Hey guys I just finished writing my common app essay and I would be greateful if you give me feedbacks about it. Oh , and also I dont have a topic so any suggestions would be great!
Thank you!
When I went to Vietnam last year, I learned a lot about the country, and surprisingly, a lot about myself. I was visiting the area for the third time, but everything about this visit was different and new to me. I was not a little child anymore and I was travelling alone and volunteering at a youth summer camp.
Before this visit, I did not really know much about Vietnam. To that point, Vietnam seemed to be a place of noisy motorbikes, hot weather, and lots of people. Although it was my motherland, I had spent most of my life in Europe and knew little about everyday life and the local culture. The other participants in the camp were just like me - Vietnamese teenagers who live and study outside of Vietnam. It was interesting to learn about their adopted homelands, cultures and seemingly minute but fascinating details such as an authentic recipe for German sausages and a few Cambodian words. We went on several trips exploring historical places in Vietnam and its traditional cuisines.
During the camp I was not only a student but also a teacher. I got to know almost all participants and learned how they live and adapt to their new home countries. Some of them shared they hang out primarily with other Vietnamese and I asked 'Why not with the locals'. They replied that they either felt uncomfortable or shy around native people. Therefore, I told them 'In Rome, do as the Romans do' and gave them advices how to integrate with the locals. Some of them acted on it and later they told me that they are not shy anymore among other natives and hang out with them much more often.
The most rewarding experience while being in the camp was the voluntary work we did at a center for disabled children. It was not much larger than our apartment in Sofia but sheltered several times the number of people in our household. I was overwhelmed by the fact that even though some of them were deaf, blind or had a mental problem, they all laughed, sang and played just like us. I realized that with a bit of help people, especially children, with disabilities can have relatively normal lives.
Before our group left, we gave farewell presents to the children. When I handed a small wooden whistle to a little girl, she cheerfully thanked me and hugged me. I felt a tear drop down my cheek and right then I knew I will treasure the moment forever.
The time spent in the summer camp was a life-changing experience for me. I felt truly blessed to be healthy and have such a wonderful family. But I also realized that one way to achieve happiness is to do the most with what I have and not feel sorry for circumstances out of my control. Furthermore, I learned that with courage, persistence and determination I can face and overcome the adversities and difficulties in life.
Hi , My name is Hai , and I am Vietnamese .
Anyway , I think your essay is a little bit simple , and I think that I did not shows any special sides of you , or any special skills .
On the other hand , I love the fact that you visited VN :) .
Good luck
