My Catholic faith and beliefs are big parts of who I am. These beliefs help guide me through virtually all aspects of life. It is my sincere desire that I can continue to grow both spiritually and academically while pursuing higher education. I first learned about Santa Clara University from a family friend at church. One day, she asked me what my plans were after I graduated high school. I told her I wanted to pursue an advanced degree and mentioned that I would ideally like to attend a University where I can integrate both my faith and academics into one enriching experience. This family friend mentioned Santa Clara University. This prompted me to conduct preliminary research on Santa Clara University. I was particularly drawn to its inclusive model of delivering Jesuit values to students in all facets of campus life.
If you visited campus, describe what aspect of your visit experience most influenced your impression of SCU. (Word count: 138)
When taking a tour of the Santa Clara University, I felt like a part of the community. During the walking tour of the campus, many students stopped to say hello and asked how I was doing. I was impressed by how friendly and approachable the students were. Just from my short visit, I got the feeling that Santa Clara University students are the type of people that are willing to help others. It was evident from my time on campus that Santa Clara University is a close-knit community of students and faculty alike. It is a collegial environment where students do not hesitate to go out of their way to assist others. Many times, I stopped to ask for directions to a certain building or hall. Every person I talked to greeted me with a warm, genuine smile.
Santa Clara University's strategic vision promises to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion and cultivate knowledge and faith to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world. What aspect of SCU’s strategic vision appeals to you? Why? (Word Count-212)
The Santa Clara University strategic vision that most appeals to me is promoting compassion. I believe it is important to treat all people with the compassion and respect. There is too much anger and resentment in the world. By placing oneself in another person’s shoes, one can acquire a deeper understanding of what the hardship or adversity that person may be experiencing. I know I am always striving towards becoming a more compassion individual. Our future as a civilization depends on compassion and lending a helping hand to our fellow neighbors. In striving for a better world, there is strength in numbers. At Santa Clara University, the entire community is committed to spreading the message of compassion for a brighter future. I would like to become a part of the Santa Clara University vision by joining the culture of compassion.
I am also drawn to Santa Clara University’s utilization of faith and faith based-teachings. As a devout Catholic, religion has been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I find great comfort in my religion and the spiritual guidance it gives me in other areas of my life. Given Santa Clara University’s integrative and faith-based approach to education, I can see myself thriving academically, religiously, and personally in this kind of environment.
