'something that has puzzled you in life' - Essay Topic for University Admission

I need to write 2 Essay's for a University Addmission. The first one is Simple, Why I want to attend the school and such, and I may post that one up for editing help later.

However, Its the second one I'm having difficulty on.

Topic: Write about something that has puzzled you in life that you've overcome intellectually.

I am having trouble trying to think of something to write about. Nothing that come to mind that has puzzled me even slightly, is good enough. I've asked friends and they say I'm overthinking the question but considering the essay is for a really good, high demanding university, I really don't think I am. They keep telling me to write about a time I got lost or to write about solving a difficult puzzle and I don't think those are good enough.

I considered even writing about the essay itself, as right now its what is puzzling me most in life, but I feel like thats a really uncreative way to get through trying to find a topic. Although, something in my head also says it isn't uncreative because most others wouldn't dare to write about it for that reason.

I haven't come across anything or done anything that comes to mind that would be interesting enough as to get me accepted, or even interest the reader even slightly...

Here is my first Essay that i already have written, maybe I could also get some editing help on it.
(I still do not know what to write for the second essay)

[Essay #1 topic - Write an essay 250-300 words on, Why you wish to study at the University, why you wish to study that specific topic, and how you can contribute to the universities society.]

Studying at the University of Tokyo would be an amazing experience. It would be nice to have a good education overseas. As I have always been interested in the Japanese culture and language, Japan is naturally my first choice when deciding where I'd like to attend university. The University of Tokyo's education appears to be top quality which is something I've always desired to have. The school's I have attended through my life, form Grade School to High school, have always only been average and the system problematic. I've always admired Japan's school system and the University of Tokyo seems to be one of the best schools.

I discovered the PEAK program using the Global 30 website and am applying for the International Program on Japan in East Asia. As it is in English, I think is well suited for students such as myself and will open many new opportunities for me. The social sciences have always been where my interests lie, specifically within Law and Political sciences. I also hope to learn the Japanese language within this program.

In the future I would like to stay in Japan and work. As of this point I am unsure exactly what my plans for employment are to be but I believe with a bit more understanding of my courses within the university I will quickly be able to decide my future.

I hope I will be able to bring my enthusiasm into the University of Tokyo's community. I hope to participate in any school event that may be held and I hope to meet many new people. I want to be an active participant in any school activities that may be held and I hope to enjoy my time along with the other students.

Not a bad essay, but it could use a little tweaking. :)

-The first two sentences can be omitted.
-As this is a formal essay, change contractions into their longer form (I'd into I would, etc.)
-The second paragraph could really be omitted, or turned into a paragraph on why law & poli sci appeal to you.
-Fourth paragraph can be omitted, although your wanting to ultimately live & stay in Japan could definitely stay somewhere.
-Beef up the fourth paragraph. Sell yourself! What makes you super awesome? Why should they be excited to have you? Show off here.


The schools I have attended through my life, from grade school to high school , have always been average and the system problematic.
How have they been average? What system is problematic and how?


How does the website's being in English make it well suited for you?


I'd change "specifically" to "particularly", but whatever you feel's best. :)

Good luck!! :)

Okay I tried writing the second essay and here is what i came up with.
________

Throughout my school life I have been asked to write about many different situations in many different styles. From short stories to formal essays, the most puzzling part is always topic.

I have always greatly enjoyed writing, resulting in a very creative mind. When asked to write, I often find myself thinking about the topic perhaps too much. While applying for several schools, both international schools and schools here in Canada, I have been asked to write many different essays; from why I would like to attend to a life problem. What should be writing about has always puzzled me. I ask myself what the reader is looking for in the essay and what would interest them. What kind of life event should I share?

After spending many weeks brainstorming and asking others for advice, I realized I was more puzzled about topic than anything else. I discovered that while attempting to write about something unique I could only think of how it puzzled me, and through hard work I would have to achieve my goal.

I had started out thinking that nothing puzzling in my life was good enough for a university level essay and came to the conclusion that many things were suitable. However it took great courage to choose this topic. Although it was my first spark of an idea, I wasn't sure if it was suitable to write an essay about essay topics. Thinking about it now, I truly believe it is actually a very unique topic.

In school I have been given topics very specific, such as having to write about problems in my school. As I do often think out of the box too much, I couldn't decide what to write about then. In the end, I chose to write about something more subtle than the obvious bullying or discrimination and chose manipulation between peers.

I find the topics I choose are often quite different from my classmates, as I hope this topic will be different from others as well.