“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Abraham Lincoln) My transition to adulthood came in a rather unexpected moment, when this quote became real to me and I realized I have the ability to create significant change in my community. Recently, at a sponsorship banquet hosted by the Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Center (SAVA), I spoke to an audience of over 700 people about my views on sexual violence and my work as a prevention educator. As...

Aside from the passionate student body, the residential college system, and my experience at Yale Summer Session, I have been influenced by the opportunity to continue my advocacy work for the movement to end the acceptance of sexual violence as a Yale Communication and Consent Educator (CCE), and I am enthusiastic that Yale supports student organizations that speak out against sexual violence. This summer I was able to meet with some current CCE's, and I learned about their goals and...

The biggest part of my cultural heritage is described in this quote from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch: “’Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind.” The spirit of ‘ohana (Hawaiian for “family”) has been passed on through generations of my family. ‘Ohana gives people an identity, a sense of belonging, and a home. Whenever my family returns to Hawaii, we are always welcomed with open arms, by family and friends alike. My family reunions and trips to the...

My academic interests are formed by two aspects of my personality: my inherent curiosity and desire to create. I fulfill this curiosity by asking questions wherever I can, and making the most of my learning in the classroom. I use knowledge I gain to create alarm clocks that turn on lamps, or LED screens that simulate the current weather outside. Although you won't see my creations at your local Best Buy anytime soon, I hope to use my curiosity and...

When I shadowed a cardiologist last year, one of the things that stuck with me was an operation where they placed a coronary stent into a patient's artery. This stent opened up the artery, allowing blood to flow from the heart uninterrupted. The operating surgeon informed me that these stents both relieve heart pain and save lives. After seeing this operation, I started to truly realize how one's creations can have a great impact on the lives of others. I...

I believe that my personality is overwhelmingly geeky, not nerdy. In general, my peers and I see the word nerd with the connotations of anti-social, unfriendly, and ever-pursuant of the A+. In contrast, we see a geek as one who is simply enthusiastic and passionate (sometimes overwhelmingly passionate) about what they do despite how popular it may seem to others. For example, as a geek, I don't pursue the A+. I pursue what I am passionate about. I am notorious...

The ability to adventure and explore matters to me. Most of my best memories were made adventuring in the Rocky Mountains. Recently, climbing 14ers (14,000 foot mountains, the tallest mountains in Colorado) has become a hobby. Although the climb is usually grueling, the exhilaration I feel when I reach the top and see the endless, picturesque scenery is unparalleled. One of the most challenging, yet rewarding climbs, happened last winter on a snowy Saturday. As my friend and I set out...

During my time at the University of Colorado, I hope to further develop myself as an adult and leader in my community, and fulfill my appreciation of learning and knowledge. During my time at Fossil Ridge High School, I have set myself apart as a leader in my school and community. I am a large voice in my school culture team, which is comprised of the leaders of the main student groups. The mission of the school culture team is...

Use a strong, sincere voice. A big mistake that many applicants make is trying to write what they think the admission officers want to hear. The problem with that is that won't make you seem unique, and that is what is necessary to stand out with selective colleges. Write purposeful, guided essays, but feel free to be creative and write about topics that give them good insight into who you are as a person.

Start early! Don't procrastinate like I did (but...

Do something productive, and something you are passionate about. This could...

Find someone who saw you work hard in their class. Don't just find...

Although no one can be entirely sure what set them apart, I believe what worked in...