Undergraduate / Don't call me what I am not (Common App) [2]

Prompt: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

"You can't leave!" His face growing pink, my geography teacher briskly played with his beard. "Your parents need to think about your future!" I would be moving to Mexico by the end of the week and the news had not hit him lightly. Frustrated, he threw his hands in the air and stomped back into his classroom. "If you move to Mexico you will never make anything of yourself." Because of the constant change occurring in my life as a missionary's child, I have always had people predicting what I would and would not do. Amidst fighting against their labels I developed my most powerful weapon and a valuable quality: diligence.

I entered the third grade in Tehuacan, Puebla, Mexico, with poor speech and an almost nonexistent reading ability in the Spanish language.First and second grade, in Oceanside California, had revolved around English. I knew how to read, but not in Spanish. Finding me hopeless, my third grade teacher excluded me from the rest of my peers and drowned me in a sea of work, where I was left to decide whether or not it was worth it to continue in my studies. My form of resistance came in achieving exactly what they stated to be impossible. Thus, I became determined to reach the standard of reading for third grade students. I knew the basics and could understand the language, but was only able to achieve my goal through careful attention and hard work. By the time I promoted from elementary, I was recognized for academic excellence in my class.

Upon returning to the US, as an eighth grader, my middle school counselors insisted that I take English Learner Development classes. They considered me another case of immigrant children. After much insistence they decided to try placing me in regular English classes for the first few weeks of class. As I had when I moved to Mexico, I accepted my disadvantage in the language and began making an extra effort in every assignment. By the end of the year, not only was I able to remain in regular classes, but was also recommended for three honors courses.

My point made, I proceed through high school without intention of defying any particular opinion. However, the diligence I had developed while fighting against the labels, placed upon me in Mexico and the US, had become a part of my character. I could no longer submit a halfhearted assignments. I was not satisfied with mediocre grades. Thus, my new trait led me to earn many academic awards.

The constant change that comes with being a missionary's daughter, has been the cause for multiple attempts of categorization from my superiors. Yet, as I worked my way through Mexico's educational system and applied my skills to the american system I have found diligence to be the most effective way of contradicting any label. Although the amount of rigor that the university demands is extensive, I am willing to deviate past my labels in order to satisfy what is expected of me.

I feel like my conclusion is iffy. What do you think?

Undergraduate / soccer = (me + ball+ friendship) - stress - comfort zone [5]

Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

"Thud!" The first pass of the game is made and, regardless of drama, anger or worry, I sprint to receive it. I dribble up the field, shoving my way through the midfield and passing the soccer ball before the defense steals it. Yes, I have the only ponytail flying a midst buzz cuts, but the comments and sneers do not keep me from making the assist that will later strike a conversation with my younger brother. "Dasela a Jorge! Me tienes atras!" My voice echoes "Give it to Jorge! You have me behind you!" On a regular day I would have never spoken to them, but with adrenaline running through my veins, all boundaries are revoked and by the end of the game they are my friends. I walk away from the field with my mind in order, a closer tie with my brother and a shattered comfort zone.