Undergraduate / Intellectual vitality Essay for Stanford -- sisters v. pilgrimage (250 words) [5]

My sisters: the native inhabitants of my home who also have corn kernel sized teeth and an attachment to the white house on the corner of Esquel Cove; who also say a prayer each night and present a polish flag for Heritage projects every other year. I grew up with them, grew comfortable with them , and naturally gravitated towards like minded people throughout my childhood, but it wasn't until the summer after my Sophomore year that I realized that my social experience was limited in this way.

When I was privileged to represent Texas at The United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth, I found myself surrounded by the most unique and diverse personalities I had ever encountered. Our similar ages and lack of familiarity created perfect conditions for us to wholly explore our differences, and amidst our conversations, I discovered that, unlike the others, I never lost interest- never classified even the smallest distinctions as mundane or insignificant. Not only did this experience reveal, within me, resilient curiosity, but also courage. Being that I am inherently shy, this trip was a watershed in my life. My hesitation faded to inspiration, and I developed confidence in something greater than my principles and study skills: my potential to apply them. There is comfort in knowing that people are everywhere, that I am constantly surrounded by an inexhaustible source of excitement and energy, and that because I have unearthed this incredible infrastructure of success, I will see far beyond my simple family circle.