1. Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
My mom has a little inspirational quote hanging on the wall in our family room reading, "Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become." When she first put it up 6 years ago I scoffed at it silently, but now I better understand the accuracy of the quote. When I was 11 years old, my parents decided after much deliberation that my brother and I needed to be with family and more exposed to our cultural heritage. So in the summer of 2007, we moved to India; an enormous departure in custom for me, trading in a comfortable lifestyle for an unfamiliar one.
The first day of school will be the worst, I told myself as I walked into my new classroom. Unfortunately, the subsequent days became increasingly worse. From the curriculum at school to the hostile storekeepers nearby, the most menial of everyday tasks became a challenge for me. Eleven years of living in the U.S. had limited my knowledge of Tamil, my native language. My preference for English and my classmates' preference for Tamil earned me the reputation of a snob. In reality, I would've given anything to have been able to laugh and socialize with my classmates but after repeatedly failed attempts, I became the outcast of the group. It was during this lonely time I discovered my knack for math. It became my sole companion as I struggled doggedly through the school year.
After an invigorating summer during which my Tamil improved drastically, I entered 8th grade with more self-confidence. My favorite memory from the first day was when I greeted a classmate, "Dei Amit! Euppudi irruka?"(Hey Amit! How are you?) My grin was uncontainable as he responded with a smile, "Nalarken nei eppudi rruka?" (I'm good. How're you?) This seemingly insignificant moment marked a milestone for me in two senses. First, it signaled my ability to use a once unfamiliar language to my advantage. Second, it was the beginning of a lasting friendship between me and my classmates.
Despite all the difficulties I overcame, it was not until the beginning of 10th grade was I in some sense, adjusted to Indian lifestyle, and at my academic prime. But then, it was time for another change. My parents quietly told me, that my father would have to look for another job. 2 months later and desperate, he accepted one of the few jobs available during recession time; one in Cerritos, California. I was in disbelief; after 4 years of striving to make everything work and finally coming to terms with the Indian lifestyle, I was going to have to move again.
On the day we left, I found myself numbly wishing my friends, and teary relatives goodbye as I got on a plane back to America. We landed in L.A. a few days after school had started, so I learnt about honors classes and SAT's too late and couldn't enroll in the courses that I wanted. However, by the beginning of junior year, I had reestablished myself. I had new friends, a course load I felt ready to take on, and various opportunities to explore my interests in math and science alike.
Through the changes in my life, I had the chance to discover my true passions and reach my decision to pursue a career in Computer Science. Now that I think back to my mother's quote, I realize that through my experiences, I have been improved and molded to resemble the unique individual I am today.
My mom has a little inspirational quote hanging on the wall in our family room reading, "Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become." When she first put it up 6 years ago I scoffed at it silently, but now I better understand the accuracy of the quote. When I was 11 years old, my parents decided after much deliberation that my brother and I needed to be with family and more exposed to our cultural heritage. So in the summer of 2007, we moved to India; an enormous departure in custom for me, trading in a comfortable lifestyle for an unfamiliar one.
The first day of school will be the worst, I told myself as I walked into my new classroom. Unfortunately, the subsequent days became increasingly worse. From the curriculum at school to the hostile storekeepers nearby, the most menial of everyday tasks became a challenge for me. Eleven years of living in the U.S. had limited my knowledge of Tamil, my native language. My preference for English and my classmates' preference for Tamil earned me the reputation of a snob. In reality, I would've given anything to have been able to laugh and socialize with my classmates but after repeatedly failed attempts, I became the outcast of the group. It was during this lonely time I discovered my knack for math. It became my sole companion as I struggled doggedly through the school year.
After an invigorating summer during which my Tamil improved drastically, I entered 8th grade with more self-confidence. My favorite memory from the first day was when I greeted a classmate, "Dei Amit! Euppudi irruka?"(Hey Amit! How are you?) My grin was uncontainable as he responded with a smile, "Nalarken nei eppudi rruka?" (I'm good. How're you?) This seemingly insignificant moment marked a milestone for me in two senses. First, it signaled my ability to use a once unfamiliar language to my advantage. Second, it was the beginning of a lasting friendship between me and my classmates.
Despite all the difficulties I overcame, it was not until the beginning of 10th grade was I in some sense, adjusted to Indian lifestyle, and at my academic prime. But then, it was time for another change. My parents quietly told me, that my father would have to look for another job. 2 months later and desperate, he accepted one of the few jobs available during recession time; one in Cerritos, California. I was in disbelief; after 4 years of striving to make everything work and finally coming to terms with the Indian lifestyle, I was going to have to move again.
On the day we left, I found myself numbly wishing my friends, and teary relatives goodbye as I got on a plane back to America. We landed in L.A. a few days after school had started, so I learnt about honors classes and SAT's too late and couldn't enroll in the courses that I wanted. However, by the beginning of junior year, I had reestablished myself. I had new friends, a course load I felt ready to take on, and various opportunities to explore my interests in math and science alike.
Through the changes in my life, I had the chance to discover my true passions and reach my decision to pursue a career in Computer Science. Now that I think back to my mother's quote, I realize that through my experiences, I have been improved and molded to resemble the unique individual I am today.