How You Have Demonstrated Curiosity
Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (250 words)
Click. In an instant, I had a disposable photo of my older sister blowing out candles on her 10th birthday cake. My interest in photography began with my role as my family’s informal cameraman; as a kid with freckles, glasses, and braces, I was far more comfortable behind the lens than I was in front of it.
In high school and college, I wanted to learn how to make my photos “cooler.” I attended classes and workshops on photographic techniques, learning how to use lighting, composition, and depth. I sought approval of my work from friends, teachers, and family members – only the most well-liked pictures remained in my portfolio. In parallel, I strived for validation in other facets of my life: I would hyperfocus on each less-than-stellar grade, awkward social interaction, or basketball team loss.
When I moved to Chicago post-graduation, I often browsed my old photos as fond reminders of college and childhood. Curiously, the pictures I gravitated to were not the most beautiful or well-composed; my favorite pictures were those that made me reminisce, regardless of their ‘artsy’ qualities. To learn what inspired other photographers, I joined a Chicagoland photography meet-up. Every artist I met had a different style and definition of artistic perfection.
Through academic study, self-introspection, and conversations with fellow amateur photographers, I have evolved my photography and outlook on life. Now, I revel in my steps and stumbles. As long as I am learning and doing so joyfully, it is “picture perfect” to me.