Picking the right name is a very difficult task. I was given the option, when I applied for US Citizenship; I wondered what English name would I go by? As I glanced through lists, my mind was ruling them out as I went: too mundane, too common, too boring, too feminine, and etc.
When I brought my issue to classmates, in joking manner, they began to create cleaver names: Cletus, Rambo, Bambi and others that are not quite appropriate. As I laughed them off, I told them it's my title for the rest of my life, and then I brought up how angry would you be if your parents named you after Budweiser or something silly. Then I brought up the question; if you can name yourself, what name would you take? As their smiling faces turned blank, they finally understood my dilemma.
With the citizenship forms due within the week, I sought out to pick the perfect name. What would go well with Zhang and what name could fit me? Unable to find a name, I decided whoever in history I admired the most; I will take his first name. As I finalized my potential names: Otto (Bismarck), Theodore (Roosevelt), George (Washington), and Alexander (the Great); eventually, Theodore was the last name on the list.
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was more than a man; his list of achievements is comparable to characters in fictional novels. I admire his love for sports and how he didn't let his asthma affect his love for sports. Likewise, I am hindered physically when I played football, being the smallest linebacker, I struggled to face lineman. Although I was the smallest, I didn't allow it to stop me; I learned tricks to deal with them: attack lower, to one side and quickly. Through dedication and experience I overcame my limiting factor, and I began to view lineman as clumsy and slow.
Besides athletics, Roosevelt was known for his bravery and patriotism. When the Spanish-American War broke out, Roosevelt immediately quit his job as the Secretary of the Navy and started his a volunteer regiment. His regiment, Rough Riders, would become famous for the Charge of San Juan, and he was posthumous awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. His bravery is indescribable, and I admire the way he defended his nation during conflict displaying his patriotism and courage. I hope I can emulate his bravery by carrying myself to higher standards, by not shying away from difficult 7 and do things that are not required of me.
The best description for Roosevelt is perhaps, manliness. He was the alpha-male of the 20th century. His achievements are unmatched, as he started his life as a rancher; he became an author, an academia, a leader, a war-hero, a sheriff, an explorer and eventually the President. From how Roosevelt lived life to the fullest, taking Roosevelt's first name was the only rational choice to make. As his name may serve as a reminder to carry my life as Roosevelt did in his life, I will do my best to live up to the standards he did: don't let things get in my way and uphold courage. It maybe an overstatement I think I have a man-crush on Theodore Roosevelt.
Your title instantly grabbed me, and I liked how you started taking me through a journey on choosing a name.
However, I think you started to lose steam as you brought up historical figures. As soon as you started talking about TR, I lost who "you" were as a person. The rest of your essay was referencing him, and what you can do to emulate him (although you merely stated that you will live up to his legacy without providing evidence, so some detail would have to be added there). Your last sentence did not help your essay come full circle because you did not mention your name. Maybe just resequence your sentences in that paragraph?
Don't give your admissions officer a history lesson about someone who is not you. Try to stay focused on yourself, as narcissistic as it is.
Best of luck!
This is a great essay! Just stay focused. I know how it is, when I moved to the US, my parents had to give me a different name from my Mongolian name, because no one could pronounce it :)
