Prompt: Rutgers University is a vibrant community of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. How would you benefit from and contribute to such an environment? Consider variables such as your talents, travels, leadership activities, volunteer services, and cultural experiences.
Until 4th grade, I had been going to a Jewish elementary day school. At the time, I wasn't exposed to that much diversity; however, the move to public school was an exciting eye-opening experience. I began to make new friends from many different backgrounds, countries, and religions. I began to visit different friends houses where I ate authentic homemade Russian shashlyk and even spicy Indian curry chicken. However, even before attending public school, diversity was present in my life. I have Argentinian, Syrian, and European blood in me. The mix, as well as my Jewish background, has affected me greatly. I have learned about so many different foods and traditions from all of these outlets.
My parents, who where born and raised in Argentina, have infused the welcoming, friendly and fun spirit in me that is so apparent in Argentinians. My grandmother implanted in me the colorful and vibrant Syrian customs and foods. Interestingly enough, my grandma never actually lived in Syria, however her parents had, and her mother made sure to teach all of her children the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine that she had so enjoyed growing up. Currently, my grandmother invites my family and my uncles and cousins to her home a few Friday nights a month to enjoy the Sabbath together and to indulge in a brilliant feast. When I say feast, I really mean it; my grandmother usually prepares 15 different authentic dishes! My grandmother has given cooking books of all the recipes she makes to my cousins and I to make sure we keep the tradition will continue.
Furthermore, my volunteer work in a senior citizen home and at my town's public library, as well as my work as a swim instructor has also exposed me to a multitude of people. With all of these experiences, I always come to the conclusion that we are all so similar and that we become more enriched once we meet each other.
I love meeting new people and learning new things, which is why Rutgers would be a great fit for me. I would benefit from the Rutgers community by learning even more about different cultures and I would contribute to Rutgers by bringing the diversity I have within myself.
Comments/criticism/suggestions are all welcome :)
Until 4th grade, I had been going to a Jewish elementary day school. At the time, I wasn't exposed to that much diversity; however, the move to public school was an exciting eye-opening experience. I began to make new friends from many different backgrounds, countries, and religions. I began to visit different friends houses where I ate authentic homemade Russian shashlyk and even spicy Indian curry chicken. However, even before attending public school, diversity was present in my life. I have Argentinian, Syrian, and European blood in me. The mix, as well as my Jewish background, has affected me greatly. I have learned about so many different foods and traditions from all of these outlets.
My parents, who where born and raised in Argentina, have infused the welcoming, friendly and fun spirit in me that is so apparent in Argentinians. My grandmother implanted in me the colorful and vibrant Syrian customs and foods. Interestingly enough, my grandma never actually lived in Syria, however her parents had, and her mother made sure to teach all of her children the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine that she had so enjoyed growing up. Currently, my grandmother invites my family and my uncles and cousins to her home a few Friday nights a month to enjoy the Sabbath together and to indulge in a brilliant feast. When I say feast, I really mean it; my grandmother usually prepares 15 different authentic dishes! My grandmother has given cooking books of all the recipes she makes to my cousins and I to make sure we keep the tradition will continue.
Furthermore, my volunteer work in a senior citizen home and at my town's public library, as well as my work as a swim instructor has also exposed me to a multitude of people. With all of these experiences, I always come to the conclusion that we are all so similar and that we become more enriched once we meet each other.
I love meeting new people and learning new things, which is why Rutgers would be a great fit for me. I would benefit from the Rutgers community by learning even more about different cultures and I would contribute to Rutgers by bringing the diversity I have within myself.
Comments/criticism/suggestions are all welcome :)
