<p>Non-Sibi</p>
<p>Non-Sibi</p>
<p>When I considered which three people from history or literature that I would like to have as classmates or dorm-mates during my Phillips experience, I spent a lot of time reviewing the various profiles of notable alumni of Phillips. I knew that some very important and successful people had graduated from PA and had made or were still making important, if not historic contributions to society. I also knew that their approach to life and to their life’s work was in some part formed by the PA experience and the school’s motto of “non-sibi” (not for one’s self). After reading much about so many notable alumni, I chose as my desired classmates and dorm-mates the following three historic figures: George H.W. Bush (’42), Christina Fink (“82), and Chris Bischoff (’89). Former President George H.W. Bush is certainly a well-known historic figure. Christina Fink and Chris Bischoff are not as well known but their selfless actions and chosen career paths are admirable and reflective of ambitions that were likely formed at PA. I believe that their chosen paths in life will someday be considered historic to many who care about the less fortunate people in our world. It is also my ambition to receive an excellent education that can best be applied to service and not for selfish pursuits.</p>
<p>George H.W. Bush is best known as the 41st President of the United States, serving between 1989 and 1993. The characteristic of George Bush that I find most interesting is his early devotion to service. Mr. Bush was born into a life of privilege in Greenwich, Connecticut and might easily have chosen to rely on his wealthy family members for support throughout his life. Instead, he seems to have chosen public service at an early age and most likely while a student at PA. A review of his biography indicates that George Bush was very involved with activities at Phillips having played baseball, being captain of the basketball and soccer teams, and being the Senior Class President. He was accepted to Yale University while still a student at PA but chose instead to enlist in the U.S. Navy upon graduation from PA because of the ongoing involvement of America in World War II. Mr. Bush was trained as a fighter pilot and was involved in heavy fighting during World War II. His fighter jet was downed in 1944 during one of the largest air battles of the war. Most of his squadron mates were either killed or captured but George Bush was able to survive and be rescued by a passing American carrier ship. The U.S. Navy provided him a chance to be honorably discharged from further service but George Bush chose to continue his war-time military service to his country. After his military service and Yale University education, George Bush continued his distinguished service to others as a successful businessman, U.S. Senator, Vice-President, and President of our nation. In short, he personified the PA motto of “Non-sibi”. </p>
<p>Christina Fink (’82) is also someone who is focused on serving others and has even stated that “Non-sibi” had been a major impact on her while a student at PA. She devotes her career to telling the story of the Burmese people who live under brutal military rule. Not many people would stop to think of the troubles facing people outside our own country, let alone a poor country so far away that it is barely mentioned in the American media. Her desire to shed light on the sad circumstances facing all citizens of Burma may someday lead to a widespread effort to force reform on that country. If the Burmese people soon experience freedom, it may be brought about by the works of Christina Fink. If given the opportunity to be her classmate or dorm-mate, I too might become inspired to think “outside the box” and explore other cultures. I could learn how my education may be used to serve others in need. Christina Fink credits her Italian teacher at PA for creating a sense of joy and wonder for other cultures. Being her classmate, I imagine having many discussions with her about where in the world we would like to travel and how we could best help the poor and disadvantaged. Her biography shows that she is very adventurous and brave, having traveled and lived in areas such as Thailand and Burma. She has shown fearlessness and courage whether running a guest house in Thailand or running an on-line newspaper called BurmaNet News. Christina Fink has published a book about the difficulties faced by the Burmese people living under military rule. Having her as a classmate would be an eye-opening experience since I have not yet begun to explore the many parts of the world where suffering and need exist.</p>
<p>Chris Bischoff (’89) is another example of someone who is making significant contributions to society by applying the principle of “Non-sibi”. Again, he may not yet be considered an important historic figure but his work may someday be viewed as such because the educational opportunities he has brought to the very poor . He is committed to serving the oppressed minority children of East Palo Alto, California. This is an urban area that is so economically and socially depressed that it was once referred to as the “murder capital of the world”. Children in this area are faced with circumstances that usually prevent them from obtaining a quality education and achieving any success in life. Chris Bischoff faced similar difficulties when he decided to start a school for children in this area. His goal was to simply create a space where kids could come to learn and become inspired to reach higher in life while avoiding the troubles that exist in the street. Starting such a school required commitments of time and money that most would be discouraged by. Chris Bischoff persevered and Eastside College Preparatory School is growing rapidly. The success rate of graduating students is impressive and many of his students will likely stay in the area and help make it a better place to live. To think that one person could be so highly motivated to start something like this is very impressive to me. He was no doubt influenced by the “Non-sibi” way of life while a student at PA. I imagine being in a classroom discussion and listening to him speak of how the poor urban areas of our country can be improved with schools that inspire a sense of hope and adventure in children who would otherwise see their situation as hopeless. Maybe Chris Bischoff learned a lot about the problems facing urban America while a student at PA. If “Non-sibi” is his source of inspiration for starting a new school, being his classmate would probably help me learn more about community service while still making full use of the superior education I will receive at PA. </p>
<p>It seems PA students have always come from different backgrounds and with different interests and I have been impressed to learn about their many achievements after leaving PA. Whether the PA students go onto make important medical discoveries, become international explorers, actors, authors, doctors, or even President of the United States, being their classmate would be the most important aspect of being a student at PA. I suspect that daily interaction with so many interesting, intelligent and ambitious students would be the greatest benefit of attending PA. </p>
<p>^andover essay for the “classmate/dormmates from history or lit.” input/opinions are greatly appriciated. =]</p>
I suppose the admissions office might think there’s something wrong with her… but maybe it’ll stand out?</p>