Student profile
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
My favorite place in the whole world is Club Sport on [gym address]. Not many people have their gym's address memorized, but it is a very important place in my daily life. For me, the gym is a judgement-free zone where everyone is working on their health. Every single person is already improving themselves by walking through those doors, no matter how long they stay. Being surrounded by people determined to better their lives is incredibly empowering for me, and provides accessible role models. Thus, my gym is amazing, because I can look in any direction and find someone I admire. When I see the same people working hard day after day, it serves as motivation to come back and push even harder than the day before.
I normally prefer more structured environments where work has guidelines to follow. Having structure makes me feel secure, because I have an outline to ensure I am delivering what is expected of me. However, the gym is a place where I experiment and do not look to standards set by other people, but rather my own. When I first started working out in 7th grade, I did not venture past the treadmills. The weights section was filled with men who looked much stronger than me. I had to confront the internalized thought that I would be out of place there. I did not see the representation I was unconsciously looking for that would signal acceptance in that unknown space. Once I discovered a community of incredibly strong women, I was inspired to challenge myself. I gained a new sense of strength when I started lifting weights, feeling empowerment in the ability to reach any goal. Knowing that I now serve as a representation for other young women, inspires me to push myself to my limits every workout.
The best part of experimenting in the gym is when I am forced to gauge my limits, which is a mind game in itself. It is difficult to watch someone squat 50 pounds and not immediately feel inspired to do the same. I work to maintain a balance where I am giving my all every workout, but not overworking to the point of injury.
Experimenting in the gym is so rewarding for me because I learn to take responsibility over my triumphs and my failures. This summer, I achieved my first major goal: I managed to teach myself a free-standing headstand. After months of working up the courage to practice the techniques needed to get there, the rush of endorphins I felt after succeeding was unreal. My failures call me to work harder and become stronger both mentally and physically.
Every time I step into a gym, I am showing up for myself. I enter a head space where I mentally "work out" my problems, while also physically pushing myself to my limits. On days when I feel amazing, the gym is just the cherry on top. On days where I feel as though I have been put through the wringer, the gym provides me with a sense of catharsis. The gym has served as a small reflection of life in the "real world."
It has taught me that as humans, we set our own limits, but we are also able to discover the power to overcome them. Finding the courage to move past conditioning, pain, and fear has made me stronger, not just physically, but mentally. I am now confident of my value and ability in any space outside of [gym address].
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 word maximum)
After reading about an article about Raina Kadavil, who transformed the Global Ambassadors club into an NGO, I was inspired by her world view. Her work with the UN showed me the value of the larger impact one person could make. I hope to pursue a dual degree in International Relations and Economics, as I desire to make an international impact that starts in the US. Learning about her path, as well as BU alumni, Julia Frayer and Michelle Meyer, who are breaking glass ceilings in the world of Economics, empowers me to believe that my education at BU would allow me to reach my goals, especially in a traditionally male dominated field.
I love that the BU education extends beyond the classroom. I want to serve and be part of the community around me. I was thrilled to learn about the DREAM Program that pairs students with children from low-income communities. Working with children in an academic environment is really important to me, because I enjoy creating new learning strategies, such as rhymes or studying techniques. Joining the DREAM Program would allow me to continue my passion of working with kids, while giving back to the community.
A big influence in my childhood was watching sports games with my Dad, specifically the Sharks. My experience at BU is important to me academically and socially; that is why I cannot wait to be the loudest Terrier in the stands cheering on BU Hockey.