Example College Application Essay
Language is a powerful tool, often taken for granted. It can be used to create world peace, and it can be used to start world wars. The power of language is in the beholder–the communicator. What then, is the universal language that will be understood, and in turn influence, everyone around the world?
Growing up all over the world, this was a question I often sought the answer to. Having lived in three different continents, I witnessed first hand the power of language and communication. I was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Uzbekistan during my childhood. My family and I moved to Istanbul when I had started first grade, and it was in school where I realized I was unable to communicate like the rest of the students. My initial struggles to adapt and communicate motivated me to explore different cultures and languages. I immersed myself in my studies, and I worked hard to learn and champion this new culture I was placed in. My studies paid off, and I had placed sixth place in my entire school. This was a milestone in my life that confirmed my versatility and ability to persevere in different circumstances. Yet I still yearned to discover the element that ties everyone together–the universal language understood by everyone.
It was this desire to explore which shaped my American Dream. After moving back to the States with my family, I faced yet another different language and culture to adapt to. Again I immersed myself in my studies, and quickly learned how to communicate. I joined the soccer team in my school, where I honed my communication skills as a team member, and then as the manager of the soccer team. I volunteered at the local library, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of culture.
As much as I was taking advantage of my surroundings, I also wanted to contribute to my community. My community is rich in diversity, and I wanted to strengthen this community by introducing my culture as well. This is what led me to volunteer at the local Islamic Center, where I taught basic Islamic principles to local kids. It is my experience in this Islamic Center where I witnessed the intermingling of different cultures. Here I was in a different continent, and I was able to practice and teach my culture in a completely different language. I knew that regardless of how different languages and cultures can be, there is a universal language which resonates with everyone. And I was determined to find it.
My determination has never waivered, and I believe I have found the answer. Despite having lived in different countries, numbers have always stayed the same in every country. Math, formulas, and coding were a consistent passion for me. Math was also the most effective way for me to communicate each time I moved somewhere new. My ability to understand and communicate with numbers has provided me with a sense of comfort in times of change, and I have grown to appreciate math as the universal language.
It is my mission to create something which can resonate with everyone, from all different parts of the world. This next chapter in my life is a continent I am ready to conquer.