Hey, I know the deadline is fast approaching but I'm trying to write my columbia university essay. the question is:
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?
I'm thinking about using this essay about imagination and creativity because I feel that defines who I am. Any feedback is appreciated. I know I've gotta cut it back a little also.
Scattered words become cohesive thoughts. These thoughts appear on a computer screen as complete sentences flow from my mind to my furiously typing fingers. My brain is racing ahead on its eternal quest to discover the next phrase. All of this is happening within me, my imagination attempting to create entire worlds of words and music. Once the creative process is complete, I can experience the joy of sharing my work with the public.
My active imagination first displayed itself when, after reading a captivating book, I would scamper into a room by myself and act out a new storyline, improvising various plots. As I learned how to write, these ideas were translated into words, which would flow seamlessly into multiple paged short stories. Fortunately, my family's bibliophilic tendencies were passed down to me, and so I was able to amass a respectable vocabulary and love for literature by sixth grade. This was when my short stories began to merge together, and I developed an intense desire to write a novel. My first, sloppy attempt at a novel at age eleven was a collection of flat characters and predictable storylines. However, the novel I am currently working on shows much more promise; I have been able to blend my love for literature and philosophy into what I feel is a unique plot. I have learned valuable lessons along the way, such as the importance of determination when approaching a daunting task.
In addition to literature, I have always been attracted to music. In seventh grade, I received a small, nylon string guitar. I had been playing piano for six years, but my musical creativity really took off as I began learning to strum chords and pick melodies. Though I am mostly self-taught, my father helped me learn the basics, and this is what laid the foundation for the rest of my music. Now, I have expanded my musical repertoire to include mandolin, bass, and ukulele, though I still prefer to compose songs on guitar or piano. I pride myself not necessarily on my skill at playing music, but on my ability to compose music. I firmly believe that it is my imagination that helps me orchestrate songs. There is a certain stage in the songwriting procedure where I realize that my creativity has enabled me to construct a unique sound. After this, I can share my efforts with my friends and fellow musicians; this transforms an individual act into a communal one.
The last manner in which my imagination has revealed itself is through cinematography. For me, filmmaking began as shooting horror movies on a very old video camera. As my experience and equipment increased, I began exploring other genres, from music videos to comedy sketches. Film was a way to directly record the world around me, a way to influence that world in the way I wanted. I could combine my two other passions with film by mixing storylines with music.
Creativity has endured within me for seventeen years, and I hope that it continues to do so. My imagination allows me to share my thoughts with the rest of society, and I am proud to make even the smallest contributions.
That first paragraph describes several steps of a complete process that ends with sharing your art, but shouldn't it also end with a thesis statement? You should include something in that first para besides description of the process.
My active imagination first displayed itself when, after reading a captivating book, I would scamper into a room by myself and act out a new storyline, improvising various plots.
Ah, all kids do that. It is not so impressive the way you wrote it here...
As I learned how to write, these ideas were translated into words----obviously!! No stating the obvious...
Nylon strings are great!
Right now, this just talks about you. People are always bored when we tak just about ourseles. Talk about a concept: I suggest coming up with a philosophical or pragmatic observation based on your creation of both literary and musical art.
"When seeking wisdom, look for the similarities." -- Mitose.
