Essay 1 (before)
Think about your history. How have your past experiences influenced who you are today and how will this shape your future at Emerson College?
Although I only lived in Mexico for the first year of my life, my first words were Spanish. When I moved to the States, because both of my parents worked, I had a Mexican nanny who spoke only Spanish to me. However, when she left, my Spanish did as well. I have been clinging onto the hope that one day my Spanish will miraculously come back to me. Unfortunately, after three years of Spanish, I doubt that it will come back with the twitch of a nose. Party because of my duel-citizenship, I have long had a desire to be fluent in Spanish again. Had my parents not been living in Mexico when I was born, I don't know that I would be too crazy about the idea of spending all the time and energy into learning a second language.
When our family moved to Bakersfield, I wasn't too excited; it's unbearably hot, smoggy, and not too culturally stimulating. Even though Bakersfield itself is pretty dismal, my situation here is not. I attend a small, Catholic high-school, where I have been exposed to wide range of thoughts and ideas. Although I do not agree with all of them, it allows me to see arguments from a different vantage point. I live in a tight-knit neighborhood. Almost every month we get together on someone's lawn and have a "gutter party." Every year, when Christmas time rolls around, all the neighborhood kids get together to help out at Dustin's Diner. We sell cookies and hot drinks, and donate all the profits to the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter. However, I have still found myself sitting around wishing there were sometime fun, worthwhile, or enriching for me to do when it's not Christmas time. So, I decided to make something for me to do. The summer before my junior year, I volunteered nearly every day cleaning kennels, feeding the cats, and, the most fun—playing with them. Then school started, cutting into my feline playtime.
But I wasn't about to give up so easily. The animals depend on volunteers like me. So I devised a plan. I approached the SPCA and the local newspaper about expanding the "Pet of the Week" feature beyond a simple mug shot. Now every week, I write a short narrative from the point of view of the week's pet that offers a glimpse of its history, personality, and needs. The results have been phenomenal. People arrive at the shelter wanting to adopt the animals I've showcased. Because of my efforts, the SPCA awarded me its Youth Volunteer of the Year award for 2003.
Had I not lived in such an unexciting town, I might not have become involved with an organization such as the SPCA, or become so close with my neighbors. Bakersfield has caused me to grow up, and shown me I can take an active role in whatever community I find myself, while still have fun. I am someone who knows she has a lot to learn and is eager to keep going alone that path. I have a dream of someday editing my own magazine, but at the same time, I am excited to discover what other academic and community endeavors might ignite my passions in similar ways. For these reasons and others, I am hopeful that Emerson College and I will make an excellent fit. |
