I never outgrew my why stage: that era marked by incessant questioning once toddlers outgrow their terrible two's. "Why?" is the fundamental inquiry that bridges to a world beyond baby cradles and bedtime stories, a world filled with endless questions and information waiting to be encountered by the inquisitive mind. The why stage is the beginning of that inquisition, the age in a child's life where the thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and every explanation invokes a follow-up question. My...

I have always wanted to leave my mark upon the world. I have always wished to make an impact, incite progression, and improve the lives of others. This desire to serve society has been a major reason for my interest in pursuing a career in the public health field. I believe that the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania will provide me with the broad education I need to become an informed citizen as well as...

I do not know what I want to be when I grow up. I am surrounded by future CEO's, engineers, publicists. Yet, when I picture my own future I imagine open doors. Will I pursue my interest in biology and genetics? Will I follow my passion for service, conflict resolution, and human rights? Will I find myself a doctor, a lawyer, or perhaps a policy maker? My doors are open, and I am not looking to higher education to help...

Is it possible to fall in love with a place you've never been? I think it is. My mother's side of the family is from New Orleans, and I grew up eating her red beans and rice while flipping through photo albums containing pictures of the French Quarter, my cousins holding alligators on the Natchez, Jazzfest, and the family grave sites. A lot of my family dispersed to Texas after Hurricane Katrina and our family reunions are usually held in...

If I could redo my college application process, I would definitely time things out better. Start visiting colleges junior year during spring break and have a solid idea of where you want...