Going to college is an experience that is not afforded to everyone, but it has long been my personal goal to attend. I have always enjoyed learning, although sometimes my academic pursuits have taken a backseat to my more personal ones. I have always believed that learning is a lifelong process, however, and is not limited to the classroom-- this belief is one that has steered me in a variety of different directions over the years. From learning to play football to learning to cut hair, I have always had a thirst for new ideas and new experiences. This is one of the things that sets me apart from many of my peers.
When I interact with people who are around my age, I see a vast amount of unrealized potential. In some people, I see the thirst for new experiences and new knowledge; these are the people that I get along with the most easily. I know that my interests-- both personal and academic-- are varied and unusual, but I find that they share similarities that simultaneously define my strengths and help me to overcome my weaknesses.
One of my passions in life is football, and my enjoyment of the sport goes beyond watching games on the weekends and eating junk food with friends, although there is certainly plenty of enjoyment in that! Contrary to what many people think, football is a highly technical and strategic game, and I enjoy the combined physicality and strategy of the sport. Although I’ve never played at a high level, I enjoy the camaraderie and sportsmanship that is developed while playing team sports. Football has helped to keep me active and engaged; it has taught me the importance of trust in teamwork, something that I have never come by naturally.
Another interest of mine is art. Artistic creativity is sometimes seen as the polar opposite of a sport like football, but I believe they are fundamentally similar. Drawing requires close attention to detail and excellent hand-eye coordination on a technical level, but it also requires high levels of creativity to truly excel at sketching, drawing, or painting. While it is an individual pursuit, art only truly reaches its potential when viewed; football is the same way. The artistry of football is exposed under the lights of the stadium during a game, not during practice.
My family and friends have always supported me wholeheartedly in my efforts, although they may have been misguided at times. I throw myself into learning new skills with true fervor, and while this is sometimes met with exasperation from my family, friends, and girlfriend, all of them admit that it makes me a more interesting and well-rounded person. Their love and support has helped shape me into the person I am today, and will continue to shape me into the man I will be in the future.
My academic skills are strong, but what I feel I will bring to the university is so much more than my academic ability. I believe that my greatest strength is my thirst for new knowledge and new experiences, both inside the academic classroom and outside. When I choose to learn a new skill, I work hard to excel at it; I do not believe in doing things halfway or half heartedly. This is a personality trait that has always served me well in the past, and one that I am certain will continue to serve me well in the future.
