mspivey2 /
Nov 16, 2008 #1
Hello again! I have FINALLY started writing my essay. I chose this question: 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.
This is what I have so far:
I am living life far from the ordinary, born to an Indian family living in Tanzania, which is one of the three countries that make up East Africa. Life in a third world country without having a strong financial background is not easy. Spending 17 years in Tanzania has inspired and motivated me to a great extent. I learned to perceive life as one that endlessly subject to change. Therefore I realized the importance of being open minded and accommodating because, in a blink of an eye, our life can transform to a very different state.
My greatest admiration during my years spent in Tanzania was the Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the largest mountain in the African continent. It is made up of three inactive volcanoes, brought together through the raw power of nature to form something far greater than just a mountain -- it formed my life's path. It is the mountain that I wished to climb one day while I am alive. Just looking at its pictures on the internet gave me a feeling of strength and power, as if I were capable of anything. It gave me dreams. I became that mountain; strong, independent and powerful.
Kilimanjaro transformed me and shaped my principles and beliefs, thus making me perceive that there is so much more to Africa than poverty, HIV/AIDS and tropical diseases. When students study history, healthcare, economics - most of the examples referring to Africa that they get are not the real truth because there is an overwhelming beauty that most fail to see like the amazing African spirit, Africa's natural resources, good soils, beautiful scenery, the climate and the human resources which are truly outstanding and unwavering however, at the same time, it is important for Africa to know that the world has moved on, for its people to know that technology and progress has changed the world outside. So, I, one day hope to be capable enough of helping Africa, especially its children because I am a child of Africa; I have seen what it needs and I want to be the voice of a better change. Africa deserves it. Our people deserve it.
I finally fulfilled the wish of climbing the mountain that was my dream, my strength and my inspiration with students who are a huge part of my life, making the intricate expedition very memorable and effortless. With my every step, I am climbing higher and higher, I am the strong mountaineer, ferocious with fortitude, but gentle in my compassion.
During the colder months, there is a change that takes place within the mountain. It is the transitional phase that gives all life living within her, the chance to rejuvenate, to become stronger and wiser than ever. University will be my period of conversion; I will learn everything I possibly can so that I can awaken the capable person who is within me to educate my people. University is a new mountain for me to climb, but I am on my way up again, and I am bringing my uniqueness wherever I head. I am solid, independent and powerful; and I learned it all from a mountain.
I am not too sure where to go from here...Writers block I guess! Any suggestions, comments and criticisms are very welcome!
Thanks very much!
Madeleine
This is what I have so far:
I am living life far from the ordinary, born to an Indian family living in Tanzania, which is one of the three countries that make up East Africa. Life in a third world country without having a strong financial background is not easy. Spending 17 years in Tanzania has inspired and motivated me to a great extent. I learned to perceive life as one that endlessly subject to change. Therefore I realized the importance of being open minded and accommodating because, in a blink of an eye, our life can transform to a very different state.
My greatest admiration during my years spent in Tanzania was the Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the largest mountain in the African continent. It is made up of three inactive volcanoes, brought together through the raw power of nature to form something far greater than just a mountain -- it formed my life's path. It is the mountain that I wished to climb one day while I am alive. Just looking at its pictures on the internet gave me a feeling of strength and power, as if I were capable of anything. It gave me dreams. I became that mountain; strong, independent and powerful.
Kilimanjaro transformed me and shaped my principles and beliefs, thus making me perceive that there is so much more to Africa than poverty, HIV/AIDS and tropical diseases. When students study history, healthcare, economics - most of the examples referring to Africa that they get are not the real truth because there is an overwhelming beauty that most fail to see like the amazing African spirit, Africa's natural resources, good soils, beautiful scenery, the climate and the human resources which are truly outstanding and unwavering however, at the same time, it is important for Africa to know that the world has moved on, for its people to know that technology and progress has changed the world outside. So, I, one day hope to be capable enough of helping Africa, especially its children because I am a child of Africa; I have seen what it needs and I want to be the voice of a better change. Africa deserves it. Our people deserve it.
I finally fulfilled the wish of climbing the mountain that was my dream, my strength and my inspiration with students who are a huge part of my life, making the intricate expedition very memorable and effortless. With my every step, I am climbing higher and higher, I am the strong mountaineer, ferocious with fortitude, but gentle in my compassion.
During the colder months, there is a change that takes place within the mountain. It is the transitional phase that gives all life living within her, the chance to rejuvenate, to become stronger and wiser than ever. University will be my period of conversion; I will learn everything I possibly can so that I can awaken the capable person who is within me to educate my people. University is a new mountain for me to climb, but I am on my way up again, and I am bringing my uniqueness wherever I head. I am solid, independent and powerful; and I learned it all from a mountain.
I am not too sure where to go from here...Writers block I guess! Any suggestions, comments and criticisms are very welcome!
Thanks very much!
Madeleine