What do you do best and why?

Sample One

Growing up, I was blessed with the natural talents to sculpt, draw and paint exceptionally well. In the process of creating art works, however, I realized that my true passion is often not the resulting product itself, but rather the process of transforming an abstract idea into a concrete form. Accordingly, fostering innovative concepts with a fervent entrepreneurial spirit has become what I do best.

A perfect example of this personal strength occurred in 2003. After graduating from college, I learned that many of my former art school classmates had tremendous difficulties finding positions that could utilize their creative talents. In fact, some of my most gifted peers were resorted to working grocery jobs in order to make ends meet. I found this to be a disturbing waste of unfulfilled talent. Therefore, inspired by what my artistic colleagues could potentially accomplish with proper organization and business management, I launched a side start-up design business aimed at turning these students’ artistic visions into realities.

With my interests in management, I assumed the CEO role and became the main contact for marketing, strategy and client interactions. I identified that we all had a strong passion for improving the local neighborhood and concluded that the group should create public art works that could be admired by the community. To overcome our lack of professional experience, I decided to promote the group’s visibility by exploring first an opportunity we could perform free of charge. After two months of diligently marketing our abilities, I landed the group’s first high profile project creating a sculpture installation at the University of Oregon. This project was captured in several local publications, which eventually led to the grant of several paid, commissioned offers including a collage decoration composed of historic photos at the City of Portland building and a lighting installation at the Stadium that stimulated the Northwest constellations. More importantly, the group was able to achieve our goals of yielding a moderate profit while utilizing our untapped talent for the betterment of the community.

Throughout this experience, I realized that I excel in the creation process because I enjoy the personal accountability associated with entrepreneurship. Just like the sense of responsibility that I have for the outcome of my personal art works, I take an immense pride in building valuable creations out of nothing, especially when it can benefit others. Although I am now focused on my full time position at Thompson, I still find the process of building a vision fulfilling and constantly demonstrate this spirit both professionally and personally. At work, I utilized my passion for sustainable architecture and initiated a research proposal outlining cost enhancement techniques for our client Starbucks. This study eventually led to the design of the first "Green" Coffeeland store in the nation, which had a profound impact on Thompson's reputation. On the community level, I leveraged my architectural knowledge to assume leadership roles for the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. Through my efforts in initiating grant proposals and public awareness programs, my volunteer team has successfully constructed 5 housing projects serving local low-income residents. Accordingly, Wharton is a great fit for me because of its strength in innovative leadership and entrepreneurship. Armed with a Wharton education, I will be well-prepared to make important contributions to society as a forward-thinking and entrepreneurial business leader.

Sample Two

I have an overwhelming desire to serve my community; this is what I do best. With a demanding travel and work schedule, I have found that I must be disciplined and inventive to find ways to contribute. One of my favorite volunteering activities is running with the New York Road Runner’s (NYRR) Foundation because I can give back to my local NY community and escape to Central Park for energizing jogs. An organization designed to teach disadvantaged youth the importance of fitness, the NYRR Foundation created race buddies to provide role models and mentors to NY children. For the past year, I have volunteered as a race buddy and each month. I run with Susie, a ten-year old girl from Spanish Harlem. For each race, we set a new goal for our run, whether it is running to the top of the hill in a tough stretch or jogging the entire race. As we run, jog, or walk, I am amazed at her perseverance to keep pushing through fatigue and lack of endurance training. When we cross the finish line, Susie flashes a smile that reflects the familiar sense of accomplishment all runners feel after completing a race.

Using running as its vehicle, the goal of the Foundation is to impart children with the knowledge that hard work and training leads to achievement; a philosophy well ingrained in my own set of core values. Our runs are the perfect opportunity for me to pass on the special lessons my parents taught me: set lofty goals, maintain a positive attitude even when falling short of achieving these goals, and never give up reaching for them. In return, I am inspired by Susie’s positive attitude and motivation to attain her goals and it motivates me when I am lagging during a run or when I am working a late night to meet a project deadline.

Becoming a mentor with the Foundation has bolstered my belief that serving my community is about simple actions as well as about both giving and receiving. It is about being inspired by and inspiring others to make a positive, lasting impact in the community. With the large number of different volunteer opportunities at Wharton and in Philadelphia, I am confident that I will be able to pursue activities aligned with my beliefs and interests: connecting with youth, teaching lessons dear to me, and being inspired by others’ spirits. Say Yes to Education will provide me the perfect conduit to continue developing relationships with youth in the Philadelphia area. I intend to expand my horizons by participating in different volunteer activities, like the Tax Assistance and International Volunteer programs, as well as spearhead a new tutoring and mentoring activity for low-income children in Philadelphia revolving around the same tenets of the NYRR foundation. The level of student-initiated volunteer activities and the spirit of community activism at Wharton make it a perfect fit for my desire to help those around me and serve my community.