Name your favorite books, authors, films, and/or musical artists. (300 Characters)
Favorite Books: Ptolemy's Gate (Jonathan Stroud), The Last Olympian (Rick Riordan), and the Quran. Favorite Musical Artist: Lupe Fiasco, and Common. Favorite Film: Anything that relates to Sherlock Holmes, and 21 Jumpstreet.
What newspapers, magazines, and/or websites do you enjoy? (300 Characters)
Whenever I pick up a magazine, it is usually Time Magazine because it is informative and condensed. While on the computer, I love to utilize Twitter, Minute Physics, and failbook.failblog.org. I do not like reading newspapers because I prefer online sources such as sourcefednews.com or cnn.com.
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (300 Characters)
As the human population increases its dependence on medication, antibiotic resistance continues to pervade uncontrollably. Steps need to be taken in order to prevent the creation of resistant bacteria that will soon prove to be impossibly harder to eliminate.
How did you spend your last two summers? (300 Characters)
I participated in the Black Issues Forum at Colorado State University where we debated problems facing African Americans as we transition into secondary education. When I was not volunteering or watching Sherlock-type movies, I played soccer with my friends in the local park until the sun set.
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (300 Characters)
I wish that I was able to witness the triumphs of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X because it had such a bearing on my life. To be able to witness the determination in Martin Luther King Jr.'s eyes up close as he set about to rewrite history would be an honor.
What five words best describe you? (300 Characters)
Awkward (good kind): If I want it to be awkward, it will be. Understanding: I want to know what makes you click. Stubborn: I will argue my point even if I find out it is wrong half way through. Compassionate: Doing something without conviction is not worth doing. Jokester: A smile is all I want.
Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development. (2000 Characters)
One thing that I have always loved reading about is the Templars and the Middle Ages. In middle school, I checked out a book in the library called "The Last Templar" by Raymond Khoury. The moment I put down the book, I knew that I opened a door way to a whole new realm. Since then, I fed my curiosity by checking out tons of books on the Middle Ages or even googling "Templars" just to immerse myself in a world of knights and chivalry. Reading about Salahadin's adventures and how Jerusalem would come to fall for several different rulers fascinate me. One particular story that amused me the most was where Salahadin wore his sandals backwards so that enemies would not know where he actually went. Ironically, I often times sleep reading history homework, but correct my history teacher when he discusses the Middle Ages and the quests of the Templars. The more I discovered about the Middle Ages, the more I wanted to learn. When I think of the Templars, I think of people who put their lives on the line in the name of honor and righteousness. I usually found myself daydreaming of a bolder and more robust Mohamed who wore a suite of shining armor, and going about quests of glory and honor. Many people did not know about my curiosity unless they saw my stack of books that dealt solely with the days of knights and the feudal system. For the first time, I actually began to like history because it taught me more about myself. I always thought that lessons of the past were only applicable to that time exclusively, but I was repetitively proven wrong by the books I read. In a way, learning about the Middle Ages was a get away from the stresses of life because they were so polar. It allowed me to look beyond loving just science and develop new skills. Middle Age citizens had to be aware of everything in order to live productively. The same goes for me because being a productive citizen of this society requires me to be knowledgeable in many areas.
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better. (2000 Characters)
Dear future roommate,
Salam Alaikum (May peace be upon you)! My name is Mohamed Gabir and I look forward to the next few years with you at Stanford University. I am a very nonchalant person that will not be picky as to where you put your belongings and what time you are allowed to shower. On the other hand, you can not disturb me when Real Madrid is playing. They are my favorite soccer team, so I cannot afford to miss any action. If you are not a soccer fan by now, I will make sure that you are by the time we graduate. I love to play pick up soccer, or have quality time with my friends because building a relationship is essential to our growth as students at Stanford.
People think of me as a blunt person because I like to say what is on my mind. It is better to have everything out in the open instead of trying to figure out what each person is thinking. That is why I like to participate in things such as Model United Nations because I figure out people's true intentions through hours of debate. Seeing their true colors allows me to see them for who they are and how I interact with them. For the first few weeks, you might catch me "analyzing" you, but don't be afraid! I am only doing it in order to understand who you are as a person.
My goal after graduating from Stanford is to become a physician because I love helping people. Bringing a smile to someone's face is the ultimate reward that no monetary value can equal. Being your dorm partner, I will be there for you whenever you need me because it is my duty. I believe in equal opportunities for everyone and denying assistance, to me, is wrong.
In our time at Stanford, I hope to create many everlasting memories such as staying up until three a.m. trying to study for a big exam or exploring San Francisco with my soon to be partner in crime. Whatever happens within the next four years, make sure you know one thing: I will always have your back.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Gabir
P.S. I call dibs on the right side of the room.
Favorite Books: Ptolemy's Gate (Jonathan Stroud), The Last Olympian (Rick Riordan), and the Quran. Favorite Musical Artist: Lupe Fiasco, and Common. Favorite Film: Anything that relates to Sherlock Holmes, and 21 Jumpstreet.
What newspapers, magazines, and/or websites do you enjoy? (300 Characters)
Whenever I pick up a magazine, it is usually Time Magazine because it is informative and condensed. While on the computer, I love to utilize Twitter, Minute Physics, and failbook.failblog.org. I do not like reading newspapers because I prefer online sources such as sourcefednews.com or cnn.com.
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (300 Characters)
As the human population increases its dependence on medication, antibiotic resistance continues to pervade uncontrollably. Steps need to be taken in order to prevent the creation of resistant bacteria that will soon prove to be impossibly harder to eliminate.
How did you spend your last two summers? (300 Characters)
I participated in the Black Issues Forum at Colorado State University where we debated problems facing African Americans as we transition into secondary education. When I was not volunteering or watching Sherlock-type movies, I played soccer with my friends in the local park until the sun set.
What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (300 Characters)
I wish that I was able to witness the triumphs of civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X because it had such a bearing on my life. To be able to witness the determination in Martin Luther King Jr.'s eyes up close as he set about to rewrite history would be an honor.
What five words best describe you? (300 Characters)
Awkward (good kind): If I want it to be awkward, it will be. Understanding: I want to know what makes you click. Stubborn: I will argue my point even if I find out it is wrong half way through. Compassionate: Doing something without conviction is not worth doing. Jokester: A smile is all I want.
Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development. (2000 Characters)
One thing that I have always loved reading about is the Templars and the Middle Ages. In middle school, I checked out a book in the library called "The Last Templar" by Raymond Khoury. The moment I put down the book, I knew that I opened a door way to a whole new realm. Since then, I fed my curiosity by checking out tons of books on the Middle Ages or even googling "Templars" just to immerse myself in a world of knights and chivalry. Reading about Salahadin's adventures and how Jerusalem would come to fall for several different rulers fascinate me. One particular story that amused me the most was where Salahadin wore his sandals backwards so that enemies would not know where he actually went. Ironically, I often times sleep reading history homework, but correct my history teacher when he discusses the Middle Ages and the quests of the Templars. The more I discovered about the Middle Ages, the more I wanted to learn. When I think of the Templars, I think of people who put their lives on the line in the name of honor and righteousness. I usually found myself daydreaming of a bolder and more robust Mohamed who wore a suite of shining armor, and going about quests of glory and honor. Many people did not know about my curiosity unless they saw my stack of books that dealt solely with the days of knights and the feudal system. For the first time, I actually began to like history because it taught me more about myself. I always thought that lessons of the past were only applicable to that time exclusively, but I was repetitively proven wrong by the books I read. In a way, learning about the Middle Ages was a get away from the stresses of life because they were so polar. It allowed me to look beyond loving just science and develop new skills. Middle Age citizens had to be aware of everything in order to live productively. The same goes for me because being a productive citizen of this society requires me to be knowledgeable in many areas.
Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better. (2000 Characters)
Dear future roommate,
Salam Alaikum (May peace be upon you)! My name is Mohamed Gabir and I look forward to the next few years with you at Stanford University. I am a very nonchalant person that will not be picky as to where you put your belongings and what time you are allowed to shower. On the other hand, you can not disturb me when Real Madrid is playing. They are my favorite soccer team, so I cannot afford to miss any action. If you are not a soccer fan by now, I will make sure that you are by the time we graduate. I love to play pick up soccer, or have quality time with my friends because building a relationship is essential to our growth as students at Stanford.
People think of me as a blunt person because I like to say what is on my mind. It is better to have everything out in the open instead of trying to figure out what each person is thinking. That is why I like to participate in things such as Model United Nations because I figure out people's true intentions through hours of debate. Seeing their true colors allows me to see them for who they are and how I interact with them. For the first few weeks, you might catch me "analyzing" you, but don't be afraid! I am only doing it in order to understand who you are as a person.
My goal after graduating from Stanford is to become a physician because I love helping people. Bringing a smile to someone's face is the ultimate reward that no monetary value can equal. Being your dorm partner, I will be there for you whenever you need me because it is my duty. I believe in equal opportunities for everyone and denying assistance, to me, is wrong.
In our time at Stanford, I hope to create many everlasting memories such as staying up until three a.m. trying to study for a big exam or exploring San Francisco with my soon to be partner in crime. Whatever happens within the next four years, make sure you know one thing: I will always have your back.
Sincerely,
Mohamed Gabir
P.S. I call dibs on the right side of the room.