When have your values, ethics or morals been challenged? How has this shaped who you are today?
Sample One
With the long-term goal of a career in politics, the frequent pressures of special interests are a challenge to which I am acutely attuned. In fact, I have faced these interests head on during my time on Capitol Hill.
At the start of the Lebanon-Israel war this summer, the Legislative Director in our office presented for my approval a statement in our boss’ name to be entered into the Congressional Record in the House of Representatives. The statement was one-sided and unbalanced, reflecting unequivocal support for Israel. It mirrored an email I had received earlier in the day from a pro-Israel lobbying group, and was also similar to the thoughts of an influential pro-Israel supporter of and donor to my boss. I faced the difficult dilemma of either submitting the words as they stood, without acknowledging the people suffering on the other side of the conflict, or balancing out the statement to reflect empathy for both parties, while risking the alienation of our crucial pro-Israel donors. I decided to rework the statement, much to the consternation of my colleague. The final Israel-Lebanon statement was a balancing act, acknowledging shared suffering and empathizing with both sides. Forging this honest approach was necessary and right but not easy. As my professional reach grows, I will continue to rely on my ethical instincts, and this will certainly not be my last challenge.
Similar problems will inevitably arise in my career aspiration within New York City government, particularly in the recurring disputes between unions and the business community. For instance, labor’s voice has been subsumed by the business lobby in the fight to increase wages; how this debate plays out on the New York political stage is always a delicate balance. As a political leader and a Democrat, how will I prevent a showdown between labor and business, and more pressingly, how will I be able to satisfy two sides that play integral roles in sustaining both our burgeoning economy and our political coffers?
In my experiences in an extremely charged, special interest laden environment on Capitol Hill, I have demonstrated how crucial it is not to simply tackle ethical issues, but to be responsible for proactively playing a role in ceasing the negative impacts of special interests. Changing the words and tone of the congressional statement was met with resistance, but I have learned not to cave to these outside (and inside) pressures, setting a zero tolerance level at the first hint of any impropriety that may come from being associated with special interests. My own moral compass has guided me in making integrity-filled decisions, and while outcomes may not be in black and white, they are as unbiased as possible. Forging such an honest approach may not ingratiate me to every competing influence, but it has proven to be the most effective means of conducting a successful career.
Sample Two
One of the most difficult challenges I have contended with in my adult life centers on my sexuality. Coming from a culture in which homosexuality is utterly unacceptable and often punished, I found myself lost when I realized in my sophomore year of college that I was gay. Looking back, I always had gay feelings but in my culture the concept of being gay does not exist, and it was hard for me to understand myself until I moved to the United States.
I was in the main library at University of Minnesota when I came across an article on romantic relationships between men in the ancient Roman Empire. The article immediately caught my attention and I took it to a quiet corner of the library and began reading. After initial amazement that I was not alone, I began searching for more information. I could relate to the feelings and emotions depicted in the books, however, these materials also subtly conveyed the social taboo of homosexuality. I was intrigued to read more, yet frightened to know what lay ahead for me. Over the next several months, I read a lot about homosexuality in that quiet corner, discovering the new world to which I belonged.
In my rigid culture, young people are often forced to marry someone of the opposite sex. Acceptance of my homosexuality meant accepting that I was on a path that very few from my culture have traversed. Faced with this challenge, I was confused, uncertain and scared. The fear of ostracism by family, friends, community, and religion, the basic social network of one’s life, was overwhelming. Initially, I did not tell my family about my sexuality for fear of imposed isolation. I felt ashamed and guilty for being gay and for letting my family down. At the same time, I constantly fought an internal battle between what I believed was right and what my religious values had taught me to be right. Having grown up in a devout Muslim family, I always valued my religion as a source of inspiration and guidance. Yet, Islam’s strong condemnation of homosexuality deepened the chasm between Islam and me. I went through a phase of dating women, but it was frustrating experience devoid of any emotions. By my mid 20’s, I was tired of hiding my sexuality.
On a trip to San Francisco in my 20s, I decided to visit the Castro neighborhood, which is the gay-friendly area of the city. The defining moment of the trip was when I met a wonderful gay couple who had been together for 20 years. I was touched by their commitment and joy. I finally decided to come out to friends and a few family members because I wanted to have stronger and more fulfilling relationships with them. Most importantly, I chose to be honest with myself.
This journey has been one of personal growth and life-changing experiences, and it is important for me to be in an environment of acceptance. I know from my campus visit and discussions with students how tremendously accepting Wharton is of diversity, which is extremely important to me as I pursue my MBA.