College Essay

I listened to Kanye, I used Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and, though I hated it, I wore Nike. I was so caught up with being trendy that I had become a mirror reflection of my era. Merely a pre-pubescent boy, I always wanted to be part of the “in-crowd,” but when I transitioned from Grafton Middle, leaving behind all my friends, to York High, I realized that it is not about being popular; it is about making a difference and being known for your actions.

I started clubs, got my first leadership position, and as I was enslaved by the IB programme, spending many restless nights completing projects over daily five hour long Skype sessions, …what was I thinking? I exemplified the image of an ideal student, one who is well-rounded, being a charismatic leader as well as a humble budding scholar, and became extremely involved in my school to the point of my peers resentment. And though I always sought for the valedictorian position of my class that others also strived for, I never stopped myself from helping them also succeed in reaching that goal.

Through clubs I defined myself as an individual by discovering the difference between my true passions and my petty interests. Clubs allowed me to express myself, become a part of the community, and learn new skills, such as the patience and sanity to spend countless hours working on the homecoming wall and float. Though thoroughly exhausting me at times, clubs, such as the Red Cross Club, showed me how by not giving up, my actions, big or small, can make a difference to anyone and everyone.

From my leadership positions I learned how to maintain decorum among the many club members I was leading, and ethically campaign, “totally” like today’s politicians. Another skill I developed from having to run club meetings was the ingenuity to come up with ideas/problems, such as topics for mock Model United Nations debates, that the clubs would then tackle or solve. Also, being in leadership positions