I just want to get a few more opinions on my supplement before I submit it. Any and all feedback/criticism is welcome and I greatly appreciate it!
A. How did you first learn about Barnard College and what factors have influenced your decision to apply? Why do you think the College would be a good match for you?
I first learned about Barnard when an expert on American universities held a seminar at my school. As she was explaining to us the different types of colleges, she mentioned the term "Seven Sisters" and I was immediately intrigued. Before this seminar, I had never known that exclusively female colleges existed. Now that I do, I could not be more enthusiastic about attending Barnard. The strongest aspect of the school is, of course, it being exclusively female. I believe being around motivated, confident young women will help me create strong friendships as well as excel academically. In addition, although many may not admit it, learning in a co-ed environment can be both disruptive and intimidating. I myself am sometimes too focused on what the boys in my class may think if I ask a silly question or say something less than clever. This is not necessarily because men are judgmental, but because I tend to care more about what they think, which can be distracting, especially in an academic environment. I believe the College would be the best fit for me because we both share one core belief: that women are entitled to and should be empowered, and the best way to do so is through receiving a high quality education.
B. Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?
Without a doubt, I would choose Hillary Clinton. Ms. Clinton started out as a very successful lawyer, and I would love for her to give me some insight on how to succeed along that particular career path. She has been an influential figure politically as well, having worked rigorously as First Lady, been elected Senator and appointed Secretary of State. For some of this hour, I would ask Ms. Clinton about her role as a political figure. How was she able to fight global hunger or pass controversial pieces of legislation? Would she have been able to make such contributions if she had not been First Lady? What could I do to make a positive difference to the global community, as she has? Although I would love to spend our conversation talking about her political achievements, I would not want to forget to ask about her role as a woman. What has it been like being in a field that is predominantly male-oriented? How did she deal with her husband's infidelity in 1992? What advice could she give me on being a strong female leader? An hour with Hillary Clinton would be an interesting experience, although it's hardly enough time to truly get to know someone as influential as her.
C. Alumna and writer Anna Quindlen says that she "majored in unafraid" at Barnard. Tell us about a time when you majored in unafraid.
"Hi, are you all here for the Hollister interview?"
It had been my first job interview ever. I arrived almost an hour early, terrified that I would somehow get lost and miss it, even though I had been to that mall several times in my life. As I waited, I worried over the fact that there was no way I was going to calm down enough to actually give straight answers to the manager. As it got closer to 4 o'clock, I forced myself to take a deep breath and walked into the store. I found a group of teenagers around my age waiting and immediately struck up a conversation with the girl beside me. As we talked, I realized that, hey, everyone in this room was in my position. We were all sweating buckets and praying to God that we'd make enough of an impression to get the job. Why was I feeling so intimidated? What's the worst that could happen? That I'd stutter over a word and not get the job? I was being silly. There was absolutely no reason for me to be afraid, and at that moment I decided to seize the opportunity. Even if I didn't get the job, I would come away with the experience of successfully getting through an interview. With that thought in mind, I confidently stood up as we were called out and answered all the questions without hesitation. Although I ended up not getting the job, I learned a valuable life experience: that it did no good to worry, and that I should approach every opportunity with confidence and courage.
D. Community - educational, geographic, religious, political, ethnic, or other - can define an individual's experience and influence her journey. How has your community, as you identify it, shaped your perspective?
Living in a multicultural city, I have been exposed to a variety of communities diversified by their ethnicity, culture and race. I am a part of many of these large groups, however I find that I most belong in the small community of the Al Huda Islamic School. This school has taught me much about the philosophies of Islam, which has essentially shaped the way I live my life. Principles such as honesty, tolerance and respect are all values that I implement in my everyday life and are very important to me. My community has also shown me the significance of empathy and treating others the way you want to be treated, which has become something that I base my every action on. These basic ideas of Islam have shaped my perspective in the sense that I realize the world does not revolve around me; but rather that I am a very small piece that can positively contribute to a much bigger picture. My community has influenced me very much, in both how I act and how I think, which I believe has ultimately helped me become a more thoughtful, compassionate human being.
A. How did you first learn about Barnard College and what factors have influenced your decision to apply? Why do you think the College would be a good match for you?
I first learned about Barnard when an expert on American universities held a seminar at my school. As she was explaining to us the different types of colleges, she mentioned the term "Seven Sisters" and I was immediately intrigued. Before this seminar, I had never known that exclusively female colleges existed. Now that I do, I could not be more enthusiastic about attending Barnard. The strongest aspect of the school is, of course, it being exclusively female. I believe being around motivated, confident young women will help me create strong friendships as well as excel academically. In addition, although many may not admit it, learning in a co-ed environment can be both disruptive and intimidating. I myself am sometimes too focused on what the boys in my class may think if I ask a silly question or say something less than clever. This is not necessarily because men are judgmental, but because I tend to care more about what they think, which can be distracting, especially in an academic environment. I believe the College would be the best fit for me because we both share one core belief: that women are entitled to and should be empowered, and the best way to do so is through receiving a high quality education.
B. Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?
Without a doubt, I would choose Hillary Clinton. Ms. Clinton started out as a very successful lawyer, and I would love for her to give me some insight on how to succeed along that particular career path. She has been an influential figure politically as well, having worked rigorously as First Lady, been elected Senator and appointed Secretary of State. For some of this hour, I would ask Ms. Clinton about her role as a political figure. How was she able to fight global hunger or pass controversial pieces of legislation? Would she have been able to make such contributions if she had not been First Lady? What could I do to make a positive difference to the global community, as she has? Although I would love to spend our conversation talking about her political achievements, I would not want to forget to ask about her role as a woman. What has it been like being in a field that is predominantly male-oriented? How did she deal with her husband's infidelity in 1992? What advice could she give me on being a strong female leader? An hour with Hillary Clinton would be an interesting experience, although it's hardly enough time to truly get to know someone as influential as her.
C. Alumna and writer Anna Quindlen says that she "majored in unafraid" at Barnard. Tell us about a time when you majored in unafraid.
"Hi, are you all here for the Hollister interview?"
It had been my first job interview ever. I arrived almost an hour early, terrified that I would somehow get lost and miss it, even though I had been to that mall several times in my life. As I waited, I worried over the fact that there was no way I was going to calm down enough to actually give straight answers to the manager. As it got closer to 4 o'clock, I forced myself to take a deep breath and walked into the store. I found a group of teenagers around my age waiting and immediately struck up a conversation with the girl beside me. As we talked, I realized that, hey, everyone in this room was in my position. We were all sweating buckets and praying to God that we'd make enough of an impression to get the job. Why was I feeling so intimidated? What's the worst that could happen? That I'd stutter over a word and not get the job? I was being silly. There was absolutely no reason for me to be afraid, and at that moment I decided to seize the opportunity. Even if I didn't get the job, I would come away with the experience of successfully getting through an interview. With that thought in mind, I confidently stood up as we were called out and answered all the questions without hesitation. Although I ended up not getting the job, I learned a valuable life experience: that it did no good to worry, and that I should approach every opportunity with confidence and courage.
D. Community - educational, geographic, religious, political, ethnic, or other - can define an individual's experience and influence her journey. How has your community, as you identify it, shaped your perspective?
Living in a multicultural city, I have been exposed to a variety of communities diversified by their ethnicity, culture and race. I am a part of many of these large groups, however I find that I most belong in the small community of the Al Huda Islamic School. This school has taught me much about the philosophies of Islam, which has essentially shaped the way I live my life. Principles such as honesty, tolerance and respect are all values that I implement in my everyday life and are very important to me. My community has also shown me the significance of empathy and treating others the way you want to be treated, which has become something that I base my every action on. These basic ideas of Islam have shaped my perspective in the sense that I realize the world does not revolve around me; but rather that I am a very small piece that can positively contribute to a much bigger picture. My community has influenced me very much, in both how I act and how I think, which I believe has ultimately helped me become a more thoughtful, compassionate human being.