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My family owned and operated a jewelry business for 8 years,
since I was 10 years old. I grew up with this store, among
the earrings and ornaments, always surrounded by things made
from a unique substance called gold. Gold is a well-known
element, atomic number 79; of course, everyone knows of its
international monetary value. However, gold also has a deeply
personal resonance; and upon closer examination, this material
provides an emblematic picture of my past, my future, and
what I offer Yale University.
Gold is
a soft, yellow metal. It is extremely ductile, the most malleable
metal there is. I exhibit similar qualities, as I also adapt
to the demands of my environment. I am Persian, though I was
born in Lebanon and later came to the United States; upon
arrival here, I had to face the challenge of learning the
English language. I had to take a new shape in order to excel
in unfamiliar surroundings. In addition, I again transformed
by beginning to learn my native Farsi language in order to
further mold my cultural identity.
Yet gold
is not always a shifting, malleable metal; it is hardened
by alloying with other metals, increasing its strength. I
hope to go through a corresponding process at Yale. I want
to become a more solid citizen through exposure to other viewpoints
and cultures, and by offering my own. I will mix with new
perspectives; I will alloy with my fellow students, with my
professors, and with the learning that both groups impart
in order to become stronger academically, socially, and culturally.
Moreover,
gold is a corrosion-resistant metal. I feel my past exhibits
the characteristics of this material in that I avoided corrosion
of my mind and body through active academic and athletic participation.
In high school, I was president of the student body and head
of the study group division. I became an Eagle Scout and was
a member of the school's flag hoisting brigade. I also played
tennis competitively, swam, and played racquetball. Through
these experiences, I have gained the necessary leadership
skills and exhibited unflagging responsibility to ensure a
corrosion-free body and spirit.
Finally,
gold parallels my goals for the future. It is one of the most
conductive metals, extremely well suited for carrying an electric
current. I, too, aim to conduct another kind of electricity--political
organization, by pursuing a degree in Political Science at
Yale. I have a distinct ambition to learn about this subject,
especially in regard to Constitutional Law and parliamentary
processes.
For me,
gold's value rests in its qualities and intricacies, in the
way its characteristics echo my past accomplishments and represent
my ambitions and goals. Adaptability, a willingness to gain
new perspectives and knowledge, a corrosion-resisting makeup,
and a readiness to excel are all revealed in me though a close
look at this seemingly simple element. I hope to bring this
gold to Yale University.
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