The time I broke my promise

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.

If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

When I finally arrived, I couldn't wait for the orientation session to begin. Meeting the group, I've noticed to be the youngest among the volunteers; however, no one questioned my age or purpose of visit. Being in a completely unfamiliar city, I've spent a week feeling like Andrea Sachs while serving "café espresso," booking theatre tickets, and arranging appointments for a french casting director. Workdays would begin early, and despite my night owl nature, rising at 6 am was never as exciting. My new colleague happened to be a harsh middle-aged French lady.

Throughout the last two years, I nurtured a deep affection for the sophisticated language of Hugo and Leroux. In languages, I see the reflection of the country, culture, and overall impression. While some consider French to be the language of love, I see a complex intersection of cultures evolving into an ambiguous tool of expression. However, when learning a language through a 1998 textbook, you inevitably miss the spirit of naturalness. And hearing a pure native French talk is like chalk and cheese. Juliette breathed life into the language endowing it with integrity and passion, justifying my unhealthy admiration for "Phantom of the Opera."

I was afflated and self-confident in my French oral skills.

"Bonjour, Madame! Voulez vous quelque chose?" I blurted mispronouncing every single word.
Juliette stared with complete misconception for a good second and burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Darling, you better not try" she smiled indulgently

I felt abashed. Abashed up to my fingertips for ruining the sanity of French. Walking home through the streets enriched with history, I solemnly swore never to say a "bonjour" and stick to "exercises gramatique" for the rest of my life.

As incessant flows of chattering tourists passed, I was trying diligently to recall a true reason for taking a 12-hour train trip instead of flying to Egypt on a family vacation. I figured out there is no one-word answer. My personality is a bizarre mix of courage and spontaneity.

The same night the festival managers were throwing a massive party for actors, casting directors, and volunteers. For somewhat reason, my predictions were inflated, and I was the only team member who arrived. Casually, I entered a mass sounding like a mix of European languages with not a single familiar face. I stood, sipping on coke and nodding my head to any French words addressed. Suddenly I stumbled upon Juliet, who immediately introduced me to her colleagues as a future Ukrainian actress and a desperate French learner. She threw a bunch of garbled phrases, chuckled, and withdrew from sight, leaving me embarrassed.

Despite the short period of time, that week was a life-changer. I made my biggest meaningful step in language learning and realized it is my way of exploring different cultures. And yes, I did break my promise. As everyone was leaving, I thanked Juliet for an incredible experience and, with a slight tremble, said, "J'espère que nous nous reverrons bientôt." Proud and with a silly smile on my face, I left my fears in that building

The essay will succeed in confusing the reviewer because the writer has decided to tell the story from the middle rather than the beginning. In an effort to impress, the writer delivered incomplete background information to create the foundation for the discussion. The student appears to be trying extremely hard to create an impression of being a cultured achiever. A problem that is highlighted by the fact that the writer assumes that the reader speaks fluent French and thus, can easily understand the other language indicated in the essay. An assumption that will be a major problem because not everyone speaks (fluent) French. So the whole point of the essay tends to get lost in the eyes of the reviewer. That is a negative for your application because you failed to properly explain the point of your discussion to the reviewer. Truthfully this event does not feel like it accurately represents an interest in languages.