Essay Test: Are Some Topics Better Than Others, Part 2

The following essay was submitted to highly selective universities in response to this Common Essay prompt: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

********************************************************************************

I sit on the cold hard floor, staring at that painting --Columbus on a ship looking at 

Guanahani. The scratched wallpaper, the ink-blotched desk and the half-broken wardrobe, are gone. Boxes of clothes, teddy bears and Calculus textbooks are stacked up in the corner of what will soon be “my old room”, the place full of childhood memories. Although the crayon’s colors have faded, the story behind this painting returns like a rising tide, carrying me back to the days I spent discovering a foreign land.

Norrback Elementary School, Worcester, Massachusetts. I was then an 11-year-old Chinese girl with two unsteady feet exploring the new land. Though unsure of myself, I waved goodbye to my parents and walked towards the school gate, ready to embrace the unknown. Yellow school bus, pizza and hamburgers for lunch and no uniforms to wear, these were just a few of the details of my U.S. school life. While my mother returned to China and my father left for a hectic job in Texas, I was left in the care of my uncle’s family. My parents thought I should “discover an American education” and more importantly, myself.

After the initial culture shock began to wear off, Mrs. Hersh, my art teacher, gave us an assignment: we were to complete a painting commemorating Columbus Day. I picked up the crayons and let the tips brush against the paper. Sailor, compass, ship, sea. My painting was a strange compilation of these basic elements. To my surprise, my art teacher enthusiastically complimented me on my drawing and encouraged me keep up the good work. The painting even found its way to the school display. 

The bright color blocks and simple outlines are far from the “realistic painting” that my art teacher in China demanded of us. No longer constrained, I decided to create something outside the boundaries, something that came from my own vision. Maybe my ability to embrace new cultures and approaches can be traced to my decision to fight for something early in life.

Born left-handed in China, I, at an early age, had to confront the social belief that the “right hand is the dominant hand”. In the West, the “sinister” hand no longer has a negative connotation except in etymology. In fact, it is often a sign of creativity. In China, however, it is still “a broken machine that needs fixing”. Everybody around me insisted that I use my right hand to write or eat, saying, “it was for my own good”. But I did not succumb to the pressure from the culture to “fit in”. Maybe that’s why I “discovered” Columbus. He did not listen to common wisdom and went West when everybody was going East, to find the best passage to India. He found instead a new world and I too have discovered many things I did not know existed by sticking with my beliefs.

Since then, I have kept on creating art. From decorating with  English letters and Chinese characters, I have managed the monthly blackboard art in class even now in high school. I took part in  school poster competitions and many times my works were exhibited in the main school hall.

Three knocks. “Off to our new home, sweetie.” Mom pushes my door open.

                                                                

Sitting in my new room, going through the boxes again, I dig out the Calculus and Mechanics textbooks. There’re many chapters unread and many equations unfinished, but I believe I can transform the numbers and equations into beautiful shapes and lines that can represent the world and introduce new solutions.

The present is an indeed a present. I live in the moment as a gift, doing what I love and loving what I do. My left-handed spirit has led me to discoveries. I plan to continue to explore, create and share these with others.

********************************************************************************

Questions

Rate this essay from 1-5 with 5 being the highest rating. What rating did you give it and why?

What three words would you use to describe the tone of this essay?

How would you describe the author’s voice?

Does this essay help you understand some of the differences in education and culture between the US and China? Is one system held up as better than the other?

This student lived in the US for 1 year when she was 11. How fluent is her English writing? Should students who are enrolled in non-English speaking schools be given more leeway with respect to grammar and idiomatic usage? Why or why not?

Should students who are immigrants to the US and whose parents or guardians do not speak English be given more leeway with respect to grammar and idiomatic usage? Why or why not?

Should students whose parents have no college experience be given more leeway with respect to grammar and idiomatic usage? Why or why not?

Should students avoid certain topics for essays that might offend some readers? For example, some think that Columbus should not be celebrated because he enslaved the indigenous people he encountered.  Would someone who felt this way about Columbus be able to read an essay like this without any bias? Would you have advised this student not to write on this topic?

Are left-handed people more creative than right-handed people? Defend your answer. 

Would this student add diversity to her college campus? Why or why not?

Is this student smart? Defend your answer.

Would you want this student as a roommate? Why or why not?

*******************************************************************************

Previously, I have written a philosophical entry on whether there are some topics students should avoid and whether some topics are better than others. Despite what the common wisdom is --students can write on any topic) they want-- I do not agree.