"a trash mountain; the Philippines" -Comments on my Common App Short Answe

Common App Short Answer- Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities.

In the middle of hot, arid condition, I did not believe the scenery in front of me - a trash mountain. However, as I sensed the voices of dwellers, an obnoxious smell of methane, and people searching for booty, I then realized that I was only in the tip of neighborhood. Although I have expected some poor conditions beforehand, my expectation was not as egregious as a reality of the slum town in the Philippines. Escaping from astonishment, I rolled up my sleeves; not only to free myself from a blazing sun, but also to be comfortable for the rigid work that I will face. My work did not promote an immediate result; instead, it was a small, tiny procedure to fulfill my dream to create a better world.

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any comments, concerns, and suggestions are highly welcomed!

egregious sounds out of place.

I would face

...I rolled up my sleeves; not only to free myself from a blazing sun, but also to be comfortable for the rigid work that I will would face.

The intro is great, but I suggest killing this sentence: However, as I sensed the voices of dwellers, an obnoxious smell of methane, and people searching for booty, I then realized that I was only in the tip of neighborhood. It is so confusing! Kill that sentence, replace it with something rhythmic and clear, and I think the whole essay will be better.

:-)