Is there any other information that you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee in considering your application?

I feel it would be helpful to the Admissions Committee if they understood my interests outside of work and my goals with respect to personal interaction. To be frank, I am an experience “junky.” I am not talking about someone who strives to pin achievements on his or her resume; I mean someone who simply enjoys the thrill of experiencing new things. Growing up in small-town America, I knew I wanted to experience a variety of things and see the world, but the latter seemed to be beyond my grasp. While bridging the gap between college and my upcoming job, I was hired as a bartender in a Yacht Club. I had always been good with people, but after spending a few months behind the bar meeting different kinds of people, it became evident that I had a knack for relating to others--whether it was through a mutual friend, a travel destination, or a baseball game on ESPN. At this point, I saw an opportunity to take full advantage of my previous and upcoming experiences, and I knew I had found a focus. I wanted to be able to walk into a room full of people with different backgrounds and interests and have an educated conversation with each person about something in which he or she was interested.

When I began my new job as a field engineer and learned that I would be working in Brazil, I was ecstatic. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for. I decided to make the most of the experience, and I believe I have. At this point in my life, I feel as if I have made giant strides toward my goal. To list some of my experiences, I am a pilot, motorcyclist, boater, scuba diver, and hunter. I know my way around a kitchen, and when there’s time, I enjoy reading classic novels, watching stage productions, and listening to classical music. I’m familiar with foreign languages and cultures, and I’ve traveled, lived, and conversed with people from all over the world. My “to do” list is extensive and includes an extended scuba-diving tour of sunken World War II battleships in Micronesia’s Truk Lagoon and a backpacking adventure through the Himalayas while learning about the life of a Tibetan Monk. When it comes time for a vacation, I always choose somewhere new, and when a fresh experience is in sight, I jump at the opportunity.

In short, I strive to experience as much as I can, meet as many people as possible, and enjoy all the world has to offer. Fortunately, this skill overflows into my career as I have already begun to see the benefits of a varied background through my work. The more I experience, the more fulfilling I find my life, and I know that continuing on this course will provide me with both personal satisfaction and a professional edge in today’s global market.