Hello, Essayforumers :) Here's my short answer to the short answer portion of the common app
(Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).)
There are always two sides of a story, and being a journalist has given me the opportunity to explore them. For example, who knew there were students who strongly did not think that the school, one of the top public high schools in the nation, doesn't handle bullying well? I have been one since grade school; since then, I've learned many things about topics that has never really been discussed. The marvel of journalism, for me, is that you think you do, but you really don't, know everything.
Over the years of my experience, I have developed a passion for journalism. I have been timid then, afraid that I might ask the wrong questions or stutter during interviews, apprehensive that students might be bored at what I write. However, I persisted, and experience has enabled me to write informative and concise stories, communicate with people in a friendly, intimate way, and emanate a confident personality.
--Suggestions, edits, and other comments are all welcome! Thank you :)
Hi :) I can try to help you. I think that the question you ask in the first paragraph is a bit confusing and unnecessary. (For example, who knew there were students who strongly did not think that the school, one of the top public high schools in the nation, doesn't handle bullying well?)
Maybe you should quickly explain what your journalism goals are, why it is so interesting to you, why is it so rewarding, and how did these journalism skills help you in school.
I have been one since grade school; since then, I've learned many things about topics that has never really been discussed. The marvel of journalism, for me, is that you think you do, but you really don't, know everything.
Here is another way that you could say this: "Since grade school, I have been a journalist who is always searching for the answers. I love learning about new topics and discussing them with others. The marvel of journalism is asking questions, and realizing that the answers may lead to even more questions."
I have been timid then, afraid that I might ask the wrong questions or stutter during interviews, apprehensive that students might be bored at what I write.
I'm not sure if this is the best thing to say, keep it positive, and shine the best light on yourself. Also, be sure that your grammar and writing is at its absolute best. Show them how a great journalist can write :) Great job so far. Good luck in school.
Thanks for the suggestion! Here is my revision:
Since grade school, I have developed a passion for journalism. I have explored different places, met eccentric people, and learned how to write more concisely and communicate more effectively. However, what I've learned most about journalism is that it is not really about writing; it is about asking the right questions, in order to formulate answers into a story that readers can understand and from which they can ask more questions for journalists to answer. That circuitous process is one of the marvels of journalism.
That is also why I decided to pursue news writing in the years to come. For me, journalism is a form of giving back to those who had transformed the society to be more informed and an advancement tool for those who are uninformed. To be blunt, I'm saying I want to change the world.
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Thank you for all of your suggestions and comments!
Great job on your revision, I like how you improved on it. Two of your sentences are a bit too long:
However, what I've learned most about journalism is that it is not really about writing; it is about asking the right questions, in order to formulate answers into a story that readers can understand and from which they can ask more questions for journalists to answer.
For me, journalism is a form of giving back to those who had transformed the society to be more informed and an advancement tool for those who are uninformed.
I really love the ideas that you have, and I enjoyed reading this, I think you have a bright future ahead of you! Maybe someday I will be reading your articles in the newspaper :)
Thank you for all of your help @JennyFlower81! I appreciate all your time.
