Undergraduate / Greek mythology ; COMMON APP - What fascinates me! [4]

Prompt: What fascinates you?
I would not have written this essay if I had not gone to my uncle's house for the summer holidays, five years ago. I vividly remember my first encounter with an ancient history book that I found on one of my uncle's bookshelves; it was Ancient Greeks history and mythology. After the first reading, I loved this book like nothing else before. Beautiful illustrations made it even more interesting for my child mind; majestic Zeus, mighty Poseidon, formidable Hades and others, all of them made a commanding impression and awakened a great interest in me. Reading Ancient Greeks mythology became one of my major hobbies and it is still to this days.

Most important thing that the ancient myths glorify is that man should always aim to enhance both-his body and soul. Nowadays it is a very real issue, because a lot of teenagers are either concerned only with their appearance or with the study and paying no attention to their health. However, it is enough to look at ancient heroes, strong physically and mentally, to understand, what must be the ideal to strive for. Also, I like the presence of very deep sense, which is not always possible to find at first, but which necessarily raises questions about a lot basic and essential things in this life.

Ancient myths made great impact on my personality and my views on life: I understood that I should always try to perfect myself and there is always place for growth and improvement. Moreover, I became much more interested in history and I think it is great, because as one quote says:" Study the past if you would define the future."

I am applying to Union, I would appreciate honest and constructive criticism.

Undergraduate / GOD FATHER; Common App/ Character in fiction/historical figure [8]

Topic:Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

There are a lot of characters that made some kind of influence on me. Some of them are fictional characters and some historical figures. Most of these characters share same traits that I appreciate the most: loyalty to their live principles, determination in achieving their goals, smartness, appreciation of their family and friends, and quality of being true leaders.

But one book made a commanding impression on my views about o lot of basic and essential things in this life. The book is called "The Godfather". Don't get me wrong, it is not about the violence or criminal that I like in this book. I saw it almost every day on our book shelves but never paid attention, it was my father who suggested me to read it through, and so I did. After first twenty pages I just couldn't help myself reading it, and finished it in about two weeks.

First of all, after reading the "The Godfather" I came to realization that smart person should always think carefully before saying or doing something. And in my opinion it is one of the most useful rules that I learned. I must tell that I didn't become genius or the great sage, but at least now I try to use that principle in my life and can already see some changes in a good way. I also understood that determination and strong will are required to become successful and you can get anything and be anyone you wish if you keep on moving toward you goals, now I am trying to develop that qualities in me.

The best part of this book is the story of life of Vito Carleone, The Godfather. He is neither a hero nor a famous public figure that are usually described in essays like this. In fact, he was a well known Mafioso. He sailed to USA when he was a small boy, he had no family and had problem with health not to mention that he had no English at all. But he grew up in a smart man, with strong will, and great love for family (by that time he already had a wife and a son), he did what he had to do, trying to give them everything they may need. I don't appreciate the way Vito Carleone chosen in his life, but admire his willingness to sacrifice for his family, agile mind and great willpower. As the oldest son I also feel responsible for my family. But now I understand that it is not only family I am willing to help to but also my country. First step is to get the best education and become good, responsible and strong citizen of my country. Now days my country badly needs leaders and great personalities, young, intelligent, enthusiastic, with elevated mind and I am going to become one.