Undergraduate / "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein ; Common App/ Literature that surprised me [2]

It's the story of selfless giving and unconditional love. Reading "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein at the age of 17 has changed my perception of myself and those who have raised me. This poem describes the love story of a young boy and a tree. In the beginning, the boy and tree share a mutual love. However as years go by, the boy leaves the tree's endless love and desires many things that hurt the tree. However the tree gives repeatedly, disregarding the pain and loss it feels. Eventually when the tree has nothing left to give and the boy-turned-man no longer wants anything, they finally reunite to enjoy each other's company. This poem simply shows both adults and children the pleasure of giving. I had read this poem in my childhood, but I realize now, that I was only taking. I took the love of my parents and the knowledge of my teachers and used it to grow and become who I am today. However now it is my turn to give, and give selflessly as my teachers and parents did (and continue to do). I have seen my parents and teachers age as the tree did, their brown hair now peppered with white, their joints cracking as they sit up, and the fatigue masked by their smiles. And although giving back isn't mentioned in the poem, I now understand how important it is to give back as much as I can to those who cared for me. This simple but meaningful poem has unsettled me by showing me of my greed; it has also shown me of the effort and love one puts towards something they love.

Undergraduate / BOOKS!; ESSAY: Favorite word and why? [2]

I read Bridge to Terabithia and bawled like a baby. I was seven and supposed to be asleep, but my ardent desire to know what happened between Jess and Leslie led me to hunker down in my comforter with a flashlight in one hand and my beloved book in the other. Since then the flashlight has evolved into a cellphone and I no longer have to hide the book, but my passion for books has remained the same. Through the course of ten years, I have learned many things from the books I've read; Romeo isn't real, there's always a new perspective to any issue, and never mess with a teacher who's a couple of years away from retirement- they could make the rest of your high school anything but peaceful. I've read and reread my favorite books, leaving the harshness of reality and gaining a new insight or perspective each time I crack open a book. Ernest Hemingway once said: "There is no friend as loyal as a book." Being the oldest child in the family, I had no older sibling to turn to for advice; so naturally I turned to books. These books have pushed me to pursue my dreams, go for things I didn't think were possible, and to stop putting myself down. Certain books showed me how much I loved to help others, and how important it was for me to pursue my passion- because of that, I am now the first student employee at NOVA Pediatrics becoming one step closer to my dreams of being a pediatric surgeon. Hearing the word 'book' from someone, except my teachers, brightens my day. Others perceive books as burdensome and obligatory while I perceive books as my older sibling, helping me voice my opinions, pushing me to do my best, and never sugar coating anything for me. I suppose Hemingway was correct, books are the ultimate best friend.