Oswego's Motto

Throughout my life I have participated in a variety of activities that have shaped who I am today. I believe that these life experiences, commitments and characteristics I have developed will be beneficial to the UW-La Crosse campus community.

Even though we come to school to get an education by our own free will or by our parents making us get out of the bed and dragging us here every day, we have learned so much about other facets of life outside of our classes. We have learned many important things like how strong friendship can be, how life can be unpredictable and throw you some curves, forgive yourself, your friends and your enemies, how it's okay to fail, and don’t be afraid to show others you care about them. Life is about taking risks and making mistakes so we can learn from them even if they have a negative effect.

As my high school career ends, I notice increasingly how much life that I have yet to live and the opportunities available to me in the years ahead. The past four years have been great preparation for my future endeavors, but college is the path leading to my full potential. In order to reach the end of this path, I utilize my most valuable trait—determination—to set short and long-term goals and achieve them. It is with this “can do” spirit—like the one my grandpa, a former Navy Seabee, evinces through his stories—that I have set my personal goals: to volunteer my time in service to others, further develop leadership skills through experiential learning, and excel at my school work no matter how challenging it may seem. Though these may

I have learned many lessons in my time that will help guide me through my life. However, I think one experience that will definitely stick with me forever is attending Missouri Boys State. At Boys State, our motto was, “A Week To Change A Lifetime,” and it truly was. We learned about integrity, honesty, pride, and what it means to be in the American Legion. We also learned about the political system and how our government works by making our own government.

Ever since my elementary years, I have taken my education and the work I do seriously. My dedication to the qualities of scholarship, character, leadership, and service have helped me during my high school experience as high school was a eye-opener for a young girl with big dreams. A quote that is to mind when I think about what dedication to scholarship and character means to me is one by St. Jerome; “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.” I have always gone past the point that is the best I can do in my academics accomplishments, building my character, being a leader, and helping others. I take pride in the fact that I work hard, push myself, and excel

When it comes to success, you need to know what you're capable of and what you value. If I don’t get elected to the ROTC program at Colts Neck High School then, so be it. There could’ve been a good reason for it to be that way. School is not my only priority to think about, but I need to remember about my family and how they motivated me to get to where I am today. Not just them, but also my friends and teachers’ who told me to pursue your dreams and to follow my goals. Without them, I would not be where I am standing right

This life lesson has influenced me to become a member of various community projects and organizations; promoting change in my community. Service is a value very dear to me because I love to give back to the community and help people who are in need. Truth is the core value that defines the integrity of a person's character. Truth defines me simply because I believe honesty is the best policy. To be trustworthy is to be accountable and dependable. I would enhance the legacy of Howard University by bringing excellent leadership skills, team working skills, honesty, integrity, and excellence. I would bring new innovative ideas and perspectives to the university through my diverse approach on sensitive subject matter such as Racial Disparities in America to Gender Equality for Women. I also would bring my drive for community service to the many programs on the University's campus such as their Alternative Spring Break. The core values that the university holds dear are the same motives that push me to make a difference in the world. I live by these values daily which would prove me to be a great addition to Howard University’s

When I move into my dorm for my first year of college, there is no question of which quote I would put onto my wall. Jimmy Dean, one of my favorite old school country singers, once said "I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." This quote has really stuck with me. It reminds me that life will not always go my way and it is imperative that I learn to do deal with whatever the world may throw at me.

Throughout my three years at Barnegat High School I have strived to be a respectful, responsible and influential student and athlete. I have worked hard to stand out among my peers, be dedicated to everything I do, work towards achieving my personal goals and positively influence those around me. As an individual and a young adult, I believe it is the responsibility of younger generations to work towards being the best version of ourselves we can possibly be and positively contribute to others and our community. Overall, I aspire to be a well rounded individual and character that demonstrates the qualities of respect, citizenship, and responsibility.

Watchmen showcased a character by the name of Dr. Manhattan who could’ve been a metaphor for many different things and ideas. The one I see best fit is Dr. Manhattan being a metaphor for the Christian God, Jesus Christ. This may be a reach but we can start with the real name of Dr. Manhattan, Jon Osterman. Jon short for Jonathan meaning ‘Gift from God’ and Oster means Easter in German. Similar to Jesus Christ, there was a before Dr. Manhattan and there was after Dr. Manhattan. Jon Osterman, like Jesus Christ had a preordained life with decisions chosen by their fathers. On page 3, Panels 4-5, we can see Jon’s dad telling him that he will now be studying Atomic Science stating, “They are the future”.

Throughout my entire life I have always sought to be the best version of myself that I can be. I believe that through hard work and dedication anything is accomplishable. From being the valedictorian and starting quarterback at my middle school, my love for academics and sports has motivated me to stay focused in my high school career and onwards.

For many years my mother and I relocated as many as three times a year and we depended on government assistance to keep us afloat. Upon moving to North Carolina and gaining financial stability I made it a personal goal to serve others just like me. The truth about where I came from is an essential key to determine where I will go, and so I share my story with everyone.During my junior year of high school I was inducted into the National Honor Society. During the induction I lit the candle symbolizing leadership. Unbeknownst to me I was creating my destiny and months later I became the President of my school’s chapter. Being a teenager there are but so many things I can do and I struggled to understand the fact that I cannot do everything-- not yet. I sought inspiration to handle my cognitive dissonance from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who stated “If I cannot do great things, I will do small things in a great way.” As a future student, I dedicate every fiber of my being to embody Howard’s core values. I hope to serve as yet another representation of excellence and walk in the footsteps of many great leaders before me in the path to

However, I knew I was here to make a difference, so I flourished in service. My “Service and Leadership” Residential Learning Community, have been volunteering with Scholars with Diverse Abilities, March of Dimes, and OASIS. These three organization taught me the definition of serving all mankind. Spending time with people from all different walks of life, has taught me: that you will meet people along the way who will have different beliefs than me, but you must respect them, because that is what makes us all unique. I learned that when I am committed to something I will go to any length to reach my goal. Service takes up much of my time, but, I still make time for study hall and tutoring. I ended up making the Dean’s list my first

"We should live to give to others, rather than, live to receive from others,” are the words that my wise seventh grade English teacher repeated in class, while nudging at my chair to sit up and pay attention. Not knowing these simple words would impact and change my perception on life in many ways. First, I have learned to be dedicated and to never give up. Second, I have learned to have determination to walk through the wilderness, with uncertainty and to rely on God. Third, I have learned to have perseverance to push through the unfortunate events that have occurred during my academic career. I appreciate the reader of my essay, for giving my application a chance, to provide a binocular view of my individuality. Welcome to a brief story of

I have really high expectations for myself and what I am capable of this fall at Mount Olive College. I have very high goals for myself and have revised what I believe to be a well guided plan to achieve them. I feel eager and excited to unleash my mind, thoughts and the power of my determination. I know that it’s going to be a lot of hard work and its going to take a lot of time. Also, with that comes the bittersweet of sacrifice, of parts of my life that I am going to have to change in order to succeed. But my grandfather has always told me “anything worth having is worth working hard for.” I am my biggest critic and supporter all in one. I know that the only person that can stop me from doing what I came to do is me. No one else has the