The one about how great I am, and why BYU needs me!
As a BYU student, I will greatly enrich the campus environment in several ways. First, I will be an example of outstanding academic performance. On my mission I have learned to pay the price to get good results and will apply this principle in my studies. With a good work ethic, assisted by my intellect, I have no doubt that I will receive exceptionally good grades.
Another way I will enlighten the provo campus is with my cheerful nature. A friendly smile and enthusiastic greeting go a long way to relieve stress and create and enjoyable work and study environment for all.
The third way I will make BYU a better place is by always striving to magnify my calling. I have learned from my Mission President to never be a "maintainer" but to make the difference in every church position. I will continue to serve the Lord with all my might.
With these three qualities; hard work, a positive attitude, and dedicated service, I will be a great addition to the BYU atmosphere. After graduating, I will take these qualities with me into the professional world, upholding BYU´s exceptional reputation.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Kayla Partridge - Personal Essay
Imagine, if you will, a magnificent orchestra, tuned and anxious to play. The conductor enters, raises his baton, and begins to conduct. The musicians play perfectly, but all the notes are the same caliber of sound; there are no dynamics. Now, add some dynamics to the symphony. The quiet twitter of a piccolo. The soothing constancy of a bassoon. The sporadic boom of the timpani. In music, dynamics are what make a song interesting to an audience. Dynamics are what make me active, energetic, enthusiastic. I am dynamic.
Dynamic is defined as vigorous and purposeful, full of energy and enthusiasm. This describes me perfectly. I am always involved in activities. I am extremely enthusiastic about enough things, so I live life to its fullest extent, enjoying every moment. My energetic enthusiasm sometimes leads me to experience things I may not have attempted otherwise because of fears or doubt. One such instance was repelling off a cliff. Honestly, it went against my better judgment to lean off a cliff, relying solely on a rope to prevent my premature death. However, because I was so excited to try something new, a relatively “extreme” sport at that, I went off the cliff…and had a blast.
My dynamic nature also shows through in my choice of activities. I maintain a full schedule, and there is never a moment for monotony. Whether encouraging friends or working at school, dancing a ballet or leading youth government organizations, the plethora of activities that I participate in have given me experience in many different areas. By experiencing different activities and different people, I add dynamic spice to my life.
By living dynamically, I can better savor my various experiences. It is by living large that I can fully appreciate the quiet moments. My dynamic personality brings energy to everything I do, and encourages others. It is by living dynamically that I can affect others for good. It is living dynamically that allows me to appreciate the true value of life’s symphony. I am, simply, dynamic.
Kayla Partridge - Poignant Pointe Practice (Descriptive Essay)
Sweat. Blisters. Hard work. Pain. Squeaky pointes. The dance studio. Bits of conversation, like the gentle buzz of bumblebees, waft through the air. At this studio, tension is met by something equally powerful: concentration. And excitement? What is all of the preparation for? The upcoming Nutcracker performance.
Seated on his dilapidated red chair, the director watches the progression of the ballet with a critical eye. He often reprimands without explanation, but he always has a plan. The complaints from some dancers flow like a torrential rain; still, after being critiqued, they are always answered with “One more time.” Which, we have all learned, means a least five more run-throughs.
Over in the corner, anxious dancers whisper together. They imagine themselves in a similar position during a performance: nervous, excited, standing in the wings. During this rehearsal, there is a hint of confusion in the air. Dancers are trying to sort out instructions while still attempting to salvage what may be left of their feet. They move through the milling masses and rush in to be on mark at the right moment. At the show, dancers will be running frantically, technical crews will be pushing through, and little children will impede the busy traffic while watching the Sugar Plum Fairy with transcendental awe.
When opening night finally arrives, the music, the costumes, and the choreography will combine to produce a fantasy, a magical story, to be enjoyed by dancers and audience alike. For now, however, with the continuous chatter, unrelenting corrections, beaten hopes, and tarnished pointe shoes, endless rehearsing for that night will have to do.
Sarah Johnson- Genre Example
Change is constant in life. I have thoroughly experienced that. While I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my sister changed a lot. I don’t think I will ever forget how weird it was to see my little sister in the airport that returning day. We both were flying home for Christmas break, me from Argentina and she from BYU-Hawaii; miraculously, we had the same connecting flight. To understand the drastic change in her, I must jump back to the last day I had seen her—her graduation day.
Anna was eighteen years old. Though she was the fattest baby of all of my siblings, she was the most petite of us sisters. She had highlighted hair, a small frame, and had not developed very much. She wore a fuchsia-colored dress and silver heels to match the get-up. She cried at the end of that chapter in her life, her high school career. She was preoccupied with how she was going to spend her last night with her high school friends, not caring much that I was about to leave.
When I came home though, she was a different person in every way; she had passed through a year and a half, making her twenty. I of course noted the physical changes in her first. She had gained twenty-five pounds, grown taller, and developed into a more womanly form. Her clothes were casual, sporting a Northface jacket with jeans and UGS. Her bag still seemed fashionable, but that seemed to be it. Having since moved to Hawaii for school, her hair was three shades more blonde, and her face appeared to be a different person with a more pronounced dimple in her cheek. We literally stared at each other for minutes and minutes; she stared and laughed at me, who had lost weight, and I stared at her, who had morphed into a woman.
But the physical evolution was not the only change. Something in her spirit had changed as well, something I had not seen since we were little. She had grown out of the adolescent attitude! She was compassionately concerned about me and my emotional well-being as I was making a drastic change from missionary to citizen once again. On our flight, she documented the moment by taking pictures of us, and then by calming my nerves when we were about to unboard our connecting flight to see our parents. That day was a mark of a new beginning of our relationship. Through the holidays, she spent time with me, and since we’ve both returned to our respective universities hemispheres apart, we communicate on a regular basis in a healthy, closer to adult relationship. Change cannot sometimes be scary, but m
Anna was eighteen years old. Though she was the fattest baby of all of my siblings, she was the most petite of us sisters. She had highlighted hair, a small frame, and had not developed very much. She wore a fuchsia-colored dress and silver heels to match the get-up. She cried at the end of that chapter in her life, her high school career. She was preoccupied with how she was going to spend her last night with her high school friends, not caring much that I was about to leave.
When I came home though, she was a different person in every way; she had passed through a year and a half, making her twenty. I of course noted the physical changes in her first. She had gained twenty-five pounds, grown taller, and developed into a more womanly form. Her clothes were casual, sporting a Northface jacket with jeans and UGS. Her bag still seemed fashionable, but that seemed to be it. Having since moved to Hawaii for school, her hair was three shades more blonde, and her face appeared to be a different person with a more pronounced dimple in her cheek. We literally stared at each other for minutes and minutes; she stared and laughed at me, who had lost weight, and I stared at her, who had morphed into a woman.
But the physical evolution was not the only change. Something in her spirit had changed as well, something I had not seen since we were little. She had grown out of the adolescent attitude! She was compassionately concerned about me and my emotional well-being as I was making a drastic change from missionary to citizen once again. On our flight, she documented the moment by taking pictures of us, and then by calming my nerves when we were about to unboard our connecting flight to see our parents. That day was a mark of a new beginning of our relationship. Through the holidays, she spent time with me, and since we’ve both returned to our respective universities hemispheres apart, we communicate on a regular basis in a healthy, closer to adult relationship. Change cannot sometimes be scary, but m
17 again...! (Kristina - Personal Essay)
Hey everyone! This is a snippet from my blog entry as a 17 yr. old about turning 17… (and a little about dating, ha ha... : ) get ready…! (funny how people change… even funnier is how they don’t ; ) Enjoy! Love, K*
2004
“…After buying a CD just to listen to the one sweet 16 song on it the night before I turned 17... I tried to think of what I could look forward to, because 18 is cool because... you are like, an adult, yet still a teenager, so you are kind of in two stages of your life at once... just kind of an interesting concept I think : ). Anywho (and you can vote and such!! Good times!) So one might think okay, just another year of more great dates right? Well, since we all know the record from last year, pfff, forget that one, who needs those anyway right? I actually I am kind of glad because... well around times when I actually need one... like prom and homecoming... (or rather would like one: ) it is always exciting to see how close I can get to the dance while still not having one : ) he he... Anywho, I have accepted that fact and am happy about my present state : ) so moving on. What is exciting about 17? Um, as I mentioned earlier... most people would say... "Now you can watch R movies!! Wahoo!” {But} since I have chosen not to do that... I needed to find some other fun way to celebrate my 17ness!
“So I thought about it... and realized that every time I have heard about a blood drive they always say you have to be 17 and over some weight, (the weight I got covered baby! But the age was always a different story : ) and not that I love pain or anything, but giving blood is healthy for you and... saves lives!! I mean seriously, who doesn't like the feeling of being needed? Right?! It is wonderful to think that because I gave my blood and one hour of my life... someone can live the rest of theirs. Amazing isn't it? Anyway, so I read about an upcoming blood drive, the first I have heard of since my birthday and just decided I had to go! Also, since Labor Day is coming up this weekend, it is even more in need, because sadly, there will most likely be accidents and people who need it, so of course, all of the more reason! Anyway, It was such a great experience!!
“Since I have been young, I have had to go to the doctors for various health reasons and have had to had many shots and blood samples taken at different times, so I am somewhat used to the process, but it still gets me everytime! I usually am not too nervous about it, but when it is just about time, I just get so giggly! I usually don't get that nervous about much really, but when I am either really happy, really tired, or scared nervous, I giggle like crazy. Those of you who have been there during my giggly times... I am sure can agree : ) It is awful though when I can't stop, I love to laugh, but... oh man, sometimes I just giggle so much, I realize how stupid I must look and giggle more! So it is fun and a good giggle, because I would rather giggle than cry, but goodness, I am sure I seem like a fool, but at least I am enjoying myself! : )
“Anywho... so when they did it I kept giggling, but they were all so nice and friendly so it wasn't too bad : ). Thankfully they were just like, if only everyone laughed instead of cried, we would have a great time! Anyway, throughout the hour, we had plenty of good times. But it was funny because towards the end I kind of started to feel whoozy and voices started to get quieter and echo-ish and I was feeling kind of light headed, so I decided maybe I should tell them and did and immediately these 2 guys hopped up and layed my chair down propped my feet and brought a cool wash cloth the second I opened my mouth! Dang, if only I had service like that anytime I wanted ice cream! So yeah, it was fabulous and I am so glad I did it. A small contribution I know, but it was I think of the most fulfilling things I could do to celebrate my 17ness : ).
Anywho... I had a great week! That's about it! : ) eh heh heh, not much really as you can tell from what I wrote... j/k! : ) -- loves! - K*”
2004
“…After buying a CD just to listen to the one sweet 16 song on it the night before I turned 17... I tried to think of what I could look forward to, because 18 is cool because... you are like, an adult, yet still a teenager, so you are kind of in two stages of your life at once... just kind of an interesting concept I think : ). Anywho (and you can vote and such!! Good times!) So one might think okay, just another year of more great dates right? Well, since we all know the record from last year, pfff, forget that one, who needs those anyway right? I actually I am kind of glad because... well around times when I actually need one... like prom and homecoming... (or rather would like one: ) it is always exciting to see how close I can get to the dance while still not having one : ) he he... Anywho, I have accepted that fact and am happy about my present state : ) so moving on. What is exciting about 17? Um, as I mentioned earlier... most people would say... "Now you can watch R movies!! Wahoo!” {But} since I have chosen not to do that... I needed to find some other fun way to celebrate my 17ness!
“So I thought about it... and realized that every time I have heard about a blood drive they always say you have to be 17 and over some weight, (the weight I got covered baby! But the age was always a different story : ) and not that I love pain or anything, but giving blood is healthy for you and... saves lives!! I mean seriously, who doesn't like the feeling of being needed? Right?! It is wonderful to think that because I gave my blood and one hour of my life... someone can live the rest of theirs. Amazing isn't it? Anyway, so I read about an upcoming blood drive, the first I have heard of since my birthday and just decided I had to go! Also, since Labor Day is coming up this weekend, it is even more in need, because sadly, there will most likely be accidents and people who need it, so of course, all of the more reason! Anyway, It was such a great experience!!
“Since I have been young, I have had to go to the doctors for various health reasons and have had to had many shots and blood samples taken at different times, so I am somewhat used to the process, but it still gets me everytime! I usually am not too nervous about it, but when it is just about time, I just get so giggly! I usually don't get that nervous about much really, but when I am either really happy, really tired, or scared nervous, I giggle like crazy. Those of you who have been there during my giggly times... I am sure can agree : ) It is awful though when I can't stop, I love to laugh, but... oh man, sometimes I just giggle so much, I realize how stupid I must look and giggle more! So it is fun and a good giggle, because I would rather giggle than cry, but goodness, I am sure I seem like a fool, but at least I am enjoying myself! : )
“Anywho... so when they did it I kept giggling, but they were all so nice and friendly so it wasn't too bad : ). Thankfully they were just like, if only everyone laughed instead of cried, we would have a great time! Anyway, throughout the hour, we had plenty of good times. But it was funny because towards the end I kind of started to feel whoozy and voices started to get quieter and echo-ish and I was feeling kind of light headed, so I decided maybe I should tell them and did and immediately these 2 guys hopped up and layed my chair down propped my feet and brought a cool wash cloth the second I opened my mouth! Dang, if only I had service like that anytime I wanted ice cream! So yeah, it was fabulous and I am so glad I did it. A small contribution I know, but it was I think of the most fulfilling things I could do to celebrate my 17ness : ).
Anywho... I had a great week! That's about it! : ) eh heh heh, not much really as you can tell from what I wrote... j/k! : ) -- loves! - K*”
Max Johnson Personal Essay
Max Johnson Peer Tutoring December 20, 2009
This semester I have had some favorite times in school. Last year I came to CVMS. I met my buddy Tanner. I saw Chase and I just connected with them both immediately. They always were happy and great friends to me. I loved being around them, and one day I saw my friend with them in the library and I asked him what he was doing. He said he was a peer tutor, and it was one of his favorite classes he had ever taken. When I found out I could be with the kids every day, I knew that I wanted to be a peer tutor.
I love being a peer tutor for so many reasons. When I walk into the class, I get high fives and at least 10 secret handshakes. I also like Peer Tutoring because you have so many friends. The third reason is that at lunch I always have a reserved spot so that I can eat with some of my friends. If anyone comes near my seat, Scotty, Tanner, and Jed will straighten them out for me. The final reason I love being a peer tutor is that it gives you a break from everything else you have going on. You finally have a time when you can relax. Peer tutoring turned out to be much more than I thought it would be.
I have learned so many things in peer tutoring this year. The biggest thing I have learned is that if you want to, no matter what, you can do anything. I have also picked up on some sign language with Chase. I have also learned that disabled kids are perfectly able to do the things we can do just in different way. Peer tutoring has helped me understand so much about disabled kids.
Some things about peer tutoring are hard. It is usually pretty easy to get along with everyone, but there are two things that are hard for me. These two things are always paying attention to the many things they say, and getting Jed to go to art. Sometimes some of my friends want me to talk to them, while the others want me to talk to them too. I have a hard time focusing on what each of them has to say.
Without question I would recommend being a peer tutor to anyone who wants to have a good time. I know I am going to try and be a peer tutor next year. I will miss peer tutoring, but I know I will always have a spot at our table.
This semester I have had some favorite times in school. Last year I came to CVMS. I met my buddy Tanner. I saw Chase and I just connected with them both immediately. They always were happy and great friends to me. I loved being around them, and one day I saw my friend with them in the library and I asked him what he was doing. He said he was a peer tutor, and it was one of his favorite classes he had ever taken. When I found out I could be with the kids every day, I knew that I wanted to be a peer tutor.
I love being a peer tutor for so many reasons. When I walk into the class, I get high fives and at least 10 secret handshakes. I also like Peer Tutoring because you have so many friends. The third reason is that at lunch I always have a reserved spot so that I can eat with some of my friends. If anyone comes near my seat, Scotty, Tanner, and Jed will straighten them out for me. The final reason I love being a peer tutor is that it gives you a break from everything else you have going on. You finally have a time when you can relax. Peer tutoring turned out to be much more than I thought it would be.
I have learned so many things in peer tutoring this year. The biggest thing I have learned is that if you want to, no matter what, you can do anything. I have also picked up on some sign language with Chase. I have also learned that disabled kids are perfectly able to do the things we can do just in different way. Peer tutoring has helped me understand so much about disabled kids.
Some things about peer tutoring are hard. It is usually pretty easy to get along with everyone, but there are two things that are hard for me. These two things are always paying attention to the many things they say, and getting Jed to go to art. Sometimes some of my friends want me to talk to them, while the others want me to talk to them too. I have a hard time focusing on what each of them has to say.
Without question I would recommend being a peer tutor to anyone who wants to have a good time. I know I am going to try and be a peer tutor next year. I will miss peer tutoring, but I know I will always have a spot at our table.
Sarah Johnson- Personal Essay
Born and raised in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I have lived in the same house all eighteen years of my life. City kids have a fenced in backyard for recreation, but I have had the Smoky Mountains for my playground. I attended a small, rural elementary school comprised of nine grades and about 200 students. Determined to lead an exciting life, I anxiously anticipate the drastic change of pace in college. I hope to study across the country to build new perspectives to bring home to the mountains I love. When my family and I camp, my mother always reminds me to leave the campsite cleaner than when I found it. This is how I want to leave this world: a little bit better, but in order to do so, I need help.
My brother, born with Noonan’s Syndrome, a life-threatening genetic disorder, inspired me to become a nurse or doctor. Even with the help of family, friends, and specialists, learning to crawl, speak, and grow took months to accomplish. Also, at seven months my nephew contracted spinal meningitis and suffered from an accompanying stroke that evoked severe brain trauma that severely damaged his skills; it caused a physical barrier that stops him from even sitting up or rolling over. Furthermore, my four month-old niece suffered from a rare disease called Infantile Spasms; she too faces life handicapped due to subsequent brain damage. Through excellent teams of doctors and nurses, all of these precious ones are progressing. I want to be there to help someone else’s little brother, nephew, or niece. When all of the odds are stacked against them, I want to be the one holding their hands to help carry them through.
Reading also peaked my medical interest, beginning in English classes as an essential component of educational growth. I read mostly for pleasure because it is a phenomenal emotional outlet. Creating almost a “make believe” world, when I was young, I pretended I was the princess locked in a tower, a detective like Nancy Drew, or a nurse during WWII. Although I have outgrown these fantasies, one still claims my fancy. After reading about the ladies called to the nurse corps throughout American history, I am compelled to join these women in an effort to ease the burdens of my community and my country. Whether I opt to work in a hospital’s nursery or operate in an emergency room, I could make my childhood game into reality.
If this community will invest its support in me, I will perpetuate the service because I will reach my dream and in doing so, repay my community. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, summed up my attitude about the feasibility of my plan. He said, “God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, He will increase our capability!” I firmly believe that I can succeed. I will. I must.
My brother, born with Noonan’s Syndrome, a life-threatening genetic disorder, inspired me to become a nurse or doctor. Even with the help of family, friends, and specialists, learning to crawl, speak, and grow took months to accomplish. Also, at seven months my nephew contracted spinal meningitis and suffered from an accompanying stroke that evoked severe brain trauma that severely damaged his skills; it caused a physical barrier that stops him from even sitting up or rolling over. Furthermore, my four month-old niece suffered from a rare disease called Infantile Spasms; she too faces life handicapped due to subsequent brain damage. Through excellent teams of doctors and nurses, all of these precious ones are progressing. I want to be there to help someone else’s little brother, nephew, or niece. When all of the odds are stacked against them, I want to be the one holding their hands to help carry them through.
Reading also peaked my medical interest, beginning in English classes as an essential component of educational growth. I read mostly for pleasure because it is a phenomenal emotional outlet. Creating almost a “make believe” world, when I was young, I pretended I was the princess locked in a tower, a detective like Nancy Drew, or a nurse during WWII. Although I have outgrown these fantasies, one still claims my fancy. After reading about the ladies called to the nurse corps throughout American history, I am compelled to join these women in an effort to ease the burdens of my community and my country. Whether I opt to work in a hospital’s nursery or operate in an emergency room, I could make my childhood game into reality.
If this community will invest its support in me, I will perpetuate the service because I will reach my dream and in doing so, repay my community. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, summed up my attitude about the feasibility of my plan. He said, “God does not begin by asking us about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, He will increase our capability!” I firmly believe that I can succeed. I will. I must.
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