A Concise Narrative to Describe a Meaningful Event or Experience.

This is the topic for the essay:

"In the space provided, please write a concise narrative in which you describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment in your life and how it will affect your college experience or your contribution to the UF campus community. You may want to reflect on your family, your school or community activities, or your involvement in areas outside of school. "


Here's the updated essay:

"Hurry up! The plane leaves in two hours," my mom reminded me as I swiftly, yet reluctantly continued to stuff more and more belongings into the tiny taxi. Waving good-bye to family members and friends, whom I had spent over ten years with, was an exceptionally uncomfortable and difficult task. On the way to the airport, as my mom tried to comfort me, she constantly reminded me, "Life will be no different in the USA than in Venezuela." However, this proved to be false as soon as I stepped off that plane. Not understanding a single word being said around or being able to read any signs, I realized I would have to adapt to a new culture, but at the same time carry on my own.

"Class, this is Alejandro and he will be joining our class for this last month of the school year," the teacher yelled as I stood next to her puzzled and embarrassed. For the first few hours, I sat quietly in my chair without saying a word, reflecting on my already missed memories of school in Venezuela, until another student named Mateo approached me. Of course, I was expecting him to say something in English, but, to my amazement, he spoke to me in fluent Spanish. Without hesitation, I responded to him and we quickly became close friends.

As time went on, I realized that all those English courses I had taken in Venezuela were not a waste of time, and were finally beginning to pay off. After just a few weeks, I accomplished my goal of speaking a different language and was able to exchange a few words with my teacher and other classmates in English. From then on, my fear turned into a desire to learn more and more about the American culture and teach others about mine. As the school year came to an end, we were told to bring food for a party we were going to have to celebrate a successful year. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza, were just a few of the different things my classmates brought, were set on the table. The shy whispers of my classmates showed their eagerness to see what I had brought. "These are called Arepas; they are a traditional Venezuelan dish", I proudly announced. Intrigued by the golden crust and melted cheese, people promptly fell in love with them. It felt great to be able to teach others about my own culture and heritage while learning about theirs.

It didn't take long to overcome my fear and turn it into a desire to adapt to a new world and teach others about mine. Now, 7 years after this life-changing event, I am reminded every day by my habits and actions about my Venezuelan roots and my newly acquired American traditions. Whether at the University of Florida, or anywhere else, I will always carry, teach, and expand on my distinct heritage and commitment.

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Thanks in advanced for any help
Alex

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