.

While most would argue that stepping outside of one's comfort zone involves something along the lines of skydiving or bungee jumping, I believe that going outside of one's comfort zone simply involves choosing to do something that you would not normally do. I was certainly hesitant to completely change my way of thinking, but I was eager to gain a new perspective on things. It is human nature to stick to what we are used to; we are creatures of habit. However, stepping beyond our daily habits can lead us to gain appreciation for the small things. Since fifth grade I have been able to type at hyper-speed without even glancing at my keyboard. Switching to the Dvorak layout forced me to completely rewire my brain. I had to take a step back and think about what I was doing. From my brain to my fingers to the keys, I thought about every little action I made during the learning process. I was in a situation similar to learning how to walk and talk. Having completed the primary level of education and almost completed the secondary level, I rarely have had to learn something entirely new and foreign. Choosing to challenge my brain led me to a refreshing change in perspective. By simply rearranging my keyboard, I have stopped allowing myself to be defined by what I do everyday. I no longer consider myself a creature of habit. Rather, I am a creature of curiosity and discovery.

Undergraduate / A Risky Phone call; Common App/ extracurricular activities [5]

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).

I stood as a lone freshman in a gym full of high-flying, far more experienced cheerleaders. After hours of waiting, I performed my routine for the judges. However, despite my best efforts, I did not make the cheerleading team that year. Devastated, I took a chance and called the coach to ask how I could improve for next year. Heeding her advice, I spent my sophomore year training everyday. When tryouts arrived again, I knew I was prepared to face the judges. I could not have foreseen the impact that cheerleading would have on my life when I tried out for that second time. Now everyday I can bring excitement to stands full of hundreds of people. I have become a more confident person who is ready to take on new mental and physical challenges, such as throwing my teammates 20 feet into the air. I realize now that it was my initial failure, my courage to call the coach, and my tenacity to try out again that gave me two years of cheerleading that I would have never wanted to miss.

Did I address the prompt well? Do I reveal enough about myself? Please give any constructive criticism you have!

Undergraduate / Macarons and baking; Topic of your choice/Common Application [2]

I'm planning on putting this as my essay for the Common Application, so it's very important to me that it is good. I really appreciate any feedback that you have, big or small!

The most unique scent combination I had ever experienced filled the air that day. The strongest aroma of pure salt danced with the fragrance of freshly baked pastries amid the midafternoon heat. It was one of our exploration days during our summer study program and we had only a few hours to roam the city of GuĂŠrande, France. I soon discovered the source of the strong salt scent to be the nearby salt marshes. Next I had to locate the source of the wafting pastry scent. Naturally, I began a search for the nearest bakery. As we scanned the passing windows in the hopes of finding a bakery, my friends suggested a French pastry that I was surprised to find I had never made or tried: a macaron. Being an avid baker and having never had a macaron before, I was determined to try one while we were in the birthplace of the macaron. Upon discovering a small store that made these colorful confections, I was quick to sample multiple flavors. I soon found that these were well worth the hunt, as I fell in love at first bite of the two light meringue cookies filled with buttercream. When our program ended and we returned back to Memphis, I knew that I would have to whip up a batch myself. However, my peers warned me to not bother with macarons, as these were one of the most difficult desserts to create. Being a naturally ambitious person and a confident baker, however, I decided to bake them anyway. Upon searching for a recipe, my peers' warnings were confirmed. Every article I read told me of the disastrous and impossible tendencies of the macaron. I was told that I would need to take a course and read countless books in order to perfect this tiny, harmless cookie. Although I am sure that these courses and books would have made my venture much shorter, my craving for these dainty delights led my to follow through with my plan. After grinding my own almond flour and cracking dozens of eggs, I was left with fifty macarons roughly five hours later. The process was grueling, but I had defeated the infamous macaron. Some might wonder, what is so special about this dessert? If one can easily make chocolate chip cookies that can also satisfy a sweet tooth, why spend so much time and put in so much work to create this one kind of pastry? As someone who has been baking since the age of four, I am always looking for new recipes to try or a way to improve my baking skills. This challenging dessert takes a certain level of dedication that I put into everything I do. While a chocolate chip cookie is just as sweet, the taste of dedication and hard work that accompanies a homemade macaron is much more satisfying.

Undergraduate / 'boundless opportunities' Why study at Georgetown University? essay [4]

Here is the prompt: Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study?

Although I have yet to decide on my major or career, I am certain of my interest in human interaction. I understand that this passion is hard to place into a category, but that is why I feel that Georgetown University is the right school for me to pursue my goals. I have recently enrolled in an online AP Psychology course, of which both the medium and the subject matter a new to me. I knew that this course would be challenging, but I had earlier realized my interest in the human condition, so I decided to take the class. This course has exceeded my expectations and has brought me to realize the great possibilities for applying this passion of mine. Similar to this online course, Georgetown University also provides an opportunity to continue my newly peaked interest. After my visit to both the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., and the Georgetown campus, I realized just how privileged I would be to study at Georgetown University. As I walked around the city, I found something new and stimulating in every direction. Upon touring the campus and learning about the curriculum, I knew that I could pursue my passions at Georgetown University. From the wide variety of career opportunities available to Georgetown students to the multitude of programs, majors, and minors offered, I am certain that I can find my niche at Georgetown University. While the exact applications of my passion in social science vary from psychology to politics, I am confident that studying in a leading international community such as Georgetown's will certainly equip me with the environment and knowledge to achieve my goals. As I have learned in my psychology course, a human is not only shaped by her genes, but also by her environment. To spend four or more years in an environment such as Georgetown University's would undoubtedly provide a positive impact not only on my studies, but also my character. A strong foundation is essential to achieving one's goals, no matter what these goals may entail. I believe that the boundless opportunities provided by the environment and community of Georgetown University will allow me to fully pursue my goals in life.

Undergraduate / Georgetown University Creative Application Essay [4]

Here is the prompt: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you.

It was one of our exploration days during our summer study program and we had only a few hours to roam the city of Nantes, France. While I had the chance, I gathered a few of my peers to search for a bakery. This is a natural compulsion of mine, this urge to find the nearest or the best bakery in a new place. This impulse is driven partly by my strong sweet tooth, but more so by my love of baking. As we scanned the passing windows in the hopes of finding a bakery, my friends brought up one French pastry that I was surprised to find I had never made or tried: a macaron. I was told that these dainty, pastel-colored confections melt in your mouth upon tasting the two light, meringue cookies filled with a smooth buttercream. Being an avid baker and having never had a macaron before, I was determined to try one while we were in the home of the macaron. Upon discovering a small store that made these colorful confections, I was quick to try one. I soon found that these were well worth the hunt, as I fell in love at first bite. When our course ended and we returned back to Memphis, I knew that I would have to try making them. My peers and my mother warned me to not try making a batch, as these were one of the most difficult desserts to make. However, I am an ambitious person and was confident in my baking ability, so I decided to make them anyway. Upon searching for a recipe, my peers' warnings were confirmed. Every article I read warned me of the disastrous and impossible tendencies the macaron. I was told that I would need to take a course and read countless books in order to perfect this tiny, harmless cookie. After grinding my own flour, cracking dozens of eggs, and popping every last air bubble I found in the shells of these cookies, I was left with fifty macarons roughly four hours later. The process was grueling, but I had defeated the infamous macaron. Some might wonder, what is so special about this dessert? If one can easily make chocolate chip cookies that can also satisfy a sweet tooth, why spend so much time and put in so much work to make this one kind of pastry? I have come to realize that the challenge of baking this notorious confection and the delicious result are what make them worth all of the effort. I have been baking since I was four years old and I am always looking for something new to try or a way to improve. From stirring the batter with a precise technique for an exact number of times and baking them at just the right temperature, this challenging dessert takes a certain level of dedication that I put into everything I do. To put all of that hard work into something and to get something so great as an end result is such a gratifying experience. I have learned to apply this mindset to all of my endeavors, academic or not. I firmly believe that one can have all of the tools necessary to succeed, but she must fully dedicate herself in order to succeed.