A Reflection on Research Conducted on History IA Question Throughout the course of working on my IA, I have acquired a multitude of knowledge I lacked previously. My question, to what extent did the Black Plague influence animosity towards the Catholic Church, limited me to a few authors from the time period. While attempting to find primary sources, I realized one of the obstacles historians face. I imagine that the further back in time the topic is, the harder it...

Frederick Douglass once said, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” While I do not usually rely heavily on quotes, or allow them to guide my life, this one has tremendous meaning to me. Although I have not faced a struggle for survival, as many people in other countries do, I have faced both social and emotional obstacles stemming from being of mixed race and suffering from depression. Race is one of the most important factors in determining...

Race is one of the most important factors in determining one’s outlook on the world. Being of mixed race is unique to any other racial makeup, because while you are viewed as a minority, you are not directly placed in a racially based social group. You do not ‘fit in’ anywhere. I am half black and half white. Oftentimes this is a problem for people, because they do not believe it because of my appearance. This came with its...

The saying “the human body is amazing” didn’t mean anything to me until my junior year in high school, it was just something people say to describe what happens in the body. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Halfway through my second year of IB Biology, I am still constantly amazed. The course is unlike any other; it gives you a perspective on the physical aspect of life. Whether its how the double helix is unwound by DNA...

When considering this question, I had a very difficult time coming up with a quirk that was unique. I found it when talking to a friend while driving one day. While they were talking to me, I began playing music through my car speakers softly. They became slightly agitated and said, “Can’t you see I’m talking?” I had made no conscious effort to be rude, as I was still listening to them attentively. I apologized and explained that...

My first intended major is sociology, the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. I believe this interest in how people interact comes from my childhood. Whenever in public, I always received stares from adults and children alike. With my dad, who is African-American, the stares were of disgust and hate, while I received looks of confusion and awe when I was with my mother, who is caucasian. I quickly came to understand why this was from...

There are many aspects of Columbia that interest me including the diversity, rigorous academics, and location. Columbia is ranked top 5 in diversity among universities in the U.S. The diversity is extremely alluring because of my desire to be in an ethnically heterogeneous environment. This comes from living in a mostly caucasian area my whole life. As a minority, I would like to look around campus and see people of various backgrounds. Rigorous academics are a given of any Ivy...

My first intended concentration is sociology. It is interesting to me because it encompasses all human interaction on a social level. One can observe a society and deduce social norms just by watching people. As a minority, interactions between people in societies across the world have interested me, in particular those that relate to racial divisions. Environmental studies is my other interest. It intrigues me because of the current predicament the world is in concerning climate change. I want to...

Brown University interests me for a variety of reasons including its outstanding diversity, attractive campus life, and excellent academic curriculum. Diversity is extremely important to me because I grew up in a mostly racially homogenous environment. I have always desired to look around and see people of many different origins. Brown’s campus life intrigues me because of the numerous activities available to students, whether it be participating in an intramural sport or writing for the Brown Noser, there is...

I have lived in Stafford, a wealthy county in northern Virginia, for my whole life, with the exception of the first ten days of my existence. Before building our current home in Stafford, my family and I lived in a townhouse in Woodbridge, Virginia. As one would guess, I do not recall living in Woodbridge. My parents decided to build their own house because they are innovative, completely self-reliant, and very particular about details. Although Stafford is not my preferred...

All my life I have lived in a racially homogeneous environment. In school, I was always one of the only minorities in the class. People looked at me different when I was with my mom because she is white. This made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. Over the years I began to embrace my roots due to the hostile environment I grew up in. I may not have enjoyed life as I grew up because of my surroundings,...

Duke interests me for a variety of reasons including its excellent academics, amazing diversity, and exciting campus life. Since I was little my family have been avid Duke basketball fans. It has always been a dream of mine to attend Duke University for this reason. The institution’s prestigious academics is a topic of envy. Being apart of the research triangle, Duke gives unprecedented opportunities for students to engage in real-world research. As college is meant to prepare individuals for...

The University of Chicago satisfies my aspirations for a healthy, intellectual environment in several ways. The urban setting correlates well with my intended major of sociology, because of the vast opportunities present in the city. The mid-south side of Chicago is a perfect setting for anyone who wishes to study a social science and become deeply involved in the community. The university’s prestigious and historical department of sociology intrigues me due to the unprecedented experience it gives to its...