College Essay (Rough Draft)

University of Columbia 

Prompt: Please briefly describe which single activity listed in the Activity section of your application represents your most meaningful commitment and why. Please list the following (150 words or fewer for each question):

• the titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or summer that you enjoyed most in the past year;
• the titles of books read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the past year;
• the titles of print or electronic publications you read regularly;
• and the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other entertainments you enjoyed most in the past year.

Chapter 1: Anthem

The book Anthem by Ayn Rand was appealing from the moment I understood it, which was after two or three chapters. Unlike most people, my brain likes to pace itself slowly, so after decoding the context (with the help of my teacher), I grew excited and found the thrill of the book. It was very unique and that is the reason why I took interest in it, because I like things that stand out, that explains my blazing red hair. The summary of the book was about a young man called Equality, the society at that time was strictly structured by councils and if the principals were broken, there would be great punishments that comes along. Eventually, Equality found his sacred place and was able to escape the corrupted society and become an individual. Now, do you see why I’m so fascinated by this book? At this age, it’s difficult to figure out who you are and where you stand in life and I just happened to be a teenager that’s lost in this fast paced world. In this generation, there are many things being created, young minds dominating and discovering new founding. How could this girl that resides in Hawaii possibly stand out and make a name for herself? How can she stand out like Equality? That’s not an immediate answer, it could take me years to give that answer to you. But, with the passion and inspiration I intake, I will be sure to answer that question before I leave this earth. 

Chapter 2: A Series of Unfortunate Events

A book about loss, independence, venturing out to the unknown, and last but most importantly, family. The book was very dark but had fantasy mixed into it. I grew up in the comforting environment of Disney but at the same time, I grew up around horror movies. Very contradicting, but A Series of Unfortunate Events captured both of those elements and I think that’s what’s life’s all about; the good and the bad. There sun will never emerge if the darkness was never present. In the book, the three protagonists are siblings, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny. They lived in a peaceful home with their parents but in a matter of seconds, their lives drastically changed with their parents died. They had to revert to a whole new surrounding, only having each other. Family is very important and I cherish every single member that shares the same blood as I do. They are the people that holds an emotional attachment towards you, no matter how wicked your actions are. Like it or not, you’re stuck with them forever. I happen to love my disastrous family. I admit, they have their moments but they’re the only people I’m assured to know that will walk into the storm with me.

Chapter 3: Matilda

There are billions of movies created, and choosing a ‘favourite movie’ is like choosing a favourite song…. it’s impossible! Although, the film Matilda comes close to being considered as my favourite movie. I can still vividly remember the time I first watched it, and it brings laughter into my lungs because I still react the same on certain scenes. Eight-year-old Kaye Anne would have her palms sweaty when Matilda and Mrs. Honey were trying to get away from Ms. Trunchbalt, she was mesmerized by how intelligent Matilda was, excited by how much Matilda loved books as much as her, and felt happy that Matilda got a happy ending. Present Kaye Anne could easily duplicate those feelings while watching that film, it’ll never change and that’s what’s special about that film. In movies, I would admire the person with the brains that is why I loved Matilda because at such a young age, she strived to learn and get educated. You can say that she inspired me to plunge my head into books and do well in school during my elementary years.

Chapter 4: American Horror Story

If you’re looking for tremendous cinematography and disturbingly brilliant storylines, then American Horror Story is the show for you. Many people shy away from this TV show, mainly because it can get extremely dark and horrific but if you’re one of the few selected ones that take inters in those things, then this show would be golden in your perspective. I hope to become a director in the future, and a show like American Horror Story inspires me to dig deeper into film/television studies. The creative plots are also encouraging; I would love to dive into screenwriting and creating pieces of my own. Which is why I’m applying to Columbia University, so I can experience and get educated about directing and creative writing.

Chapter 5: The Final Chapter 

The point that I was intending to carry was to introduce who I am by using the things I adore. I am a girl from a state that's so isolated that it's impossible to road trip to another state, but this girl is striving to fly out of state in able to make a name for herself. I am a girl that struggled with sadness shadowing my presence but gradually and effectively getting through it. I am a girl with the dream of bringing my crazy ideas to life with the help of technology. Lastly, I hope to be the girl that will attend Columbia University, majoring Film Studies.