Wednesday, November 23, 2016

College Prompt Essay Final Draft


University of Washington: What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?

     Growing up and developing into young adults is an exciting, unpredictable journey. In kindergarten, we looked up to our parents and never wanted to let go of their hands. We told them about how our day went, and every little thing that had happened to us. By the time 5th grade came, we were begging them to let us sleepover our friend's house, or to go to the mall alone with our friends. Then, came our teenage years, better known as the rebellious stage. We stay in our rooms, only coming out to eat, and the main reason we talk to our parents is when we want something. We shop at the same stores, and buy things that we may not necessarily like, just for the name brand. Girls cake their faces with makeup and go on diets, so they can look like the models on the covers of magazines. 
      To me, the hardest part about being a teenager now is making the right decisions, and having to think about how my actions will affect my future. If I could, I would eat taco bell everyday, go to the beach instead of doing homework, and spend all my money at the mall. However, life isn't that simple. Being a teenager is complicated and confusing. We're still trying to find our identity and the person that we want to become in the future, or at least I am. My parents have told me that since I'm in high school now, every decision that I make matters. So far, as usual, they were right. I've had to make countless decisions for myself, ranging from things as small as choosing to do my homework, no matter how tired I was, to refusing to vape with my friends. I want to fit in with everyone, but I don't want to be under the negative influence of some people. I'm not perfect, and I don't always make the right decisions, but I feel that the only way to truly be able to grow up, is to learn from your mistakes and to change.  
       The best part about being a teenager would have to be independence. When I'm not on the soccer field or the volleyball court, you can find me shopping at a mall, hiking, or tanning at the beach. At this age, my parents pretty much just let me do whatever I want, as long as they know what I'm doing and where I'm going. It's pretty great having all this freedom, especially since I live in a place as beautiful as Hawaii. I love exploring different places, and driving all around the island just to take pictures. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life, because once I'm in college, they won't be there to worry or to set a curfew for me. Independence is definitely the best part about being a teenager, because it means that I'm finally growing up, and making the transition into a young adult. 
       If I were to give advice to my younger siblings or friends, I would tell them to choose their friends wisely. Friends have a really big influence on you, because often times you do whatever your friends do, so you don't feel left out or boring. If your friends make bad choices, then you probably will too. I've had the same best friend since kindergarten, and that's all you really need. You just need that one person who will stay by your side through everything. Although it may not seem like it at the time, there is much more to life than being popular. Think before you act, and trust your instincts when determining what's right or wrong. 


Monday, November 21, 2016

College Prompt Essay Rough Draft

University of Washington: What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?

     Growing up and developing into young adults is an exciting, unpredictable journey. In kindergarten, we looked up to our parents and never wanted to let go of their hands. We told them about how our day went, and every little thing that had happened to us. By the time 5th grade came, we were begging them to let us sleepover our friend's house, or to go to the mall alone with our friends. Then, came our teenage years, better known as the rebellious stage. We stay in our rooms, only coming out to eat, and the main reason we talk to our parents is when we want something. We shop at the same stores, and buy things that we may not necessarily like, just for the name brand. Girls cake their faces with makeup and go on diets, so they can look like the models on the covers of magazines. 
      To me, the hardest part about being a teenager now is making the right decisions, and having to think about how my actions will affect my future. If I could, I would eat taco bell everyday, go to the beach instead of doing homework, and spend all my money at the mall. However, since I have my future to consider, I need to exercise a lot to stay in good shape, do my homework to get good grades, and save up so I can afford to go to college. Being a teenager, I also have to deal with a lot of peer pressure. I want to fit in with everyone, but I don't want to give into people's influence, especially if it's negative. I've been called lame for not wanting to vape with my friends, but I know that I'm making the right decision by saying no. I may not make the right decisions all the time, but learning from my mistakes is what helps to shape me into a better person.  
       The best part about being a teenager would have to be independence. When I'm not on the soccer field or the volleyball court, you can find me shopping at a mall, hiking, or tanning at the beach. After all, that's pretty much all I do here in Hawaii! At this age, my parents pretty much just let me do whatever I want, as long as they know what I'm doing and where I'm going. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life, because once I'm in college, they won't be there to worry or to set a curfew for me. Independence is definitely the best part about being a teenager, because it means that I'm finally growing up, and making the transition into a young adult. 
       If I were to give advice to my younger siblings or friends, I would tell them to choose their friends wisely. Friends have a really big influence on you, because often times you do whatever your friends do, so you don't feel left out or boring. If your friends make bad choices, then you probably will too. I've had the same best friend since kindergarten, and that's all you really need. Although it may not seem like it at the time, there is much more to life than being popular. Think before you act, and trust your instincts when determining what's right or wrong. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Colleges

University of Washington:
I would want to go to this school because it has a good pharmacy program. They also have a good D1 soccer team. Washington is also one of my favorite places to visit and travel to, so it would be easier to get used to living there. I like the weather and climate, and the campus is very nice as well.

Oregon State:
I would want to go to this school because it has good D1 soccer program. It's acceptance rate is 77.8%, which is pretty reasonable. The weather in Oregon is really nice, and it is somewhere that I wouldn't mind living. I also visited this campus before, and I loved it.

Colorado Mesa University:
I chose Colorado Mesa University because it they are known for having a very successful D2 soccer team. The acceptance rate is 82.3%. I would want to go to this college because they play our UH Manoa soccer team, so I would get to come back home every once in a while. I also like the weather in Colorado, and the campus is big, but not too big.

Azusa Pacific University:
The weather in California is nice all year round, similar to Hawaii. I would want to go to Azusa Pacific because I met their soccer coach, and I feel like I would want to play for her. They have a pretty good D2 soccer program. The campus is on the smaller side, but it's modern and new looking.

Seattle University:
Seattle University is a D1 school, meaning I would have to work hard at soccer to be able to play. It's acceptance rate is 73.4%. I really like the climate in Seattle, and I've always wanted to live there. My family travels to Seattle a lot, so I'm pretty familiar with the city.

University of Washington:
  1. Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
  2. Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.
  3. Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?
  4. What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?
  5. Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.
University of San Diego:
  • All Applicants: How does USD stand out among all of the other colleges to which you are applying?
  • First-Year Applicants Only: As a Changemaker Campus, USD promotes entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovation for positive social change. Briefly describe how your past activities or work experiences will enhance this community.
University of Oregon:
The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 500 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals, a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers, or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, feel free to resubmit your honors college application essay.

Monday, November 7, 2016

 

There was only a few seconds left in the championship game, when I scored! I practiced and perfected that shot in practice, and it had finally payed off. It was the best feeling in the world. I had butterflies in my stomach, my heart was beating out of control, and I couldn't stop smiling! The crowd roared and yelled my name. Moments like these were the reason why I loved playing soccer.


I thought it was just another day at the beach when I saw her. She was just floating there, not moving, not breathing. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest as I swam to save her. We were pretty far out, and I didn't know if I could pull her all the way back to shore. My legs and arms were sore and weak from treading water for so long. I felt like I was going to die, and it became harder and harder to breathe. I knew that time was running out and I had to do something. My legs were too weak to move so I screamed and shouted for help, hoping someone would hear. 

Coming of Age Graphic Draft



For my graphic, I wanted to show the event of change. I put a picture of the leaves changing in the fall to represent that. I also changed the opacity of the picture of me, to show the "ghost of my past".