aehnue
Nov 30, 2013
Undergraduate / My world is not a singular noun; UC - World you come from [2]
Prompt: Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations
My world is not a singular noun; it is composed of many different homes and locations. Besides my current residency in Maryland, I have lived in three other states: Alaska, California, and Iowa. My car window was almost like a television screen repeatedly set on the Travel Channel, for I could count on the view outside to be dramatically different every couple of years. Unlike what most would think, I loved the idea and action of moving to a new town and starting over; or rather, I didn't have the chance or liberty to decide otherwise. My parents raised me on two philosophies: always tell the truth, and make the most of your situations, so naturally I trained my cognitive thinking to focus on the positives rather than the negatives of constantly relocating. And although I did not see it then, as I matured both physically and mentally, I realized what a blessing it was to experience the multitude of cultures and meet such a vast variety of people.
Each location specialized in teaching me a different life lesson or skill. In frozen Alaska I encountered the breathtaking and legend-like Northern Lights in the midst of a cold and harsh winter. Through this experience, I was taught that hope and beauty exists in every situation, no matter how desperate and unfavorable. During my time in sunny California, I was introduced to the realities of poverty while living in a rotting, single-room apartment. It was here I first endured the shame of being a subject of financial desperation. It was here I was taught humility and eventually realized that I should never let economic status define my, nor anybody else's, worth or value. Amid the countryside of Iowa, I was shown consistent compassion and hospitality by both friends and strangers. I would see people stepping out of their cars mid-drive to help a fallen woman stand back up, or offer to carry a stranger's grocery bags to their car. These random acts of kindness gradually, but undoubtedly inspired me to always treat people with kindness and gentleness. Finally, in coastal Maryland, I found that I was incredibly different from the rest of the community. Being a Korean-American made me incredibly unalike the people around me. To "fit in" I changed my attitude and my virtues, as well as my outfit and hairstyle to mask my true identity. It was during this time I began to find comfort in art, and through art I expressed my real feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. I learned to be an individual, one who was confident about her appearance, culture, and origins, as well as open-minded to other nonconventional ideas.
Moving to very different locations every few years was difficult and tiring. Saying good-bye to good friends and teachers, being dubbed "the new kid" in the midst of a school year, and having to discard many worldly possessions like photographs were a few of the many negativities of moving. However, if it holds true that one's environment molds that person into the being they are (and I believe it does), then I am happy and satisfied with the results. Constantly moving did not provide a clear and succinct answer to what I want to do in the future, but because of my experiences in each different state, I do know that whatever I want to do, whoever I become, I'll always keep the lessons I've been taught on my changing geographical expedition and apply it in college, my career, and my life.
Very urgent! Please read and be brutally honest
Prompt: Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations
My world is not a singular noun; it is composed of many different homes and locations. Besides my current residency in Maryland, I have lived in three other states: Alaska, California, and Iowa. My car window was almost like a television screen repeatedly set on the Travel Channel, for I could count on the view outside to be dramatically different every couple of years. Unlike what most would think, I loved the idea and action of moving to a new town and starting over; or rather, I didn't have the chance or liberty to decide otherwise. My parents raised me on two philosophies: always tell the truth, and make the most of your situations, so naturally I trained my cognitive thinking to focus on the positives rather than the negatives of constantly relocating. And although I did not see it then, as I matured both physically and mentally, I realized what a blessing it was to experience the multitude of cultures and meet such a vast variety of people.
Each location specialized in teaching me a different life lesson or skill. In frozen Alaska I encountered the breathtaking and legend-like Northern Lights in the midst of a cold and harsh winter. Through this experience, I was taught that hope and beauty exists in every situation, no matter how desperate and unfavorable. During my time in sunny California, I was introduced to the realities of poverty while living in a rotting, single-room apartment. It was here I first endured the shame of being a subject of financial desperation. It was here I was taught humility and eventually realized that I should never let economic status define my, nor anybody else's, worth or value. Amid the countryside of Iowa, I was shown consistent compassion and hospitality by both friends and strangers. I would see people stepping out of their cars mid-drive to help a fallen woman stand back up, or offer to carry a stranger's grocery bags to their car. These random acts of kindness gradually, but undoubtedly inspired me to always treat people with kindness and gentleness. Finally, in coastal Maryland, I found that I was incredibly different from the rest of the community. Being a Korean-American made me incredibly unalike the people around me. To "fit in" I changed my attitude and my virtues, as well as my outfit and hairstyle to mask my true identity. It was during this time I began to find comfort in art, and through art I expressed my real feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. I learned to be an individual, one who was confident about her appearance, culture, and origins, as well as open-minded to other nonconventional ideas.
Moving to very different locations every few years was difficult and tiring. Saying good-bye to good friends and teachers, being dubbed "the new kid" in the midst of a school year, and having to discard many worldly possessions like photographs were a few of the many negativities of moving. However, if it holds true that one's environment molds that person into the being they are (and I believe it does), then I am happy and satisfied with the results. Constantly moving did not provide a clear and succinct answer to what I want to do in the future, but because of my experiences in each different state, I do know that whatever I want to do, whoever I become, I'll always keep the lessons I've been taught on my changing geographical expedition and apply it in college, my career, and my life.
Very urgent! Please read and be brutally honest