Youlan Fung, a Columbia PhD in class of 1923, is my favorite Chinese philosopher. He always said that after more than 60 years, he could always recall his days in Columbia University and the words of his mentor John Dewey. Following his descriptions of Columbia University in his books, I gradually became interested in Columbia University.
Later, in my further research, I came to be drawn by Columbia's Leadership Program known as L.E.A.D. As a leader of my high school volunteering club, I am disappointed that there was no formal training of leadership in my high school. So I am excited that L.E.A.D will offer me a complete leadership training track: from "Emerging Leaders Program" for new leaders to "ADVANCE!" program for experienced leaders. Also, L.E.A.D offers leadership in diversity training where a host of identity groups can come together to practice coalition building and prejudice reduction work, a chance for me to fit in the Columbia community known for its cultural diversity.
Furthermore, studying comparative literature and society in Columbia is also gratifying. Literary study needs frequent discussions and quiet meditations, so Columbia's ubiquitous small seminars for undergraduates give me perfect chances to study on my major. Also, built in multi-cultural Manhattan, Columbia embraces great cultural diversity, which will let me know more about different cultures in my comparative literature study.
That's why I love Duke, a place with unique culture, exciting venture, and perfect literary education.
This leaves me wishing I had a hint about what that philosopher's influence did to shape your intention! What is he all about, and what has it got to do with you? You should get a theme from his work, and that will be so great for showing the reader that you have a well developed vision for the future... that you take inspiration from him, and that makes Columbia meaningful to you.
