Explain how you responded to a problem and/or an unfamiliar situation. What did you do, what was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience? (maximum 1500 characters)
As I was furiously scrubbing a table full of ink and mess, created by children who had left after a community event; I noticed a young child sitting alone not far from me. Taking multiple glances around the building, I couldn't see a parental figure, as all the children had left a while back after our event had ended. Unsure whether to approach this child or to report this issue, I proceeded to monitor them while I continued to clean, waiting for a parent to come out of the washroom to bring this child home. Time had passed, and I had swiftly finished cleaning stations and tables, but unfortunately, the child hadn't moved from when I first saw them. Which had pushed me to approach this child asking if there was anyone to pick them up. When they responded in fluent Mandarin Chinese, I was stumped. Although I had taken Chinese lessons, I had forgotten everything I'd learned over the years. Attempting to converse in two different languages is difficult, especially when one child is at the very least 6 years old while the other, is only fluent in English and Cantonese. We had begun trying to create symbols with our hands for more understanding between the both of us until we burst out with laughter. This was when I realised that although we both had differences, we were still able to experience the same emotions and empathy together. In the end, I ran around the building looking for any translator available to help. Funny enough, as I was bringing a translator to the child, I found them about to leave with their mother. Frankly, I was grateful for my outgoing and observative nature, especially in situations like this one. It has proved to be one of my greatest assets which kept this child safe and entertained while their mother was stuck in traffic. Overall, although I was hesitant, and didn't have tools on hand for this situation, I was able to learn that although there may be differences that can serve as a barrier to aiding others, it's important to recognize that there are many ways around barriers such as language.
Holt Educational Consultant - / 14,835 
4783 This is an excellent reference point for the prompt you have chosen. It is light, heartwarming, but indicative of your character and problem solving abilities. You do not take anything too seriously, which makes you a better problem solver than the others. It is nice to see how you took a language barrier and turned it into something fun rather than daunting. This is something that I am sure the reviewer will take note of and consider as a part of your character formation on paper. There is a sense of dedication to finding a solution to an unusual problem. Something not all of the student applicants will manage to present. This paper has a highlight that the reviwers might take notice of.
