Personal statement for pre-dental committee - Essay Example

Besides overcoming language and cultural barriers, the toughest experience was trying to be “normal” without having to change my true self. Coming from a different race, to a country with one dominant race, made me defensive. In was aware that racial differences existed, but found it difficult to me accept it. At sixteen one tends to be stubborn and impulsive, and so it was difficult to restrain myself from reacting to other kids on the bus throwing things at me, and ignoring those who wanted to pick fights with me only because of my color.

Looking back, I now wish that I knew then that all it took was a positive attitude, and a pleasant approach to find harmony with my peers. Unfortunately, it took the death of my friend during a petty fight in a racial clash to bring realization that it was not differences between people that I should focus on, but rather similarities. I was never to make that mistake again. From that time onwards, I have tried to have an open mind toward others. Rather than neglecting people, I have tried to initiate interaction, rather than let them make the first move.

Therefore it became easy to accept the obvious that skin color differences or cultural barriers were not the cause of problems, rather it was my prejudice in judging people on the basis of shallow thinking that was at fault. There was so much more in common than I had thought earlier. I now had learnt to place good and bad experiences on the same level. By doing this I became more sensitive to people of all cultures and religions, and this became a turning point in my life. There are several activities that were part of my years at college, but the most challenging activity was serving my church college group, as President.

I was not prepared for it. I did not expect to be elected as President in my sophomore year. It was hard to handle both my studies at school, and the responsibilities as the