<p>I’m currently at my state’s community college. I will be transferring to my state university (University of Utah) for fall 2014, and this essay is part of the application for the honors college for the school. What do you guys think?</p>
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<p>This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to us. Let us see who you are and what you are passionate about. Demonstrate what qualities you would contribute to the Honors College. Be creative!</p>
<p>ESSAY QUESTION (limit your response to 500 words)</p>
<h2>Shakespeare wrote: “The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool”. What major lessons have you learned in life and what do you hope to learn in college?</h2>
<p>It started in high school, where things came relatively easy for me. I was very social and well liked by my teachers and peers. In terms of academics, I succeeded at a relatively high level with little effort I graduated in the top 10% of my class with a 3.84 grade point average. I was the running back for our football team and a sprinter for our track team. Besides those two sports however, I did not challenge myself at all. In other words, I was complacent. Similarly, I put forth the minimum amount of effort required to prepare for college I had always just assumed that I would matriculate, with scholarships, to the University of Utah. To be sure, my egotism and complacency at the time speak to the first half of the Shakespeare quote. It is not surprising, then, that my life took an unexpected turn when college finally came around.</p>
<p>Thank you for applying Unfortunately we cannot offer you financial aid or scholarships. As the callous words printed on the glossy white paper met my gaze, a large apple formed in my throat. I had been accepted to the University of Utah a success no doubt but had been denied scholarships. I quietly reproached myself because, being raised by a single parent, I knew I could not afford college without some form of aid. For weeks I was crippled by a firm despondence, but I eventually recouped. Upon careful introspection, I identified my gratuitous egotism and complacent attitude, and decided to commit myself to two years of community college before applying to the University of Utah again.</p>
<p>This string of events taught me a major lesson about the efficacy of work ethic something I consider to be opposite both egotism and complacency in attaining success. In addition, I learned the importance of resiliency; never giving up. My two newfound attributes a strong work ethic and resiliency have since undergirded my actions not only in college, but also in life. </p>
<p>For example, my first action since learning these lessons was to start a part time job. I did this so that if I again fail to earn scholarships I will be able to afford tuition at the University of Utah. Additionally, I have dedicated myself to constructive activities such as volunteering for the non-profit childrens museum Discovery Gateway, interning as a Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual, becoming the Outreach Chair on the Presidents Board for SLCC, and earning various honors such as the Civically Engaged Scholars Honor.</p>
<p>As I advance to the University of Utah, I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from like-minded students. I would not go so far as to say that I am a truly wise man, but I am proud of my growth and divergence from the egotistic and complacent man that Shakespeare so accurately describes in the first half of the quote. The lessons I learned in work ethic and resiliency have instigated my journey of growth and learning, a journey I hope to continue in my remaining years of college.</p>