'hope you have a relaxing year ahead' - Stanford- Future Roommate

Dear Future Roomie,

I would like to offer my congratulations and express my excitement for getting to know you. Now, I could tell you about my academic endeavors, such as why I chose my major or what jobs I'm interested in, or I could tell you about my avid fascination for everything Brown.

If you haven't already guessed from my name, I'm from southern India. My friends have many nicknames for me but I'm usually known as Nishu, or Desi Ladki (Indian girl). Though I was born in Los Angeles, I have a deep connection to my heritage and find as many ways as possible to keep it alive, whether it be learning an additional Indian language, dancing my heart out to either Bollywood tunes or traditional Carnatic music, or lighting the deepams (oil lamps) in the evening.

In my happiness, I often catch myself fantasizing of snow-capped mountains, singing and dancing, swathed in a maroon chiffon sari. You'll understand what I mean when we have our late night, Bollywood movie sessions--after completing our homework, of course--when I'll tell you all about celebrities such as Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

Though I have a slight obsessive-compulsive disorder when it comes to cleanliness, and perfectionism sometimes seems to be my middle name, I'm very compliant and open-minded. I must warn you, however, not to be alarmed if you come across chai brewing in a beaker on a hot plate or a half finished, mini robot with a program yet to be written. I like to identify myself as an "enginerd," but in addition to my quirky self, I'm very social and enjoy interacting with others. I hope you enjoy Brown jokes in my Indian accent-because you may be hearing a lot of it!

Let me conclude with my favorite Bollywood song, Kal Ho Na Ho: Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi. Chaav hai kahhi. Kabhi hai dhoop zidnagi. Har pal yahan jee bhar jiyo. (Life is changing every moment. Life is now shade. Life is now sunshine. Every moment on Earth, live life to the fullest).

Looking forward to meeting you, but in the meantime, I hope you have a relaxing year ahead, knowing that our lives as future scholars of Stanford are imminent.

Sincerely,
Nishu

.... Kal Ho Na Ho is the saddest movie ever! Great essay, and i love the desi spirit!

First of, I am an Indian as well (from Mumbai), hence I could understand what you were trying to say. But I think some of the things would seem alien to the admissions officer. You have talked a lot about what you are like. But I think specifically stating the names of the bollywood songs or celebrities would not help. I think you should also have a paragraph about what you want to know/learn about your future roomate.

Help with mine please :)

I think you should focus on one aspect that is unique about you. I love how you emphasize the importance of you Indian heritage but you could also highlight something that's important about you!

Thank you :) !

You have an potent style and manner in which you portray yourself which is both effective and convincing. Great job!
I couldn't imagine that somebody wouldn't want to be your roommate.

This is a great essay that really shows your personality. I do not think you should take out the specific names of the songs/ actors. I think it really shows your love for your heritage, and this should be very obvious to the admissions officers in Stanford. Good luck!

Hi,thank you for your help with my essay.

I am a Chinese student , and I studied in Singapore for 4 years. One of my observations is that I cannot understand some of the content in your essay. I you thinks it's okay for an American AO, then nevermind.

And I think you can try to link your song to your body in a better way?

One of my friends told me to link it as well, so thank you for that :) About all the random Indian things...I showed a couple counselors and they said it wouldn't detract and they'd act us details to add an interesting aspect to the essay, so I think I'll keep them and find something else to add. Thanks!!

Thanks for your help with my essay!

I love this essay! It's simple and nice.

I only think you should add a little bit more about your interests that aren't related to your heritage.

I really like the words to that song so I'm going to look it up. :)

In my happiness , I often catch myself fantasizing of snow-capped mountains, singing and dancing, swathed in a maroon chiffon sari. You'll understand what I mean when we have our late night, Bollywood movie sessions--after completing our homework, of course--when I'll tell you all about celebrities such as Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

I understand what you want to say, but you should re frase it.

Very well written essay! I think it shows how ethnically centered you are and the specifics of Indian culture will be interesting to say the least. I'm not sure about that second to last paragraph though--it seems kind of random.

I'll probably take it out then; thank you :) !!