The University of Colorado Boulder's Flagship 2030 strategic plan promotes exceptional teaching, research, scholarship, creative works, and service distinguishing us as a premier university. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive community for all that engages each member in opportunities for academic excellence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of the world in which we live. Given the statement above, how do you think you could enrich our diverse and inclusive community, and what are your hopes for your college experience?(250-500 words)
Hey guys, this is my essay for this particular prompt. I hope that you guys can give me your thoughts on it. Any suggestions/improvements will be greatly appreciated. Thank You!
'I am different and I do not belong here'. That was the mentality I grew up with. This was largely due to the fact that I am the only son in the family. So, when I was 13 years old I decided to enter a boarding school in hope of finding a new environment to live in.
I got what I wished for but it was not pleasant as I thought. Living in a multicultural society with a language barrier setting us apart made it harder for me to blend in. Plus, as a Muslim I was taught by my parents to be a very conservative person. I continued to distance myself from my peers because I felt it was easier to live in my 'bubble' than to face people who I knew would not understand me.
That is why I did not progress with my social growth for a period of time. As I observed other people around me, it seemed like they were always ahead of me because they chose to step out of their comfort zones. I thought that might just be the reason why they seemed to learn more things every day while I stagnated. So, I asked myself how long do I want this to continue? Finally coming to my senses, I decided to "pop my bubble" and try to socialize more in an effort to improve my life. It was uncomfortable at first but I learned that there were things that I could do to blend in. For example, I learned a few Mandarin and Tamil phrases so that I could speak to the Chinese and Indians in my community.
My life got better with each day that I opened myself up to people. At the age of 16, my efforts to help myself improve paid off. I was selected as the representative of my country for a knowledge exchange program in Melbourne. I had the opportunity to visit and study the Pyramid Rock on Phillip Island. It was during that time I discovered my passion for earth science.
All of these would not have been possible if I continued to live in my 'bubble' and stunt my academic and mental growth. That experience in my life taught me that discomfort comes with progress. With my previous life experiences, I hope that I can add to UC Boulder's already diverse and inclusive community.
Admission to your university will be the perfect platform for me to improve myself. I am really looking forward to get involved with UC Boulder's core and flagship initiatives. The Colorado's Research Diamond is the program that I am really interested in. It is a collaborative enterprise among regional universities, businesses and federal laboratories. This program will give me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained in class into real life problems. I also believe that the program will allow me to gain working experience which is what most employers seek in fresh graduates nowadays.
They think your essay is great, you seemed to briefly address each aspect. Your story is very important, as your experience can positively influence another student living in the their own bubble. Your comments about learning other languages demonstrates you would enrich an inclusive community. Good Luck!
