Thong Kheng Home for the mentally disabled (Common Application Short Essay)

In the space below, please elaborate on one of your activities (extracurricular, personal activities, or work experience) (150 words)

Just across the street, the black fencing that surrounds the blue building seems to divide it from the rest of the world. Thoughts of entering such a protected place were brushed off my mind. It was the Blue Cross Thong Kheng Home, an institution for mentally disabled individuals. My sweaty palms and expressionless face fully showed my uneasiness. The building looked foreign yet familiar. But the moment I stepped into the building, all of my uneasiness vanished. The heavy and tensed atmosphere was replaced by warmth from these "big" children. They are actually just like you and me. All they need is just a little more patience and time to learn. Although we faced problems in conversing, they showed their appreciation through the simplest yet most heartwarming way. That is either giving a big hug or showing a wide smile on their faces.

(143 words)

I need some comments! Thanks! (;

I edited the title of your post. If you want people to read your post (and if you want to abide by the rules of the forum), make sure that the title of your thread says something about the content of your essay.

That said, here in the United States, it is considered offensive to refer to adults with mental retardation or other mental disabilities as "children." They are not children. They are adults with disabilities who are, as you say, "just like you and me." We don't like being called children. Nor do they.

^Well said

I would recommend that you re-word your concluding sentence on this. It should be more powerful and memorable.

Thanks for all your comments!
I will edit it and repost it again!
Thanks for your help!

Also, you need to include what you did in that place and not just what you observed.