A Personal Narrative of My Educational Journey to Higher Forms of Education

Common App Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

My throat was parched with trepidation. "What is your name?" The words could barely trickle off my tongue. I couldn't find the words to respond.

Starting preschool in the US without knowing how to spell my name in English, and moving between China and New York in the p of a few years left me in an awkward predicament. My tongue couldn't wrap around the foreign syllables of the American alphabet. Hours once spent copying calligraphy from local Chinese papers while Ma went to work, became replaced by agonizing periods of reciting vowels and stammering at enigmatic grammar worksheets. I envied the perfect, clear-cut pronunciation of my peers in school. Gradually my fear of speaking aloud amplified, and a shell gradually enveloped me, comforting my anxiety with solidarity. Isolating myself, my unexpressed thoughts became stockpiled crimson leaves outside as I watched my middle school years drip past quietly by the windowsill.

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In high school, my classes exposed me to the origins of American history and the injustice that occurred in various epochs of the United States, and I quickly became attracted to government-related activities. During the extracurricular festival of sophomore year, as I was strolling through a hectic courtyard filled with students enthusiastically shouting their club names, I gravitated towards a girl holding a poster with "Youth and Government" embroidered in gold letters. She asked if I would like to join the program. I was adamant to accept the offer, but she continued, "We meet three hours every Sunday at the local YMCA. It'll help hone your writing and public speaking skills." Her eyes were lit up with excitement, as she anticipated my answer.

"Fine, when's the next meeting?" I had no idea what motivated me to accept her invitation, nor did I expect how rapidly my life would transform through Youth and Government.

I engaged in controversial discussions with other students regarding subjects that impacted us and the Malden community on a personal level. At the first meeting, my fear of public speaking overwhelmed me, but I was prompted to speak up against opinions that challenged my moral alignments. I stuttered. | stumbled on my words. However, as our weekly discussions escalated into fruitful debates, my fear of public speaking eroded and was replaced with newfound confidence.

For the next three years, Youth and Government provided me a family of supportive individuals who held similar convictions and a passion for self-improvement. As a legislator in the simulation, I created and passed a bill regarding gender equity in funding for school affiliated sports during my first state conference. Subsequently, I was privileged with the opportunity to attend a conference in North Carolina, on national affairs with twenty five other Massachusetts delegates. The conference exposed me to leadership in various forms- including facilitating debate and leading delegates in a position of authority or being an active listener. I realized that my voice was valued- that sharing my ideas can benefit others around me and that there are so many opportunities for one to take on. New experiences may not always be comfortable, but by continuing to hold my head high and having the confidence to throw myself into an unfamiliar situation, I am allowing myself to grow.

The wisdom and knowledge I inherited from Youth and Government, transcended into my personal and academic life. Bleak days of idleness became colored with endless curiosities, inspiring conversations with mentors that I reached out to and escapades where I challenged myself to take on leadership roles. Nights once spent wondering how my future would shape itself, became my domain for long hours of pouring creativity into my interests.

As I aspire to attend higher forms of education, I want to share my thoughts, passions, and love towards those around me. Maybe one day, I can help transform someone's life like my own.

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