My College Essays #4 (Stanford)

Stanford

• The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (250 words)

Living in a community surrounded by mountains, rivers, and wildlife, environmental issues have been on my mind for as long as I can remember. Finding a place to expand on my curiosity and eco-related passions has been a challenge as I have wanted to learn more. My junior year, an opportunity arose to join the Youth Environmental Leadership Council founded by Walking Mountains Science Center. I recognized a chance to take action and involve myself in a subject I am so passionate and curious about.

The council and I brainstormed how to make a difference in our area and our first task was raising awareness. The goal was to pave the way for waste reduction, plan community service events, and harness our own passion projects before we left the community for college. In a few months, the council was able to organize a clothing swap, which raised awareness towards waste in the fashion industry. By leading this project, I gained skills in directing and learned more about clothing waste. The council and I also started a social media page to help community members locate local farmers and growers, ultimately providing access to sustainably grown food.

The Youth Environmental Leadership Council gave me a voice as a young leader advocating protection and progress for the planet. This learning experience encouraged my enthusiasm about learning how to solve environmental issues. With a lifestyle and economy based around outdoor activities, I was able to make a difference in the place I call home.

• Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—get to know you better. (250 words)

Dear future roommate,

Here are four things you should be aware of:

1. You will never see me using any plastic: I inherited the nickname “plastic police '' in high school and have convinced myself that a mason jars can be used for just about anything. I will not judge you for using single use materials though, I can only make decisions for myself.

2. Do not be surprised if you walk into the room to find me talking on camera. I used to attempt to fit myself into the YouTube mold, but instead of going viral, I learned the importance of authenticity. Today, I make vlogs simply to fulfill my appreciation and joy for media and video creation.

3. I am addicted to getting stuff done to make my time feel worthwhile. Even when I am driving, a podcast helps me learn something and enhances my commute. This ties into why I do not like movies and have not seen a lot of them either: they feel like a waste of time when I could be accomplishing something.

4. A whiteboard is a necessity in our room to keep myself organized. You will see me write everything down that is swarming inside my head and then neatly rearrange the thoughts in color-coded order. This helps my brain to visualize what is going on and boosts my productivity. To be honest, I would not have completed high school without this method as my mind was often as overflowing as my schedule.

• Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (250 words)

I was only eight years old when I knew that I wanted to play the violin. Something about the instrument intrigued me. Perhaps it was the bow, the sweet sound, or the fancy scroll that swirls to meet the fingerboard. For nearly 10 years, I have been in love with this instrument, in fact, my obsession has grown stronger as my skills have increased. There is nothing more meaningful to me than music, I cherish the way it makes me feel and enhances my life.

A few years after starting private lessons, my obsession with music was raised to an entirely new level: orchestra. Boy, had I been missing out as a soloist! So much joy and connection can be established through playing music with others. The way every member of an orchestra takes a sharp breath together at the beginning of a piece before diving into their own parts sends chills down my spine. The bonds of an orchestra are strong, especially when musicians do not just play but feel the music together. For sixty minutes every week, students of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities play their instruments in harmony. We are kept together by one common passion: our instruments. My love of music has helped me grow as a leader, performer, and instrumentalist. I may forget arrangements if I do not practice them, but my love of music will never be forgotten. Overflowing with meaning, my love for music will follow me throughout my entire life.

• What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)

The climate crisis is not only a challenge that society must overcome, but a threat to humanity. The loss of biodiversity in exchange for human interests surrounding instant gratification is disastrous. Society, starting with my generation, must learn to value natural resources instead of materialistic possessions to overcome this issue.

• How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)

2021: Worked at a sustainable business, traveled to Chicago, tutored elementary school students.

2022: Worked at a juicery, hosted open studio sessions for my dance team, spent as much time as I could outdoors, took Psychology at my local community college, traveled to California, supported voters in the June Primaries.

• What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)

August 26, 1970: 50,000 women, including my grandma, marched through New York City, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment. As a woman, witnessing the togetherness would have been empowering. This single moment marked a mobilizing effort for females celebrating a milestone but acknowledging the progress still needed.

• Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family.

  • Parts of STUCO essay

As president of Student Council, my platform centered around all-school participation. With student engagement a priority of each meeting I hosted, my council planned dances, spirit days, and all-school events. I introduced a Saint Bernard mascot to the student body, something VCHS has never had, to strengthen pride and spirit.

• Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford. (50)

Vail, Colorado: Parents say it is sheltered, skiers say it is heaven, but for a student, resources and civic engagement opportunities are challenging to find. I desire an institution that encourages independent thinking and provides community impact. Stanford’s Cardinal Service allows students valuing community engagement, like me, to find opportunities.