Schooling in Ecuador - Admission/Application Essay Example

 Schooling in Ecuador Life is a continuous learning process and learning does not come without a cost – these are the first thoughts that strike me when I attempt to reflect on my life since childhood. I was born in Ecuador on the 8th October 1979. While I do not recollect much of the first few years of my life, I can recall vivid images of watching my mother at work. My mother earned an honest living stitching clothes. My parents got divorced when I was just two years old. Ever since, my mother has been the pillar of strength and support. Even today I draw strength from her when I think of the agony and pains she underwent in trying to bring us up. As I grew up I have seen her business expand from a small one-room set up to a small factory employing ten people. I could sense the satisfaction she attained when her dreams were fulfilled. Dedication and hard work can make all our dreams come true, is the message I derived from my mother. Circumstances compelled my mother to migrate to the United States when I was a little over 6 years old. I stayed back with my grandparents and maternal uncles as my mother needed time to settle down in USA. I spent my childhood in Ecuador. I have been able to draw lessons since my early childhood. My uncle Marco was an icon of love and support. His teachings and perceptions have left an indelible impression on my mind as those were the formative years that I spent with him. I was always encouraged to delve deep and find solutions to problems rather than being provided with the solution on a platter. Perhaps this is what made me withstand all the adversities in life. I also realized that we have something to learn from every human being no matter how unassuming he might be. I was taught to accept each individual’s beliefs and values. Schooling in Ecuador is divided into six years of primary school and six years of high school. I went to a public school during my elementary years of schooling. I developed interest in various kinds of sports. I was a part of the school basket ball team and also participated in the chess tournament regularly. As far as academics were concerned, I maintained my position amongst the top two percent of the class. Being an avid sportsman, I developed a competitive attitude at a very early age. This, when I reflect back, taught me to excel in any activity I chose later in life. I was a spiritually motivated person even as a child and was closely involved with church activities since elementary school. By the time I was ready for high school my mother was back in Ecuador. I had always been keen to attend a private school but hesitated to ask my mother. I was aware of the financial burden that it would impose on her. When I did venture to express my desire to study at La Salle, one of the most recognized schools in Ecuador, my happiness knew no bounds when she stated that a decent education would be the most precious gift that she could ever give me. This was just the beginning as the biggest hurdle was yet to be overcome. The entrance exam at La Salle was challenging. It gave me an enduring sense of fulfillment when I came to know that I was accepted into the school. I had achieved honors in elementary school and was accepted into La Salle with one of the highest scores. The touch of success intoxicated me to the extent that I almost failed in the first semester in the high school. This is when I woke up to the reality that success and failures come hand in hand. At the same time I derived strength from the saying, one can only taste real success after a real failure. I learnt to draw upon failures and look into the future with a positive attitude. Being a sports enthusiast and possessing a competitive attitude, I participated in several National Judo and Wrestling competitions, and received five silver medals. Around the time that I was 15, I had joined the Ecuadorian Red Cross as a volunteer. The pain and suffering that I witnessed, I really believe it changed my life. At the same time, I also experienced one of the most sublime feelings of being able to do something for another person without any expectations. One of the incidents that really moved me was witnessing a homeless senior citizen being kicked by a business owner for sleeping in front of his store. In another incident I could actually feel the pain and sense the desire to live in the eyes of a construction worker who was being transported to the hospital after a fall from the third floor at the construction site. As if this was not enough, we witnessed the most tragic incident, which left me speechless. We were sent to a home where a 16 year old girl had hung herself to death. When we were told that she did it because she was pregnant and could not face the world, I realized how important it is in life to indulge only in deeds which does not put us to shame. It is more important of how we think of ourselves than what others would think of us. We have to first respect ourselves and the girl preferred to die rather than face the world. Just around this time my mother’s legal status in the United States changed which allowed her to keep her family with her. I was keen to join her there and was in USA in eight months. The US was a different world for me altogether, almost like a new birth. I could not speak English, I did not have any friends and my mother had remarried. I could not go to a private school in the US because it was expensive, so I went to a local school instead. Alongside I started working full time at McDonalds after the school hours with the intention of saving money for my college education. Unfortunately I was not able to save any money for college and as a result had to continue working at McDonalds. I was promoted twice and soon became the manager and then the store manager which fetched me higher pay packet along with added responsibilities. With a view to improve my prospects for better jobs, I enrolled in a local network administration course but the out come left me shattered. I had not only wasted $9000 but the school where I did the course from, was not accredited. At that moment, my uncle’s words rang in my ears and gave me the courage to face life. He often used to say that life is full of hurdles. We may trip and fall many times but what is important is to be able to get up and walk. I carried on with my job, and for sometime was even blinded by the money that was coming in but deep down was not contented with what I was doing. As I was looking around for a job which would give me contentment, a friend insisted I apply to JP Morgan Chase for the position of a teller. Although it was a very difficult decision for me to make at that time, as it meant reducing my income by almost half, but it proved to be another turning point in my life. Apart from the salary, they offered $5000 tuition assistance which enabled me to enroll at Bergen Community College in the fall of 2003. Yet another challenge came my way as I was offered the position of a lead teller in another branch. This gave me an opportunity to hone up managerial skills as I had 5 tellers reporting to me. Within a year I was brought back to the previous branch as the sales and service representative. Apart from salary enhancement, I now had an opportunity to interact with customers. Exactly 12 months later I was recommended for the personal banker’s position. I owe my success to several of my colleagues but especially to my branch manger, Mr. Beom Lee. Obtaining the personal banker position without a college degree was an eye opener for the entire district where I work. In the next 14 months I expect to become the branch manager. While I am still working, I am pursuing for an Associate degree in Business Administration and Accounting, which is scheduled to be completed in May. At this point I am keen to pursue higher studies as this would greatly enhance career prospects. I would like to hone my skills in accounting and finance at School of General Studies, as this would help me to further my career and fulfill my dream of becoming an investment banker. Even in school, accounting was my favorite subject and I knew I possessed the acumen to excel in this line. After completing the bachelor’s degree, I would like to obtain a CFP designation and pursue a master’s degree too. Since America is the land which has given me an opportunity to fulfill my dreams, this is where I would like to serve and grow. GS, I understand, is specifically for students from non-traditional backgrounds who seek a traditional education at an Ivy League university. Enriched with my experiences, I would be able to contribute to the cultural diversity. I am also aware of the GS alumni all of whom are pursuing careers in a wide variety of fields, some even having advanced degrees. I consider myself a non-traditional student because of the struggle and adversities that I have been exposed to. I bring with me almost 9 years of work experience apart from the rich life experiences. I have lived without my parents during the formative years of my life and was unable to go to college as I could not afford it then. I have a firm determination and clear objectives of what I want in life. I need this degree to rise in my job and I intend to study further. Most importantly, I have learnt to take responsibilities; I have learnt to be responsible for myself. I have always been fortunate to receive the support of my colleagues at the work place, and I count on the support and encouragement at GS to help me realize my dreams. Read More