<p>EDIT: OOPS; How do I make myself NOT sound spoiled?"</p>
<p>“Describe an experience of cultural difference you have had. What did you learn from it?”</p>
<p>Last year I made really good friends with a Russia foreign exchange student, Tanya. We did a lot of things together, most notably shopping. She came from a pretty well off to do family (personal driver, penthouse), so it took me by surprise when I saw how frugal she was. She would complain that $20 was too much for shoes, and she would constantly tell me how such and such (a small trinket or something) that I had my eyes on was “not necessary”. She bought only what she NEEDED and NOT what she wanted.</p>
<p>So I wanted to relate this idea to the concept of America consumerism vs. European (or Eastern Hemisphere I guess) frugality. We as Americans buy a lot of crap, even if it’s $1.00 or so, and I know I’ve fallen victim to this. </p>
<p>But I’m worried that I’ll come off as “I MUST have this, please please please” (in other words spoiled). And especially in this economy, where more and more people are going without. But the concept still holds true for us Americans, we love to buy crap. </p>
<p>Any ideas?</p>
<p>First of all - just by your experience with ONE European friend, I don’t think you can assume that most people in Europe are frugal. But if you are sure then… I guess it’s fine.
And before you have written the essay, you can’t just assume that you might sound like a spoiled child. Perhaps you are - considering that you agree to how Americans are giant consumers and take money for granted.
It all comes down to your conclusion though - what you learned from this experience. If you phrase it right, I think your essay will be absolutely fine. If you have written your essay, have it edited by your friends or family and see what they think.</p>
<p>Well actually, I have experiences with a few other Europeans, but the prompt states to write about “An experience”, meaning one. So I decided to write it about Tanya, because of the impact she had on my life and how close we got to each other throughout the year.</p>
<p>Also, I agree to some extent that I am a little spoiled. Definitely not “Mom, I want a Ferrari and I want it now!” spoiled. But kind of like “Ohhh, look at that shiny bouncy ball…and it’s only a dollar!”. But even still, you have to agree that as a Nation, we do spend a ridiculous amount of money on stuff we don’t need. Video games, tech. Hell, the many installments of Wal-Mart and Target prove it.</p>
<p>As to what I learned. Well it gave me a chance to reflect on my own needless spending and focus more what’s essential in life.</p>
<p>Well I just thought you were making such a general assumption about the whole European population with that one experience of your’s. But I see your point too.
And yes - I do agree that the US is a land of consumers. Who the hell needs an iPad?
Anyways, I think you don’t have to worry about how your essay is going to sound. From your reply to my response, I think you will write a decent essay on your experience and you won’t sound spoiled at all. Just write the essay. Can’t say much at this point.</p>
<p>Thanks man :). But the whole general assumption thing, will admission officers will think the same thing? I mean I guess I could say something about talking with other Europeans about this too, but I feel like it’d be misplaced and awkward in the grand scheme of things.</p>
<p>It all depends on how you are going to write your introduction to the essay. But I feel like they could think the same too because when I first read your paragraph of the experience, that was my first reaction.</p>
<p>Well I’m planning to start it off in the middle of a shopping scene with her, and go from there. Would it help to add that she’s from a former Soviet country, where a lot of people still carry that communistic mindset of the bare necessities (being that they’re relatively young as an independent nation). But then that would off throw my essay from Europeans to former communistic societies? </p>
<p>Ugh lol.</p>
<p>I think you SHOULD sound spoiled – at least in the beggining. If you start sounding spoiled, then talk about the experience with Tanya, then show how you’ve changed and aren’t spoiled anymore, it would probably be a great essay!</p>