I am just wondering if in this essay expresses me as a person who they looking for? What was your first impression after you read this essay about me?
Instruction: Describe A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
Looking up from the hospital window I always wondered what it is like to run around or just be a normal kid. For a half of my life I remember staying at different hospitals for my treatments and operations to help my illness. To describe my condition, I have an arthrogryposis where I have multiple joint contractures, which I've had since my birth. Even though I was under medications and intensive physical therapy I liked to be in the hospitals because there were people I could relate to. Everyone has had difficult times at such place; however, it is comforting knowing that there is always someone who is ready to help and support me whenever I needed. And that's who I wanted to be. Being a good listener, be understanding and supportive was the first things I learned. I learned never judge people by their appearance because I never want to be judged by the way I walk. Being around people like me made me to realize that life is no fair; however, it is up to people to make a destiny for themselves. Every time I get discharged and go home, I have a determination to achieve myself as a person and show my roommates that it is possible to be normal.
I am of Korean decent but grew up and was raised by my mother in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. I was not taught any Korean language because my mother thought it was not necessary because I will live in Russia. However, my grandparents never gave up on raising me in Korean tradition. I studied in a multi-cultural school with students of very different backgrounds including Russian, Muslim, Korean and many others. This exposure helped me communicate with people very easily and have something in common from each of different cultures, religions, and lifestyles.
In Uzbekistan, due to my condition, I attended a special school for physically impaired students from the first grade. There, I learned that I didn't need to hide or be embarrassed about my condition anymore. I could finally be myself. The school system required students to stay at the school during the weekdays, so the students already will be ready to be independent from their parents in future. Because I was the oldest student in the class, teachers often put me in charge when teacher was not around. I had to think of other people first and be responsible for their safety, food, and homework. Being in charge was not easy, but I developed leadership skills and learned what it takes to be responsible for those who need help. In addition, the school taught me how to be confident, strong, and take initiative no matter what people say. I learned this lesson well and felt prepared when I moved to United States of America. This exert challenged me in ways I never imagined.
I was thirteen-years-old and so overwhelmed by the thought of starting a new life and meeting new people in the new country. My biggest challenge was transferring from the special school to a regular one where not only I had to re-adopt with the fact of people stare, but I was faced with a foreign language environment. Besides, my mother did not speak English either, so I had to help her in every activity that involved English, such as opening the bank account and even ride a bus. Nevertheless, I found a peace and grounding at UCLA Medical Center when I started to volunteer. I found the hospital to be the place most comfortable and familiar place where people are the same. The fact that I experienced a lot from the patient perspective helped me to acknowledge what they needed from me as a helper.
My job as an ambassador was to make sure that patients and their families felt comfortable at the hospital. Since nurses were not always available, I was the one who had to make sure that they were helped and not forgotten. My responsibility was to help the patients with their daily activities, such as eating, personal hygiene, reading and entertainment. I tried to make sure all of them felt emotionally supported by talking to them and listening to all their concerns and needs. At first it was very intimidating, and at the same time exciting being around doctors who even more inspired me to learn how to be helpful to people. I got even more encouraged and confident in my decision to help others and eventually my dream to become a doctor in future.
However, of all the challenges, I'm proud that I could overcome all the challenges face to face without hesitation. Living in the United Stated, I started seeing the world from a new perspective. Relying on myself with little help from others I matured and became independent faster. I feel very privileged and grateful to be in United States where everyone is equal. Thus, my life experience helped me develop my life dream.
