Scholarship / Contribution to Community - Studyblr [2]

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 171

Discuss your involvement in and contributions to a community near your home, school or elsewhere. Please select an experience different from the one you discussed in the previous question, even if this experience also involved leadership. What did you accomplish? How did this experience influence your goals? (1000 words)

As a previously anxious junior constantly worrying about college, I needed support for the upcoming yet decisive months. Transitioning from mainly rigorous courses to only one in a semester prompted me to focus on receiving high grades and developing effective study habits for my difficult senior year. Thus, I created a Studyblr, a Tumblr dedicated to academic achievement as the online community attracted me with its emphasis on motivation. Through posting, I interacted with other students in similar situations such as with standardized testing. As I focused on achieving a good ACT score, I realized the lack of updated resources for the studying process. To both aid in informing others and my own organization, I began publishing a series of ACT resources. I consolidated a list of useful tips while adding my own experiences. Since then, I've received positive feedback from those who implemented my ideas. My initial goal upon joining Studyblr was to connect with others for study inspiration; yet, I realized that I could also solve issues for others.

Scholarship / Social justice, intersectional feminism, Congolese values. Acquired Knowledge Outside Class - Gates [3]

Kerry-Ann Lombela
Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 128

Other than through classes in school, in what areas (non-academic or academic) have you acquired knowledge or skills? How? (1000 words)

I initially enrolled in African-American History my sophomore year for a simple elective to fill my schedule. However, the course became one of my favorites. My teacher taught us beyond the curriculum to consider vast social issues. These topics were unfamiliar yet interesting so I began educating myself on social justice. Originally, I felt pressured by my parents to be a model Congolese child and follow our culture's traditional, social conservative values. Researching intersectional feminism was the basis of my newfound mindset. I began incorporating my Congolese values of love and maturity with a broader belief of acceptance. Educating myself further on these issues was the first step to defining my individuality and finding my voice. I learned to assert myself through a new passion in my beliefs.

Scholarship / Goals - finish high school with high grades, be accepted to my top three schools, and attend college [3]

I know I still need to expand on a lot of details but I don't know what I should write about for those.

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 325

Discuss your short and long-term goals. Are some of them related? Which are priorities?(1000 words)

There are only four respectable career choices for a Congolese child: a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or a nurse. My father appointed the law field for me when I was in elementary school hoping to plan my future early. I complied with his wishes to avoid arguing but I could see myself considering another career path.

My seventh grade career project reinforced the presence of my arranged future. As students, our goal was to research our dream job before presenting it in three weeks' time. The first assignment was a career inventory test to choose a career from our results. I selected a lawyer; it ranked high in my results so it appeared to be fate. However, research concluded that I lacked the needed enthusiasm for a project concerning law practice. By my teacher's suggestion, I called upon my personality traits for career ideas. I'm an analytical person who researches and explores options for decision making. I enjoy creating flexible, innovative solutions for problems. Self-expression through both writing and visual elements displays my full abilities. These characteristics reminded me of a description of a publicist in a recent novel I read, Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita. I then realized public relations matched my desired field for my project.

My interests in communications and the entertainment industry, specifically the music industry, prompted me to choose music public relations as my career goal. As entertainment media evolves, the public's perception shifts negatively. I want to shape the portrayal of the entertainment industry as positive to aid in enjoyment. Also, as my ultimate goal is a public relations executive for a record label, I hope to broadcast awareness of underrated artists.

In college, I plan to major in either Public Relations or Communications while supplementing my studies with entertainment-based electives. Also, for a more realistic perspective of entertainment communications, I plan to intern heavily for credit and possibly study abroad to Los Angeles to both intern and network.

Transitioning to college, I envision myself becoming a well-rounded individual. Who I am now is someone who needs improvement in certain areas. Despite flourishing in social settings, I hesitate in approaching them as an introvert; I barely attempt to join new experiences because I feel secure in my comfort zone. Recently, I had the opportunity to be a featured high school writer for a college prep blog; yet, I declined the offer because I felt the pressure was too much for me. I know that in college I'll need to develop skills to engage confidently with others. I hope to push myself to take more initiative by finding a dedicated school activity. Activities such as the programming board, where I hope to become a Public Relations Director, would allow me to expand myself both socially and professionally; I will venture outside my comfort zone by combining my career interest with pursuing a leadership position. Also, although I'm a socially aware person, my input in the social justice movement has been minimal. I plan to reverse this by engaging in organizations that advocate for marginalized groups.

There are only four respectable career choices for a Congolese Kerry-Ann: one that I am passionate about, one that I love, one that makes me happy, and one that makes me feel whole.

Undergraduate / 'I saw a future for me at Boston University' - College of Communications - Why BU? [2]

I want to speak about the tour for my first paragraph and I know it sounds awkward. What can I say to make it better?

Boston University Supplement
Word Count: 233

In no more than 250 words, please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what specifically has led you to apply for admission.

Walking through the Boston University campus, I forgot to be the model prospective student. Others asked questions and wrote notes while I stayed quiet. Using reviews and rankings as guidance, I developed my preliminary college list junior year from schools for public relations; Recommendations for Boston University emphasized its College of Communication recognition so I placed it on my pending list. However, I wanted the tour to confirm my decision. Placing myself in my tour guide's accounts, I saw a future for me at Boston University.

I was initially engaged by the College of Communication as it emphasizes a challenging curriculum. An intense, high-quality education secures the effectiveness of my future expertise. The mass communications foundation will ensure my versatility in communications while the public relations specialization will concentrate my communications skills to my desired field. Also, unique to Boston University is their Los Angeles semester with a public relations track. As an aspiring entertainment publicist, I look forward to Entertainment Promotion (COM CM 564) and Entertainment Marketing (COM CM 563); these courses will enhance my understanding of entertainment communications to prepare for my career goals. Furthermore, the College of Communications will allow me to explore the world of public relations through its internship and networking opportunities in PRLab and the semester in Los Angeles. Through the hands-on experiences, I will graduate equipped with expanded knowledge and a more realistic perspective of communications.

Undergraduate / I want to become the best version of myself. Dream Person/ How can Syracuse help? [2]

This is just a start but the direction I want to go in is how Syracuse's community would help me express myself better.

Syracuse University Supplement 2
Word Count: 169

Who is the person you dream of becoming and how do you believe Syracuse University can help you achieve this? (250 words)

I want to become the best version of myself. Someone who is fearless. Someone who takes advantage of every opportunity. Someone who ventures outside of their comfort zone. In high school, I limited myself by focusing too much on my personal and academic regrets. How I should've never gained so much weight. How I should've learned how to drive earlier. How I should've dressed better. How I should've never failed a class. How I should've taken AP classes junior year. How I should've gotten at least a 30 on the ACT. I never grew by holding myself back and living in the past.

Now, I plan to move forward at Syracuse University. Initially I assumed that a large university wasn't the best for my reserved personality; however, I realized college life is what you make of it. With Syracuse University's various activities and especially as an aspiring music communications major, social interaction is inevitable. Syracuse's lively community aims to involve everyone so I shouldn't be afraid to expand myself.

Undergraduate / Past Shaped World View/ Plans at AU expand it [4]

American University Supplement
Word Count: 92

How has your past shaped your world view and what will you plan to do at AU to expand it? (100 words)

Living as an unconventional Congolese daughter and Black-American female, I felt confined by stereotypes. Though they insulted me, through bias, I subconsciously began restricting others with labels. By becoming aware of social justice, I rejected stereotypes and embraced my and others' individualities.

My plan during my undergraduate years at American University is to implement programs on campus that recognize and project marginalized groups' opinions and beliefs. I will do so by participating in The Darkening. I know the experience of exclusion so I plan to promote acceptance and inclusion at American University.

Undergraduate / Public relations in the music industry, entertainment leaders, work experience - Why Syracuse essay [11]

Syracuse University Supplement 1
Word Count: 250

Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University? (250 words)

As an aspiring entertainment publicist, I want an entertainment media program that offers interdisciplinary studies for public relations and the music industry. I've developed basic promotion skills as a Student Relations member for my school's newspaper and I plan to expand and connect them with the music industry. Courses such as Music Industry and the Media (MUI 305) and Social Media for the Music Business (RAE 404) would provide me knowledge in effective music promotion and its application in the evolving media industry.

I also want a program that presents a realistic perspective of the music industry. I've acquired understanding of the entertainment industry as an avid fan of musical artists; however, much of that is possible fantasy. Visits from executives for Music Industry Forum and Soyars Leadership Lecture Series (MUI 310) would provide me insight on how the music industry truly functions while addressing any speculations I have.

I want a program that encourages entertainment industry work experience. In January, I will intern at a local online publication and I plan to continue media experience, specializing in entertainment, in college. Offerings such as Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association, Entertainment Industry Practicum (RAE 408), semesters in Los Angeles and London, and University Union would prepare me for my future in public relations by giving me hands-on experiences.

My desired college program emphasizes on public relations in the music industry, input from entertainment industry leaders, and excessive work experience. Thus, I was attracted to Syracuse University for the Bandier Program.

Scholarship / My English classes. Subjects I've Excelled in - Gates Millennium [5]

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 232

Discuss the subjects in which you excel or have excelled. To what factors do you attribute your success? (1000 words)

Actions speak louder than words. However, for me now, it's opposite. Through my English classes, words have given me the opportunity to grow. I wasn't always this fond of English because of its difficulty but that was a reason for my growth. My freshman year, the constant stress of writing annoyed me. Writing a paper was ž staring at the prompt trying to figure out what to talk about and ź writing only to redo it again and again. The constant mediocre papers frustrated me as I couldn't figure out how to grow as a writer. I learned that year how to be engaged and listen to my teacher and use them for guidance. Sophomore year, however, I changed. I learned what to get out of English classes to progress: practice. Every paper I learned from my mistakes and experimented by straying from my basic format. Though I still spent hours staring at a prompt, I became confident with my writing abilities. Junior year, with English being my only weighted class first semester, I felt pressured to excel in it. With the intimidation of my first essay prompt, I knew it was going to be a long year. The class was challenging so I adapted to the class with each successive essay. I combined my newly acquired skills of being engaged and practiced applying my skill and therefore grew as a writer.

Scholarship / Difficult problematic subjects - Gates Millennium Scholarship [7]

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 309

Discuss the subjects in which you have had difficulty. What factors do you believe contributed to your difficulties? How have you dealt with them so they will not cause problems for you again? In what areas have you experienced the greatest improvement? What problem areas remain? (1000 words)

Confidence is a good and bad thing with academics. As school work came easily for me, I became confident and progressed in my achievements. From being in a gifted program in elementary school to taking honors classes in middle school to doing the same in high school. But it had a consequence: I relied on my confidence rather than adapting to the challenges. This consequence took its course through math. In 8th grade, I struggled with Accelerated Geometry yet never made a complete effort in trying to get a better grade. It was a difficult subject yet I never attempted to ask for help or put in more effort. I just accepted my grade. Though freshman year Algebra II was better. I still never asked for help. In 10th grade, I was still insecure in my full abilities with math. I failed Accelerated Pre-Calculus my sophomore year with an immature mindset. I slept in class, ignored the homework, and failed every test. I again accepted that I would never succeed in the class so I didn't study enough and work to my fullest ability. After failing the class, the first thing I did go into junior year was build my confidence with Pre-Calculus by beginning at regular then proving my work ethic and moving up to AP Prep. I progressed by learning how to mature as a student. To stop being immature and know the breadth of my abilities. When I went to AP Prep, I learned from my sophomore year mistakes by reaching out for help when I didn't understand, by doing the homework right away, and studying for quizzes and tests. I experienced the greatest improvement in my mindset toward math. Though it's a subject that will always challenge me, I learned not to give up or struggle in silence. Each test is encouragement to do better.

Scholarship / Discuss leadership experience - Gates Millennium [5]

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 264

Discuss a leadership experience you have had in any area of your life: school, work, athletics, family, church, community, etc. How and why did you become a leader in this area? How did this experience influence your goals? (1000 words)

I joined my school's newspaper during my junior year to build a solid foundation of writing skills. Journalism was a change from normal English classes but I adapted. As a journalist, I began writing with purpose, presenting ideas, meeting deadlines, and connecting with my audience.

By becoming adjusted to the new environment, I sought other roles with more responsibility. I approached my teacher with my career goals and how I could gain more experience within the course. Being a member of the student relations committee has improved my communication skills. My primary role as a liaison between the administration and students is planning and advertising events. This taught me how to collaborate and compromise to accomplish tasks. Being a camera operator has improved my media literacy skills. My primary role as a broadcaster is streaming board meeting to the community by filming. This has taught me how to network and expand my media handling field. My senior year, I became an editor and copy editor. Being an editor improved my analyzing skills. My primary role as an editor is assisting the editor-in-chief with editing with content and flow. This has taught me how to read with a different perspective. Being a copyeditor has improved my grammar and journalism skills. My primary role as a copy editor is editing for grammar and AP style. This has taught me how to read with a different perspective.

The core of both journalism and my desired field of public relations is storytelling, analyzing, and conceptualizing ideas. An education in journalism both prepared and expanded my public relations expertise.