Growing up in Dallas, Texas, the city was all I ever knew. I loved the skyline view, busyness, and most importantly, the closeness to my mother. My parents were divorced, but my mother and father still lived close to one another, making it easy for me to spend quality time with both of them. The ability to see both parents at my leisure, despite the divorce, was a huge blessing. However, when I was fifteen years old, this luxury came...

“For the world to change... that change may require great courage and creativity, rigorous thinking, hard work, and significant sacrifice. But it can occur.” Dr. Raynard Kington spoke these words in his first speech as the President of Grinnell College, which is located in my hometown of Grinnell, Iowa. Dr. Kington, an alumni of the University of Pennsylvania, exemplifies everything a Penn alum should be: inspiring, demanding, and thriving on excellence. Renowned for being the first openly gay, as well...

Prompt: "The Admissions Committee would like to learn why you are a good fit for your undergraduate school choice (College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, The Wharton School, or Penn Engineering). Please tell us about specific academic, service, and/or research opportunities at the University of Pennsylvania that resonate with your background, interests, and goals."

Choose teachers/professors that have taught you...