My College Essays #3 (CU)

At the University of Colorado Boulder, no two Buffs are alike. We value difference and support equity and inclusion of all students and their many intersecting identities. Pick one of your unique identities and describe its significance.

Patterns in my schedule define who I am; variations highlight my tendencies to try new things. I wake up practicing mindfulness and do yoga to begin my day. Mental health is one of my top priorities and the morning is a time to center myself before the chaos begins. As a book lover with little time to read, I drive to school while listening to an audiobook. I make it to class just in time for the bell to ring and begin programming an app in my AP Computer Science class. I conceptualized an app about environmental issues that highlights my passion for activism. Lunch looks different every day, reflecting the diverse groups I am a part of. On Monday, I go over lines with the theatrical students for the upcoming play. On Tuesdays, I eat with the athletes as we talk about our high school football team, on Wednesdays I am found leading the student council as president, Thursdays I am editing my school’s magazine called “Articulation”, and Fridays I take advantage of my afternoon by skiing. My assorted activities and hobbies add to my identity as a student, musician, leader, activist, traveler, and athlete. These characteristics make up who I am and shape my future at University of Colorado. I am bound to join or start clubs that tie my interests together and provide an outlet for people who are similar to me. My diversity of interests has formed both my daily agenda and who I am.

Please share a bit more about your academic interests. What do you hope to study at CU Boulder? What has inspired your interests in this area? Or if you are undecided, what area(s) of study are you considering? Think about your prior/current coursework, extracurricular activities, work/volunteer experiences, future goals, or anything else that has shaped your interests.

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, I have an appreciation for nature. At University of Colorado (CU), I hope to pursue a major in environmental studies. I am passionate about environmental problems in the United States and the world. This program matches what I am hoping to find in an undergraduate education related to environmental issues and problem solving.

In high school, I was able to develop my interests for environmental studies by joining the Walking Mountains Science Center’s Youth Environmental Leadership Council. I raised awareness and promoted environmental change in Eagle County alongside other passionate students. I piloted a class at my high school called “Community Health and Food Sustainability,” something new to my high school. As my personal project, I wrote a grant proposal to my school’s board and was able to provide my school with a greenhouse that is currently being used for our lunch program. Values at CU match my own, and I could be a leader on campus in the environmental and sustainability sector.

For the creative side of my personality, I have also researched taking on Media Production at CU. After producing YouTube videos on my own channel, I have found a passion and appreciation for media making and feel that this route would allow me to pursue a range of elective courses in particular areas of creative interest. Not only would I add to the student body at Boulder’s campus, but CU can help me explore my interests and reach my goals.