Submit a personal statement telling us about your goals for college. Also, share any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles you have encountered in pursuit of your education and how you overcame them…
In the course of my life, I have struggled to find my place in society. At a young age my parents tried to mold my mind to accept religion and Christianity. There was little discussion about whether I wanted to learn these teachings; it was just a common practice adults expected children to learn. When I became older my school’s curriculum provided me with one-sided history lessons and viewpoints enriched with a grain of salt. Each class highlighted how students are taught to merely survive in a world. We were stripped of our dreams and educated to follow norms and prioritize security rather than taking risks and chasing happiness. I recognize my parents and school were trying to act in my best interest, but their ideology did not match what I wanted to believe. My senior year I read The Alchemist; a spiritual book about a boy chasing his dream. The book’s story awakened me to how many people have lost their desire to stand-out or take risks, even if it is to chase their dreams. All of this relates to what I aim to achieve at Indiana University; I want to make my unique mark in the world.
College is traditionally known as a young adult’s first test. It is when we are away from our families, old friends, and familiar surroundings that a lot of students discover their unique persona. Students began to place less importance on fitting in and seeking acceptance, mainly due to a student’s rise in maturation and wisdom during his time at college. I believe what the workplace lacks in competitive individuals does not show respect to students in college. These students are unafraid to take risks and test new ideas; things usually not done during high school. During my time at IU I want to experience this exciting atmosphere. While I have discovered a lot about myself during my time at high school, college can provide me with new lessons and ideas to learn. I personally believe I am capable of achieving anything by working hard and ignoring the doubtful. Whether it be majoring in Finance or writing a short poetry book, I am ready for any challenge. IU can help me accomplish my dreams in a world that disowns this notion is still possible.
While I am able to understand that my current setting subconsciously restricts my free thought and expression, that necessarily does not mean I am able to act freely. While I am still living with my family, I can not express nontraditional ideas. One such example included my decision to not attend Church on Sunday. Despite my reasons, my family took this as a personal insult and accused me of not having morals or values, accusations which are utter blasphemy. Despite my reasons, they remained unhappy with my expression of free will. Eventually, my parents learned to live with my decision, much to my relief. This struggle taught me how hard it is to stand for a something you believe in. While it does not compare to movements such the Civil Rights or Arab Springs, my stance towards my beliefs taught me about the difficulties these fighting men and women must have faced. While I am stuck in my small and quiet town, a whole world lays undiscovered for my brain to perceive. To be able to accomplish my goal of making my mark on the world, I must open myself up to the world I have yet to see. While I attend college, I hope to learn more about the viewpoints of others, all the while discovering more about myself. In a setting that is less prohibiting and restrictive, I will be able to thrive as my actions will be made without a fear of judgement or ridicule.