My mind thinks in pictures, and my emotions in the path of energy. So when my mom yells, “You didn’t deserve a father!” because I forgot to do the dishes, I see a picture of my hand locking the bathroom door. When a snapshot of my broken glasses pops up, I pull a drawer out in front of the door. Energy tingles through my arms, so I wrap them around myself, trying to protect myself. Energy condenses in my...

My greatest skill is being able to fail. Developing the ability to persevere after failure and learn from it is a difficult skillset. When I was younger, I was terrified of losing. So terrified that I would refuse to play games because I might lose them. Because of this, at every party there would always be me, sitting to the side, watching everyone else playing games and having fun. Eventually, I put my ego aside and joined in. And I...

When I was 13, my father passed away. Huge ramifications occured. I did not have time to process his passing, as there were too many more pressing issues to address first. My mom had to take over my dad’s lighting business, as well continue to run her chiropractic business. My mom could not do it all. She needed my help at both offices. I decided to leave Saratoga High, my local public school, for an online charter school. Going to...

Starting ballet at 13 faced me with tough challenges. First, I had to convince my mother to enroll me in classes. To make this happen, I developed a plan based off of the book Influence: Science and Practice by Robert Cialdini. I researched multiple studios and presented them to my mother using the influential strategies I learned. This process took two weeks, but finally my mother relented and agreed-- on the condition I would work around the house to pay for...

GIFT (Giving Individuals Fabulous Theatre) is a non profit theatre company I helped found. As president, I helped bring live theatre to residents in retirement homes and children's hospitals. I directed, performed, produced, costumed, created set, advertised, and choreographed for a multitude of plays and musicals. I worked with other teenagers from all over the Bay Area to put these productions together. As time went on, I expanded GIFT's purpose to include teaching at-risk youth at the Boys and Girls...

Growing up as a successful student, I harshly judged everyone who was not doing as well as I as dumb or lazy. I remained oblivious to the complicated reality until I started tutoring a girl a year younger than I in math. On our first session, one of the problems we worked on required the quick equation, “10 - 6.” I noticed Sofia staring blankly. “Sofia, what’s ten minus six?” I asked, expecting her to snap back to the problem and...

Growing up in a family that valued academic strength, I dedicated myself to continuous improvement in this field. My adeptness brought on frustration, as I judged peers for their differing skill level. I remained oblivious to the complicated reality of education until I started tutoring my neighbor in math. On our first session, one of the problems we worked on required the quick equation, “10 - 6.” I noticed Sofia staring blankly. “Sofia, what’s ten minus six?” I asked, expecting her...

SMU's wide variety of majors and minors, along with its strong academic standing, led me to apply. Two minors that particularly caught my attention were "Arts Entrepreneurship" and "Arts Management," because I want to bridge the gap in communication between arts and business, and these minors would be perfect for me to learn the skills to do so. I also like the flexibility and number amount of choice SMU offers with not only its variety of courses, but also strength...

My background with hardships that demanded perseverance and teamwork would enhance the University. Having to take hour long bus rides and work to pay for my extracurriculars fostered a perseverant, solution-oriented mindset. People who helped me work for my goals inspired me to help others in the same way. These attitudes I take with me in life, and will take with me to college. SMU's diverse learning environment will foster me with a greater perspective of others and the world...