This is my first draft. excuse the rough ending. i wasnt really sure hwo to end it without being too cliche. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT!! i was hoping to modify this essay to fit the common app prompts also.
Prompt: USC's speaker series What Matters to Me and Why asks faculty and staff to reflect on their values, beliefs, and motivations. Presenters talk about choices they have made, difficulties encountered and commitments solidified. Write an essay about an event or experience that helped you learn what is important to you and why it is important.
"Are you the volunteers passing out these fliers?" asked a man aged from years of outdoor labor as he leaned against the street lamppost squinting intently at the flier I had just given to his daughter. It was a sunny morning with a chill, undulating breeze and I was walking around the neighborhoods of a city unknown to me handing out fliers. What was I doing here on a precious Saturday? I asked myself the same question as I struggled to get out of bed at 7 am that morning. It was my first day as a volunteer on Nadia Lockyer's campaign for Alameda County Supervisor; little did I know that this day would influence my future prospects.
I was accompanied by campaign manager, Miles, because I was fairly new to the process and the neighborhoods. We were going from house to house in researched weak precincts to hand out literature on Nadia's candidacy. Miles and I were returning to the campaign headquarters when this middle aged, Hispanic man approached us. The man's eyes immediately lit up when we assured him that we were volunteers on Lockyer's campaign. "I want to speak to you about a serious concern in our neighborhood," he continued with a look of deep distress. "The city officials have deemed our community park as city property, and they have planned to replace the only green in our neighborhood with offices." The man, Roberto, stood on the corner of the street and pointed to the small patch of green which constituted as a "park". It was a mediocre plot of greenery at its best, but he told us that it meant the world to the children of the neighborhood and served as their only source of escape from the tough situations they faced at home.
Roberto sent multiple letters to the local officials but received no answers. Miles told him that he would definitely arrange a meeting with Nadia to discuss the issue and contact local officials. Miles proceeded to meet with this man whom he knew nothing about and discuss what Nadia could do to help his cause. At that moment, it dawned on me that despite having a negative image some politicians do want to help their constituents.
My parents are always keen to hear my answer to the million dollar question: "What do you want to do in life?". I used to dread that moment of truth and seeing a blanket of disappointment overcome their faces when I answered "I am not sure right now." I was tired of not knowing what it was I wanted to pursue in life. I decided I would take fate into my hands and applied for a summer internship on Nadia Lockyer's campaign because I wanted to explore my interests.
The experience with Roberto was the beginning of a successful summer which helped me determine what I wanted to do. I want to help people. I still believe that I have much to explore before I decide exactly what I want to pursue. Roberto signified the individuals in society that are seeking answers and are need in help or guidance. Whatever future path I choose, I know that I want to be able to say I helped someone; whether it is as a lawyer or doctor.
Prompt: USC's speaker series What Matters to Me and Why asks faculty and staff to reflect on their values, beliefs, and motivations. Presenters talk about choices they have made, difficulties encountered and commitments solidified. Write an essay about an event or experience that helped you learn what is important to you and why it is important.
"Are you the volunteers passing out these fliers?" asked a man aged from years of outdoor labor as he leaned against the street lamppost squinting intently at the flier I had just given to his daughter. It was a sunny morning with a chill, undulating breeze and I was walking around the neighborhoods of a city unknown to me handing out fliers. What was I doing here on a precious Saturday? I asked myself the same question as I struggled to get out of bed at 7 am that morning. It was my first day as a volunteer on Nadia Lockyer's campaign for Alameda County Supervisor; little did I know that this day would influence my future prospects.
I was accompanied by campaign manager, Miles, because I was fairly new to the process and the neighborhoods. We were going from house to house in researched weak precincts to hand out literature on Nadia's candidacy. Miles and I were returning to the campaign headquarters when this middle aged, Hispanic man approached us. The man's eyes immediately lit up when we assured him that we were volunteers on Lockyer's campaign. "I want to speak to you about a serious concern in our neighborhood," he continued with a look of deep distress. "The city officials have deemed our community park as city property, and they have planned to replace the only green in our neighborhood with offices." The man, Roberto, stood on the corner of the street and pointed to the small patch of green which constituted as a "park". It was a mediocre plot of greenery at its best, but he told us that it meant the world to the children of the neighborhood and served as their only source of escape from the tough situations they faced at home.
Roberto sent multiple letters to the local officials but received no answers. Miles told him that he would definitely arrange a meeting with Nadia to discuss the issue and contact local officials. Miles proceeded to meet with this man whom he knew nothing about and discuss what Nadia could do to help his cause. At that moment, it dawned on me that despite having a negative image some politicians do want to help their constituents.
My parents are always keen to hear my answer to the million dollar question: "What do you want to do in life?". I used to dread that moment of truth and seeing a blanket of disappointment overcome their faces when I answered "I am not sure right now." I was tired of not knowing what it was I wanted to pursue in life. I decided I would take fate into my hands and applied for a summer internship on Nadia Lockyer's campaign because I wanted to explore my interests.
The experience with Roberto was the beginning of a successful summer which helped me determine what I wanted to do. I want to help people. I still believe that I have much to explore before I decide exactly what I want to pursue. Roberto signified the individuals in society that are seeking answers and are need in help or guidance. Whatever future path I choose, I know that I want to be able to say I helped someone; whether it is as a lawyer or doctor.