Hey EssayForum and Members,
here is my common app essay. Just wondering what people think of it. also do you think it completely answers the question?
thanks! make any changes you wish :)
Merry Christmas!
Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
Since the start of my adolescence, I have always been encouraged to partake in many different charity events, whether it be through organizing a talent show, or helping out with something as simple as a bake sale. I always felt like I was doing my part, contributing to the less fortunate in society. But things can change in the blink of an eye. While in the process of raising money to participate in a charity basketball game, one of my rather emphatic and assertive friends came up to me and said "... It's charity. So?" I was stunned!
This is when I first realized that all my past charity contributions had merely been through raising money. Whilst I am proud to have helped raise over 100 000 HKD from our school's fashion show, but the fact that I had never had any hands-on charity experience started to dawn on me.
Last year, for my school's annual Discovery Week trip, I decided to travel to the outskirts of Nepal, a place prominent for its multitude of soaring mountains. Though a thrilling trip was offered to experience this classic wilderness, I decided to take a more cordial trip to a small orphanage in the Kathmandu vicinity, where I could personally further understand the real meaning of charity.
Katja House, an orphanage where children of all ages are welcome with open arms, proved to be inspirational. My first impressions were mixed; coming from an economically vibrant city where orphans are rarely heard of, it was hard for me to comprehend the customs of their lives. However, reading through files describing past families of the children, I began to appreciate my parents at a whole new level. It had rarely crossed my mind that the blessing of growing up with a mother and father is so imperative. These children, some of whom had to share a bed at night, seemed untroubled despite how little they had. I felt a little selfish inside, but seeing the glimmer of hope and happiness in each of their eyes inspired me to the fullest, and it made me feel obliged to do what I could to help them. The week could not have gone by any faster. One week of handyman work and bonding with the kids, who are now my friends, doesn't sound like a lot, but it was truly fulfilling.
I used to feel good about myself every time I dropped the spare change I had into the donation box in Starbucks, but I now realize that is not what charity is solely about. My experience at Katja House has turned me into a more considerate and appreciative person; someone who is now grateful for what my family and society has given me. From this immensely rewarding experience, I decided to travel on another charity Discovery Week trip this year, and I know there will be many more of such to come.
