How has your family history, culture or environment influenced who you are?
How does a person's culture define who they are? I believe my life has been influenced a great deal by my Italian heritage with many relatives in Italy and a rich family history. I have learned the simple joys of life and my morals through my family's love of food, pride of culture, and family values.
Every true Italian loves to eat, and I am no exception. I have enjoyed a fair amount of home cooked meals. As they say, a family who eats together stays together. As a child I could always be found helping my mother and grandmother in the kitchen making fresh pasta, gnocchi, and crostata. In the Italian culture everyone comes together to eat around the table and this becomes family time.
Throughout history Italians are known through the rein of the Roman Empire, the first aqua duct system, famous artists, engineering, leadership, and government. Italy has one of the oldest and richest cultures in the world and, like many other Italians, I have learned to appreciate Italian history. Also an important part of Italian history is religion. The Pope and the Vatican are located in Italy where the Roman Catholic Religion was established. Having traveled to Italy and seen the elements of Italians rich history I have a strong sense of nationalism.
Lastly, and most notably, is the importance of family. As most Italian families, I too, have an extremely extended family with many relatives who enjoy gathering on every occasion. Italian families are close. They love and support each other. Family is a top priority for Italians. I have come to understand how special and irreplaceable my family is, and how much we value one another.
In many aspects of my life Italian culture has influenced me. Love of food, pride of culture, and family values are among the most pertinent ways which have influenced my life and shaped me into the strong, proud Italian woman I am today.
Why did you choose to apply to UCF?
Ever since I was young I dreamed about becoming a doctor when I grew up. In elementary school I wanted to be a neonatal nurse but after I learned about all the systems in the human body in sixth grade I knew I wanted to be a full blown doctor. The University of Central Florida has always been my first choice and after I heard about the new medical program opening there was no doubt I wanted to go to UCF.
Fortunately UCF is very near to my home in Orlando, Florida and this fact has always been a benefit for me. I am very close to my father and brother and being able to visit them on a regular basis would mean the world to me. After my mother passed away from cancer right before I entered high school I have wanted to stay near my family. We do almost everything together and being able to continue being apart of each other's lives is what I hope to maintain. Thankfully UCF is so close and convenient with so many opportunities and a lot to offer.
Another important reason I hope to attend UCF is that I wish to enroll in the Burnett Honors College. I have always tried challenging myself by taking honors and advanced placement classes and I plan to continue. I enjoy joining clubs and programs like the Center for International Studies Magnet and National Honor Society because I always meet new people and make new friends. Also, I tend to stay close to these people because we usually have the same classes and I have not only forged close relationships but made lifelong friends. Moreover these programs always offer beneficial opportunities whether they be close friendships, studying abroad, or prepare me to enter medical school.
The University of Central Florida has so many things to offer me I can not think of why I would not want to attend UCF. I will receive the education I need to become a doctor, I will be able to stay close to my home and family, and I will hopefully join the Burnett Honors College. UCF will nurture my passion for learning and will help me create a strong foundation for my future.
Good evening :)
Both of these are wonderful pieces. They both fully answer the prompts, give great explanation, are well organized, and are mechanically clean. I don't think there's anything that I would change! Great work!
Regards,
Gloria
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