"Stanford students are widely known to possess a sense of intellectual vitality. Tell us about an idea or an experience you have had that you find intellectually engaging."
Mr. Sugg, my AP American Government teacher, launched into a speech about our upcoming project. I groaned. "A project after the AP test? Come on, Mr. Sugg!" He continued, explaining that each of us had to research a prominent U.S. Supreme Court case and deliver a presentation. At first, I was unexcited, to say the least, viewing it as busy work and a waste time before summer vacation. I was indeed surprised to find that it was one of my most enjoyable high school academic experiences.
My case, New Jersey vs. T.L.O., revolves around the legality of a purse search at a high school. At first glance, the case frustrated me. I am a relentless proponent of individual rights and the court declared the search constitutional, a decision with which I disagreed. I wanted to find out why. I was fortunate to have the use of my father's legal resources. I researched and read all of the lower, appellate and Supreme court majority and dissenting opinions. Ultimately, I found that I actually agreed with the majority's logic in upholding the search.
The assignment not only piqued my interest in the law, it also taught me a valuable lesson: what at first seems obvious is not always so. As the cliché goes, "there is more to it than meets the eye." I stepped back to evaluate my viewpoint and realized I had made an error in my initial assessment. I take pride in my ability to reason, and this assignment epitomized the kind of intellectual conundrum I relish.
Short and sweet. It is a few words over so if there are any unnecessary words, please advise me about them. Thanks in advance.
Mr. Sugg, my AP American Government teacher, launched into a speech about our upcoming project. I groaned. "A project after the AP test? Come on, Mr. Sugg!" He continued, explaining that each of us had to research a prominent U.S. Supreme Court case and deliver a presentation. At first, I was unexcited, to say the least, viewing it as busy work and a waste time before summer vacation. I was indeed surprised to find that it was one of my most enjoyable high school academic experiences.
My case, New Jersey vs. T.L.O., revolves around the legality of a purse search at a high school. At first glance, the case frustrated me. I am a relentless proponent of individual rights and the court declared the search constitutional, a decision with which I disagreed. I wanted to find out why. I was fortunate to have the use of my father's legal resources. I researched and read all of the lower, appellate and Supreme court majority and dissenting opinions. Ultimately, I found that I actually agreed with the majority's logic in upholding the search.
The assignment not only piqued my interest in the law, it also taught me a valuable lesson: what at first seems obvious is not always so. As the cliché goes, "there is more to it than meets the eye." I stepped back to evaluate my viewpoint and realized I had made an error in my initial assessment. I take pride in my ability to reason, and this assignment epitomized the kind of intellectual conundrum I relish.
Short and sweet. It is a few words over so if there are any unnecessary words, please advise me about them. Thanks in advance.
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