Prompt 1 of the common app comes to mind, but what other prompts could possibly fit?
UC Essay:
I am no soccer prodigy. For the past three years of high school soccer I've diligently warmed the bench. My plastic gold trophies of childhood recreational soccer read "participant," but I'm proud to have participated. I'm proud to play the sport I love because of the friends and memories I've made along the way.
Unfettered by expectations to be the best, I've garnered a deep passion for soccer. For the past ten years soccer has been an outlet from the stresses of everyday life-a way to have fun, simple and carefree. My friends and I have formed United PGC (pick-up game club), a motley group of weekend warriors dedicated to the mission of united soccer. In the lightheartedness of our pick-up games, we've blasted shots well over the goal and tumbled to the ground attempting ridiculous skill moves. Yet despite our blunders we've always encouraged each other to keep trying, to keep playing soccer. I've taken this peer encouragement to heart. If I can't become a professional soccer player, I at least want to share the joys of soccer with others.
This past August I organized and directed a week-long soccer camp for kids ages five to eleven in my hometown Mission Viejo. Sponsored by the nonprofit Kicking4Hunger, campers were asked to donate food rather than pay a camp fee. Soccer became not only a sport, but a way to help the community.
The camp itself was nothing too impressive: thirty energetic kids as campers, my friends as counselors, and a pair of portable nets as soccer goals. For many of these kids, it was their first year playing soccer, and it showed. Armen saw it fit to perform throw-ins basketball style. Londen, Kamden, and Brynn formed the bumblebee trio, a surprisingly effective tactic for getting the ball. As unconventional as these methods were, who was I to criticize their soccer antics? My friends and I gave them pointers, worked on the technical side of the game, but above all else made sure that fun and teamwork were the priorities. We incorporated soccer fundamentals like passing and dribbling into a series of lively, engaging group activities. Soccer capture the flag, keep away and soccer freeze-tag were among the favorites, camper and counselor alike. By the end of the camp, I couldn't say these kids developed their skills to the highest potential, but I was certain they had a blast. And on the plus side, we collected over 300 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.
On the last day of camp, my friends and I were given a surprising goodbye gift. The campers, the boys and girls whom we had so much fun teaching, decided to return the favor; these kids group tackled us to the ground. Although there was a small mountain of kids on top of me, I felt a weight come off my shoulders.
For my entire life I've felt a pressure to be the best both in and out of school; soccer has told me otherwise. Maybe I won't play at the collegiate or even club level, but going into college I bring with me my footy passion. I bring with me the understanding that I don't have to be the best to make a difference for anything I truly love.
UC Essay:
I am no soccer prodigy. For the past three years of high school soccer I've diligently warmed the bench. My plastic gold trophies of childhood recreational soccer read "participant," but I'm proud to have participated. I'm proud to play the sport I love because of the friends and memories I've made along the way.
Unfettered by expectations to be the best, I've garnered a deep passion for soccer. For the past ten years soccer has been an outlet from the stresses of everyday life-a way to have fun, simple and carefree. My friends and I have formed United PGC (pick-up game club), a motley group of weekend warriors dedicated to the mission of united soccer. In the lightheartedness of our pick-up games, we've blasted shots well over the goal and tumbled to the ground attempting ridiculous skill moves. Yet despite our blunders we've always encouraged each other to keep trying, to keep playing soccer. I've taken this peer encouragement to heart. If I can't become a professional soccer player, I at least want to share the joys of soccer with others.
This past August I organized and directed a week-long soccer camp for kids ages five to eleven in my hometown Mission Viejo. Sponsored by the nonprofit Kicking4Hunger, campers were asked to donate food rather than pay a camp fee. Soccer became not only a sport, but a way to help the community.
The camp itself was nothing too impressive: thirty energetic kids as campers, my friends as counselors, and a pair of portable nets as soccer goals. For many of these kids, it was their first year playing soccer, and it showed. Armen saw it fit to perform throw-ins basketball style. Londen, Kamden, and Brynn formed the bumblebee trio, a surprisingly effective tactic for getting the ball. As unconventional as these methods were, who was I to criticize their soccer antics? My friends and I gave them pointers, worked on the technical side of the game, but above all else made sure that fun and teamwork were the priorities. We incorporated soccer fundamentals like passing and dribbling into a series of lively, engaging group activities. Soccer capture the flag, keep away and soccer freeze-tag were among the favorites, camper and counselor alike. By the end of the camp, I couldn't say these kids developed their skills to the highest potential, but I was certain they had a blast. And on the plus side, we collected over 300 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank.
On the last day of camp, my friends and I were given a surprising goodbye gift. The campers, the boys and girls whom we had so much fun teaching, decided to return the favor; these kids group tackled us to the ground. Although there was a small mountain of kids on top of me, I felt a weight come off my shoulders.
For my entire life I've felt a pressure to be the best both in and out of school; soccer has told me otherwise. Maybe I won't play at the collegiate or even club level, but going into college I bring with me my footy passion. I bring with me the understanding that I don't have to be the best to make a difference for anything I truly love.
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