Unique Perspective on Life by Entering the University - Essay Example

 Unique Perspective on Life by Entering the University Writing this letter to request admission to the University is more to me than just a necessary task or a routine step in the admissions process. It is an opportunity to demonstrate to you, and myself, the academic progress that I have made in recent years. At times it has been a difficult experience, but the rewards have always exceeded my modest expectations. My favorite mentors through these years have used the usual teacher lingo of, "Listen up" and "Pay attention", but being an immigrant student, with little understanding of the English language, I had to do more than just "listen up".

I had to study.That first day in eighth grade I felt out of place in a strange country, away from the only home I had ever known, helplessly drowning in a sea of strangers speaking a strange language. I was tempted to quit and run back to Japan. I sat there, petrified, with no understanding of what was being said and no clue as to what was being studied. Fortunately I was blessed with teachers that could sense my fear and uncertainty. With their help and patience I was able to face my difficult situation and confront the struggle that lay ahead of me.

My first challenge was learning the English language.I had the good fortune to attend Westfield High School in Virginia, which has an excellent English as a Second Language (ESL) program. This allowed me to learn English while maintaining an academic pace with my peers. Through hard work, diligence, and the demands of my teachers, I made steady progress and soon began to gain a working command of the English language. This ability opened up new doors for me and allowed me to read, communicate, and make friends.

It was through these activities that I learned American customs and developed a greater appreciation of our society, holidays, politics, and history.I progressed through the ESL classes and soon joined my classmates in the regular English language courses. My classes were varied and included music, which is one of my main fascinations and avid interests. As time passed, I was no longer running from my schoolwork or escaping into music, I was pursuing academics. Thoughts of Japan began to fade and I no longer had the urge to run back to my familiar homeland.

I was not only beginning to talk like an American, but I was beginning to feel like an American as well. As my vocabulary improved and my interests expanded, I was able to complete high school with an academic performance that allowed me to set my sights on higher education. Now, after two years at Northern Virginia Community College studying traditional academic subjects, I have once again set my goals to a higher standard. I have set my sights on a University degree and I am confident that I can excel in a rigorous academic program at that level.

While at NVCC my studies included English, Math, Business, and the necessary requirements for transfer to an accredited University. I have also used the experience to focus my energies and narrow my interests. I am now planning my curriculum around Hospitality Management as an academic pursuit, and Music as a labor of love.I am certain I can be an outstanding member of the University student body. My teachers, mentors, and professors have instilled in me a belief in myself, and an attitude of self-assurance.

However, my confidence does not just come from my own abilities, but also from the involvement of my family and friends. Through the years they have given me the support I have needed to succeed, and they continue to be by my side. More importantly, they give me the motivation to face each new challenge with a desire to strive for personal excellence and become a better person. Given the opportunity I am confident that my attitude, background, and experience will benefit not only my own chances for success at the University, but also the other students that I interact with.

I can offer a new and unique perspective on life that will have a positive effect on the student body in the classroom as well as social settings. You can be sure that my attendance at the University will be a mutual benefit for everyone involved. I have proven to myself that I can adapt to any social situation and that there is no challenge that hard work can not overcome. I look forward to entering your University program and begin accomplishing this next level in my academic pursuit.