Out of the Frying Pan and into the Fridge
From the sizzling 40o Celsius summer in Brazil to the freezing, snowy -20o Celsius winters of Canada. It was February 12th 2011, an important transition day in my life.
In October 2010, my father called a most unusual family meeting. He told us that the decision made that day would significantly change our lives. He had been offered a contract to work in Canada and if he were to accept, we would have to move to Montreal early in 2011.
As a family, we accepted the offer. However, having lived in Brazil most of my life, I was initially reluctant to move since I would be leaving all my friends and everything that encompassed my childhood behind. Furthermore, I was about to begin the process of applying to Brazilian universities to study engineering, which in itself is a continuation of an unyielding process I had started earlier in high-school. I had taken every possible class offered in preparation for the arduous application regimen.
From the moment I arrived, the city of Montreal was simply breathtaking. Stepping out of the airport, I was astonished by the small droplets of snow that were falling from the sky. I had never seen or touched snow before that day. Almost immediately, I fulfilled on of my wildest dreams - to play in snow - and, yes, it was just like I imagined and had seen in the movies. This was a new and interesting element that became part of my new life. Of all of the changes, this was one of the most significant for me.
In Canada, I learned how to play a new sport: rugby. When I made the rugby team, I impressed myself because I had no prior knowledge of the rules of or how to play the game. The only thing I knew was what I had seen in movies, which was to run non-stop. Despite all the difficulties, rugby was a great way for me to meet new people and, as a bonus; our team won the championship, an even more impressive feat for a newcomer to the sport!
Adapting to and learning about new cultures has been part of the process of assimilating to this new country for me. Thus far, I haven't had problems adapting to new situations; in fact, I quite enjoy being the "new kid" because it always gives me the opportunity to learn and experience different things.
Overcoming difficulties of moving to a new place was not easy. Obstacles, such as leaving lifelong friends and acquiring new habits and tastes are surmountable. However, living in a new place also meant making new friendships and embracing new cultures, aspects that I've learnt to enjoy very much. Going on to university will be another challenge and a new opportunity for me to learn much more and experience tremendous personal growth.
Be rigorous, please!!
Thank You for the reviews!!
Can you give the prompt, or is this a topic of your choice essay?
The essay has good intention in showing the reader that you're versatile. You can adapt into any environment with success, but in the beginning, you have me confused with the dates the first time I read it. I had to read it three times in order to get it. You should have the intro more organized so the readers won't have trouble understanding it.
In the body paragraph, you're everywhere. You talk about leaving Brazil, then Rugby, and then show how you're well adapted to a new environment. It's a good essay, but it's not a strong essay. Work on organizing your details.
One advice that I have for you is develop your essay into a specific theme. Instead of going over the place, talk about one element of the transition from Brazil to Montreal that was significant to you. Maybe Rigby.
Good Luck with the essay, and I hope you get into your choice of college.
Oh, and can you give my Common App - Extracurricular Essay a read?
sorry forgot the prompt: A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
Thank You @makman09 will review yours =)
