Please describe the world you come from and tell us how your world has shaped your

dreams

and aspirations.

During my thirteen and a half years of life, I have been given many opportunities, privileges, and

gifts. I’ve always lived in a comfortable and pleasant home in a safe neighborhood. I’ve never

had to worry about my next meal. I’ve had two loving and supportive parents who have provided

me with many options to explore my passions. I’ve tried several different sports, taken cooking

classes, played guitar and trumpet, and discovered a true passion for rock climbing and travel.

Perhaps the most significant gift that I have been given is a high-quality and

transformative education. My parents prioritized my education above all else. I spent the first

few years of elementary school at my local, public school. While I made some good friends, I

was bored at the pace of learning and school didn’t interest me very much. When I was in third

grade, my parents transferred me to the Sage School—a private school for the academically

gifted. Being at Sage has been crucial to my growth as a student and a person. Surrounded by

supportive and academically challenging teachers, I have thrived and learned to truly enjoy

learning.

In addition to all of these gifts, my world has been strongly shaped by the values

exemplified by my parents. They have taught me to be respectful and kind to others, to work

hard, and most importantly, to make the world a better, more equitable place. My dad has spent

his career working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. My mom, who strongly

believed that everyone has the right to quality healthcare, dedicated her entire career to ensuring
that our most vulnerable people have access to high-quality health care. My parents taught me to

use my gifts to make the world a better place and I intend to follow in their footsteps.

My dreams and aspirations involve figuring out the way to best use my gifts to make the

world a better place for others. This summer, I plan to travel to Ecuador on a service-related trip

where I will be helping to rebuild an impoverished village. On this trip, I’ll be able to combine

my love for travel with my passion for helping others less fortunate than myself. While my

long-term professional dreams and plans are less clear, I do have some ideas about where I want

to end up. I’m considering diplomacy, law and/or healthcare policy or some combination. All

that considered, I do know that no matter what direction I take, I will always be guided by the

values and principles that my parents taught me. I may never have a fancy house, drive an

expensive car, or work on Wall Street. But I will work to make the world a better, more equitable

place for others, especially those who need it the most. Not for myself, not for my family, but for

everyone.