Posts by kerry2654

kerry2654

Jan 6, 2016

Undergraduate / Why Yale? The academic resources at Yale far surpass the resources available at Vanderbilt. [6]

@dundunyang I feel you should focus on what academic and social offerings Yale has and relate that to you. Also, it might sound rude if you're constantly bashing Vanderbilt to praise Yale.

kerry2654

Jan 6, 2016

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.

kerry2654

Jan 6, 2016

Writing Feedback / What do you think is the biggest environmental problems in VN? How can you solve the problem? [6]

Vietnam is on its way to becoming an industrial country; therefore, there will be negative effects on the environment, specifically water pollution which is our largest environmental problem.

Water pollution is any chemical, biological, or physical change in quantity that harms living organisms or desired uses (what do you mean by this?). Although our government has applied an environmental protection policy, water pollution keeps rising considerably. One direct cause is the industrial company (which? you mean industry but industrial industry would sound weird). They discharge toxic chemicals or raw sewage directly into the sea without regulation. For example, in Bac Ninh province, there are large amounts of untreatable (untreatable?) garbage, which leads to the pollution in water supply. Another cause of this matter is the backward living standard in the suburban areas. All the rubbish is not treated and thrown into the water. In this way the environment pollution will increase in severity.

Therefore the government and population should work together to protect the environment in the most effective way. To begin with people's attitude, they have to learn the importance of water in their life and simple methods to reduce water use and unnecessary wastage. The general public should also put efforts in planting trees and collecting all litters in their areas. While going to seas, rivers, or lakes, taking the precaution of not throwing waste into them is also important. By these ways with the participation of the whole society, whether or not the current situation of our environment is seriously negative, we can still keep the water environment friendly.

The main conclusion can be drawn from this discussion is that we learned the importance the water bring to us, therefore one individual has to be aware of it and determined to fight against the pollution.

I liked it but you should be clearer in your statements.

kerry2654

Jan 6, 2016

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.

kerry2654

Jan 13, 2016

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

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 346

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

Freshman English and History seemed impossible; with standard-based grading, there was an immense amount of pressure as the highest grade possible meant you've exceeded the teacher's expectations. I knew my interests in the subjects weren't enough so I approached my work with an eagerness to learn. I frequently asked my teachers questions once faced with a challenge. While other students ignored the minor assignments as they didn't count, I used them as practice for major ones. Additionally, I supplemented my notes and readings with outside information to thoroughly understand the concepts. Knowing that it would relate to other classes and my future career, I focused on becoming a self-disciplined student.

This pattern continued until junior year. As American Studies English was my only weighted course first semester, I wanted to prove myself by growing as a writer. It took some time but I eventually learned that I needed to properly apply my skills of to my written work. Before writing, I used my teachers as guidance for planning. I also used classwork as practice for assessing readings. Every paper I found myself learning from my mistakes and adjusting my writing style to prevent recurring errors. Though I still spent hours staring at a prompt, I became confident with my writing.

I was afraid of my future actions after enrolling in regular American Studies History; accustomed to rigor, I felt that an easy A class would make me idle. In result, I focused on productivity. I collaborated with classmates to put key terms and concepts in simpler terms. I also aided other students with their classwork. Additionally, after class, I extended class discussions with my teacher. By the end of first semester, I found myself being an intuitive student in terms of responsibility.

In retrospect, I realized that making personal growth a goal in my English and History classes aids in success. I've developed qualities of an excellent student by possessing a determined attitude, acquiring better study habits, and reflecting on myself. Although impressing my teachers was a catalyst, I also gained motivation to enhance my abilities.

kerry2654

Jan 13, 2016

Scholarship / Discuss leadership experience - Gates Millennium [5]

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 484

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 my junior year to enhance my writing skills. Journalism was a change from normal English classes, but I began mastering the concepts by using the other staff members as guidance. I asked for their feedback for my articles' structure, interview questions, and guidelines. Soon after I adjusted to journalism's environment, I approached my teacher with my career goals of becoming a publicist and asked how I could gain more knowledge in communications.

Returning to my school's newspaper for a second year, I was promoted to assistant editor-in-chief. I initially expected more responsibility after advancing to an experienced staff member; however, not a role this large. My primary tasks are reviewing articles' content and flow while copy editing for grammar and AP style.Though I was anxious accepting the position, I knew my teacher chose me because of my initiative. As an aspiring publicist, I began advocating for public relations lessons in our curriculum and a student relations committee to oversee the newspaper's promotions. Also, with my networking as a camera operator and non-sports representative for our broadcasting team, our newspaper has acquired community contacts. I realized that my efforts made me qualified.

I also realized that I had to approach my role with confidence, especially since the staff transitioned from veterans to mainly new students. With the new additions, mistakes were made. For example, in one news cycle, I found that three students plagiarized their articles. I was first suspicious by the off-topic writing and links to other websites during my first round of edits. Instructing the journalists about the severity of their actions, I hoped to resolve the issue calmly. However, at the final stage of edits, no changes were made. Though I was upset, I assumed they were overwhelmed by the challenging specifics and needed guidance. I met with the students to learn why they plagiarized so I could focus on clarifying and easing any concerns.

I joined my newspaper staff as the core of both journalism and my desired field of public relations is storytelling, analyzing, and conceptualizing ideas. As a journalist, I've began practicing such by writing to inform and presenting ideas. Becoming the assistant editor-in-chief has improved my analysis skills by teaching me how to read with a critical perspective. As a prospective publicist, I will have to examine solutions to implement the best solutions and write effectively to inform and persuade. Also, in journalism, I've learned how to communicate well by collaborating with the staff, my teacher, students, and the administration. In public relations, I'll use my communications skills as a liaison between my client and the media. With being a leader in the newspaper staff, I've combined consideration and self-assurance to delegate well; this is a feature that will aid in me being a proper publicist. Because journalism and public relations skills overlap, I've been able to develop proficiency for my future.

kerry2654

Jan 13, 2016

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

Gates Millennium Scholarship
Word Count: 446

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)

My sophomore year, I mistaken complacency for confidence; I foolishly convinced myself that my high honors abilities would prevail without effort needed. However, this resulted in no improvement and a low grade. In Accelerated Pre-Calculus, I never worked to my full potential as I believe I would never succeed. We began a chapter that I declared not suited for me; instead of simply asking for help, I detached myself from the class. I began spending the class period sleeping or on my phone, only paying attention two minutes before the bell. Though my teacher and my parents continually attempted to help, I let my insecurities guide me instead.

My goal after failing Accelerated Pre-Calculus was to build real confidence in my math abilities during my junior year. Beginning with regular Pre-Calculus, I focused on proving my work ethic. I reversed my sophomore year mistakes by applying better habits; I did my homework right away, studied well for quizzes and tests, and I used my class time wisely. Approaching my teacher to request advancing to AP Prep was the testament to my hard work.

AP Prep Pre-Calculus expanded my mind toward the subject with its challenges. I progressed by learning how to mature as a student; I became engaged by taking detailed notes, asking my teacher and peers for guidance, and honing my skills by doing practice tests during my off time. Rather than reverting to my previous stubborn attitude, I adjusted and showed continued improvement.

My immature mindset was also prevalent in French 3. Assuming that being a native French speaker was enough to pass the class, I forgoed my studies. I neglected my lack of french literacy skills by not paying enough attention in class. I also never practiced my vocabulary and verb conjugations while cramming shortly before for quizzes and tests. Though I dropped French as it couldn't fit my schedule, I accepted my issues with the language; I began speaking and texting my parents in French while asking them questions for clarifications.

From Accelerated Pre-Calculus and French 3, I came to realize that complacency kills. As I was so confident in my skills, I was unaware of my problem areas before it was too late and acceptance and laziness came as a result. With regular and AP Prep Pre-Calculus, I learned from my mistakes by adapting. Looking at everything I couldn't easily do as encouragement. I experimented with and implemented various studying habits. Though they're subjects that will always challenge me as I sometimes lack needed focus, I approach not only math and French, but all my classes, with a determination to succeed; not with high grades, but with insights to apply later.

kerry2654

Jan 13, 2016

Undergraduate / Carleton: recorder<math<computer science<language acquisition<linguistics/cognitive science<climbing [3]

Right now, you just state what you like that Carleton offers. They already know what they offer, they also want to know how that will help you in the future. Why are those things important to you? I think you should first with your encounter with the recorder professor then expand on your interests and how Carleton offers them then expand on how that is important

kerry2654

Jan 13, 2016

Undergraduate / Billionaire Boys Club - Common App Essay Prompt One HELP [5]

~~My name is Aric Fulton. I'm a 17 year old soon-to-be early graduate from Morton Senior High School in Hammond, IN.~~ (no need to introduce yourself as they have your information)

I currently run my own street wear t-shirt ~~(clothing)~~ (redudant) line called "RVRE vision". RVRE vision is a street wear brand created and ran entirely by me. The design, creative direction, packing orders, promotion, and marketing; is all done by me.

All of my middle school days were rough times for me. I was attending a school whose students and faculty did not really value diversity and being different. These students who were not the "same" were rather labeled as outcasts. I was faced with bullies everyday. (why is this important?)

I got into design when I was in the eighth grade (how?).

This is such a creative background but you need to expand on this so much more. Start with the development of your t-shirt line (how did you get into design? why did you get into design? where did the idea of starting a line come from?) then talk about its status (is it successful? is it struggling?) then conclude with how that process has impacted you. Expand in detail because I know there's more to know then just that.

kerry2654

Jan 13, 2016

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.