Sample Excellent College Application Essay #8

Sample Excellent College Application Essay #8

Sample College Application Essay #8

Another excellent free college application essay designed to help inspire college-bound students working on college and university application essays.

"Hello my name is Roy Hon nice to meet you," stiffly mumbled a boy with an awkward accent, eyes full of fear and uncertainty. Immersed in an unknown environment at the age of thirteen, everything seemed uncertain to him. In this mysterious land, people existed in all shapes and colors: black, white, blonde, brunette, and every combination in between. Despite these physical differences, however, everyone shared one thing in common: English, the language that tied lives together and facilitated communication between diverse individuals. The foreign boy, however, knew little of the English language, able to understand and speak no more than a toddler in that tongue. He never imagined one day settling in the United States or eventually sitting in his room and composing a college essay in English.

Upon first arriving in the U.S, I was extremely lonely, lacking any friends or family in whom to confide. This massive transition in my life saddled me with great pain and sadness. At school I seemed invisible while at home, television provided my only companionship. I missed China, longing for delicious authentic Chinese foods and thirsting for the love of my big family and dear friends. I clung to memories of my previous home to inject warmth and happiness into my otherwise dismal life.

Building relationships was not easy, as I was fearful of approaching others due to my language deficiencies. "If only I could speak English," I constantly thought.

"If only I could speak English," I would not seethe with anger whenever someone openly mocked me, responding with a bowed head or fake smile.

"If only I could speak English," I would stop shaking when speaking in front of my class.

"If only I could speak English," I would earn grades that accurately reflected my intellect, rather than simply marks of "OK" on tests.

"If only I could speak English," I would not have to answer questions by simply nodding or shaking my head.

Such thoughts filled my head every day, each tantalizing me with how my life would improve if I could speak English. Again, however, I realized I was living in a fantasy world; I had fallen into the habit of simply dreaming about how my life could improve and wishing that things were better rather than actually striving to enact those improvements. Realizing this, I became a pragmatic person, focused on the present and working to turn thoughts into action. I forced myself to communicate, even if doing so occasionally caused embarrassment. Once upon arriving to class late, the teacher greeted me with, "What's up, Roy?" Not understanding this colloquial phrase, my eyes glanced upwards, before refocusing on the teacher as I answered, "Nothing." Immediately laughter rippled across the classroom; I laughed too, though without knowing why. When class ended, I gathered my courage and asked my teacher to explain what had happened; I wanted to learn, even if it was initially embarrassing or confusing.

If only I could speak English: instead of a refrain of remorse, I used this thought to motivate my growth. It helped me overcome the struggles I faced in this new land, turning me into a realistic, social, and confident individual. By forcing myself to make friends in school, I became outgoing and independent, willing to interact with diverse classmates. As I did so, I realized that I had become friends with half of the people in my grade. In opening up, I found that the world was not nearly as scary or dreadful as I had feared; instead, it was full of warmth and positive energy. Previously, I had lacked friends not because I couldn't speak English, but because I had built wall around myself with my negative energy and focus on what I could not do. Now, though, I am vice president of the Chinese Culture Club, a top student, and a confident friend to many.

Looking back, I still remember the innocent and quiet boy who arrived in this country, afraid of even trying to talk. How far that boy has grown; now, I am a man who loves greeting others: "Hey! What's up, I'm Roy, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

For access to 100 free sample successful admissions essays, visit EssayEdge.com, the company The New York Times calls "the world's premier application essay editing service." You'll also find other great essay and editing resources (some free and some fee-based) at EssayEdge.

Go back to Writing the College Application Essay.

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