Academic and Spiritual Success

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Academic and Spiritual Success

Talents, experiences, achievements, unique points of view - these qualities help determine whether or not applicants find success at college and whether or not they are ready to deal with the responsibility of independent living and the rigors of academia. Not surprisingly, these are the same requisite qualities needed to lead a successful life. I am certain that I possess these qualities and can meaningfully contribute to undergraduate student life at the university.

I owe my unique social experiences to my multicultural background. Born in the People's Republic of China, I learned communism since the first day I went to school. Thus, when I left China for the United States at the age of thirteen, I felt overwhelmed. Not only did I need to learn a new language, I needed to learn a new philosophy, one completely at odds with my communist upbringing. However, my experience helped me realize the pros and cons of both communism and capitalism and how modern day capitalism evolved from absorbing the advantages of communism and socialism. The harsh US capitalism of the 1890's would have led to revolution; capitalism continued only by melding with elements of socialism.

When I first came to the US, I attended eighth grade in a city near San Francisco. In the beginning, I had difficulty even understanding what the teacher was saying in class because I did not know or speak English at all. Consequently, I received relatively low grades with mostly "B's" and "C's" in my academic subjects. But I knew if I put extra effort into studying, eventually I would be able to overcome my language difficulties. I worked diligently throughout ninth and tenth grade, and I received strai...

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...opher Herbert Spencer said: "The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action." This quote demonstrates the importance of applying education to social and working experiences. As an assistant manger for MDIT corporation, I made decisions affecting the other employees. If I do go into business after college, it will not be for the salary but for the opportunity to contribute to the economy.

During four years of high school, I not only enriched myself with academic knowledge, I also learned many social experiences which can't be taught in school. Through my high school years, I became a more thoughtful person than I was before. Since childhood, I have dreamed of receiving a higher education at the University of California because it is a symbol of excellence. I truly believe I will succeed both academically and spiritually at your university.

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