How did you first learn about Rice University, and what motivated you to apply? (250 word limit)
As I stood outside of my AP Government classroom last semester, I had no idea that a short conversation could change my life. Waiting for class to begin, my close friend and I discussed our plans for the future. When we realized we had a shared interest in becoming physicians, he suggested that I consider Rice University. That night, I began researching, and was inspired by what I found.
Rice’s unique combination of innovative research, a vibrant social atmosphere, and demographic diversity has motivated me to apply. As a comprehensive research university, Rice would enable me to work with professors such as Dr. Christopher Fagundes who share my desire to investigate the human response to stress. In addition to the strength of its professors, Rice’s proximity to Houston and Texas Medical Center would allow me to expand the breadth of my current research projects as well as engage in new clinical research. Another aspect of Rice that is very attractive to me is the residential college system. As a student who enjoys a close-knit community and academic support, one of Rice’s residential colleges would be the perfect place for me to spend the next four years of my life. Finally, as a person of color, Rice’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive community is very appealing to me. Now, I truly hope that conversation outside of my AP Government classroom results in an opportunity for me to change not only my life, but the lives of others.
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit)
I'll never forget the moment when Dr. Kanwaljeet Anand told me we had the power to change patients’ lives. After receiving funding from the NIH to research pediatric chronic stress responses, I spent countless hours working to build our study from the ground up. One of our proudest accomplishments was being able to create a family poverty index that is the first of its kind within our field. By comparing the results of this index to the chemical results we obtained in the lab, Dr. Anand and I were able to successfully pinpoint demographic groups where children experience the most stress. With these results, we hope to provide a launching pad for further developments that can lead to the reduction of stress in all young children. As a whole, this internship enabled me to expand my own knowledge, pioneer research methods, and apply myself in the service of others.
The Committee on Admission is interested in getting to know each candidate as well as possible through the application process. The following essay questions are designed to demonstrate your writing skills and facilitate our full appreciation of your unique perspective. Please respond to each of the following prompts.
The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What personal perspective would you contribute to life at Rice? (500 word limit)
As a child, I was ignorant to what many truly thought of me. I saw my culture as the perfect mix of loving family values, intellectual curiosity, and hard work in the face of adversity. However, as I grew older, the meaning of my deeply rooted heritage morphed into something I could barely recognize. Hispanic and African-American became synonymous with inarticulate and uneducated. My academic abilities made me an exception from the very cultures I cherished, and the complex English words I used drew a sharp line between me and the ‘stereotypical’ Mexican or African American boy others imagined.
It wasn't until I started working with other children of color that I realized I had the power to fight the very stereotypes that haunted me. During 7th grade, I began to volunteer at my local library, where I tutored young children from underrepresented demographic backgrounds and extremely low income households. To my dismay, I discovered that most of the children I tutored were satisfied with the subpar academic performance that others expected of them. In an effort to combat this, I began to talk to each of the kids I tutored about my own academic challenges and successes. Acting as their role model, I was able to motivate each of the children I worked with to achieve their own academic excellence.
This experience not only inspired the children I tutored, but it also inspired me. I was no stranger to negative stereotypes when I began working with these children. However, being able to serve as their positive role model allowed me to see that my background places me in a unique and important position. As a man of color, I not only have the opportunity to inspire children who see themselves in me, but I can work to change the minds of those who may believe in negative stereotypes.
At Rice, I will contribute the perspective that negative stereotypes should never define us. I believe that those affected by these negative beliefs have the opportunity to overcome them, one day at a time. Personally, this belief and my desire to serve others have motivated me to continue on the path to becoming a physician. While there may be people who do not expect someone from my background to pursue medicine, I will not allow these doubts to discourage me. Instead, I am driven by the thought that one day, I will be able to inspire children of color to achieve their own professional aspirations.
In addition to the impact this belief has on my goals for the future, it will also help to inspire my classmates at Rice. When I participate in discussions and excel in the classroom, it not only benefits me as a dedicated student but it also expands the experiences and perceptions of the students around me. By contributing this perspective, I will be able to show my classmates, from all demographic backgrounds, that they, too, can achieve what few imagined they would.
With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study. (150 word limit)
I am applying to Rice University’s School of Social Sciences because I believe a broad education focused on conceptual and applied psychology will support my goal of contributing to society. Through various service projects and research opportunities, I have seen first hand how knowledge can be used for the betterment of others. While doing research with the NIH, I was able to witness the various ways my scientific discoveries led to medical developments. Also, as an intern with the Red Cross, I saw how effective communication with first responders contributes to relief efforts. Being a part of these efforts has sparked my desire to attend a school that also values shaping a future in which we can all flourish. With a mission centered around the improvement of society, Rice’s School of Social Sciences fits perfectly with my own goal of using knowledge to improve the world for us all.