A friend’s daughter, Beth Samuels, recently passed away. In eulogizing and remembering her, friends and family frequently quoted a favorite saying of hers:
“To make a footprint, you need to take a step.”
Unfortunately I never met this young mother of two, but her saying resonates with me and has relevance to you. That step and the footprint you leave behind should be in your essays.
The step. Admissions committees want to see that you have initiative, that you are willing to take that step. So when did you launch a new program, assume responsibility for an existing project, or come forward when everyone else was looking the other way or preoccupied with examining their fingernails? Those occasions could make a great application essay or personal statement topic.
The footprint. The outstanding personal statement will also show that that you made a difference. Did you just carry a membership card in your wallet, or did you contribute to your favorite cause. Show that your participation – your steps — mattered. Did you help a child perform in school? Did you raise funds for your charity? Did you sell more than anyone in your region? Lead your team to victory?
Let your essays portray you as someone with the energy and courage to take a step and the ability to leave a footprint.
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