Etcetera: the most mysterious word in the English language.

What is your favorite word and why? Do you think this is a good essay for UVA application?

Etcetera:

the most mysterious word in the English language. A word that is used to represent literally anything. A word with such importance and such great use, but one that is rarely ever written in its complete form, and instead is abbreviated. How can a word with such purpose only be worthy of three letters followed by a period?

The reason that I like the word etcetera so much is because of its functionality. It can mean anything in the world, and to me, it is crazy to think that this word, which derives from a language that is now dead, is the only word in the English language that can mean whatever we want.

From one line to the next, etcetera is able to change in meaning, and I can relate to that. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to participate in and communicate with a wide variety of groups. In any given day I can go from Latin Convention to basketball practice comfortably.

Social settings dictate how we interact and connect with others and this is a life skill. Interacting effectively and comfortably with people in any situation is a hallmark of a good leader, and I believe, one of my strengths. Matt Byram: Son, brother, friend, athlete, student, etcetera.

This is not a bad word choice for this essay. Since etcetera means so on and so forth, or "and other things", this seems like the most fitting word for you to use to describe yourself. The whole essay just comes together in a way that actually tells the reviewer the importance and relevance of this word in your life. However, when it comes to the presentation of your flexible character, it is best to show, in order to prove your point or explain your personal meaning to the reviewer.

So you can't just say that you can go from the Latin Convention to playing basketball within the same day. You have to show an example of this flawless manifestation of etcetera in your life. That way, the essay is not only hypothetical in presentation but also allows for a physical manifestation of the word meaning. With such an example, the essay develops a strong message and image to the reviewer. I hope you can make the suggested modification within the allotted word count. Let me know if you need help with it.