This was my essay for the Common App, talking about when I challenged a belief or idea.

I challenge beliefs and ideas every day as a journalist. This challenge is necessary. If people think one way, they need to at least be open to the existence of another way. Providing comprehensive information that can open minds is an important aspect of being a journalist. My motivation for journalism springs from the courses that I have taken in high school. As a freshman, I took a Journalism 1 class, which introduced me to journalistic standards and ethics. I learned...

My admissions counselor helped me keep an open mind during the application process. I...

Do not ask a teacher that you have not kept in contact with. I used a recommendation from a teacher I had only sophomore year but I still talked...

I had an interview with a rep from my dream...

Ball State was the school that seemed most focused...

Any time after I met a professor on a tour, I would email them later thanking them...