Study Abroad ApplicationEssay Preview: Study Abroad ApplicationReport this essayI love adventure. The anticipation of what will happen next, not knowing what to expect. I see the TAP as an opportunity for another adventure in my life. My university experience has provided me with many opportunities for adventure and growth. As an executive on two SU clubs, I have learned how to set realistic goals for a group and assign reasonable tasks for myself. My volunteer position with Into the Streets has given me the opportunity to work alongside Calgarys homeless people and has allowed me to become a more open minded and empathetic person. By participating in extracurricular activities at the university, I have learned how to play squash, and how to fold origami roses, how to skate backwards and how to stop but I have not yet gone abroad!
I am applying for the Term Abroad Program because I know that sometimes a classroom is not the best classroom. I love the idea of studying and travelling in another country. Conventional classrooms act as middlemen in my learning, keeping me at a distance from realizing my full potential, and stifling my personal growth. I want to be immersed in my study both mentally and physically. I have read and heard a lot about others going abroad, but I want to experience it for myself.
I have always wondered about my familys diverse cultural backgrounds, and how that has influenced my view of the world. I was born in Calgary, my parents were born in Vietnam and my grandparents are from China. Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Vietnam and meet with many relatives for the first time! It was shocking to see how different life was for them in this amazing country. One experience I will never forget was the first time I had to cross the street. I was advised on how to do so before I arrived, but at the time I did not think this advice was at all necessary. The moment I stepped out onto the street with my luggage in the middle of rush hour traffic I realized how wrong I really
I remember the first time I was asked to sign a waiver of my right to privacy. That was almost 6 years ago, as I have a long life story and have been living in the United States since I was five. My parents, who went on to become well-known celebrities such as Bill Cosby, were forced to take me from the country to their home in Minnesota and now take me in family vacations in Los Angeles.
But what is even more shocking? My brother, whom I know well, has been able to reach out to many young people through the internet, through Twitter and many, many more. He started seeing other people who used to stay with him in that country more because he was younger and became more of a political and intellectual and very special person. I also have been able to work as an online activist in this new country. Since my first visit here, I can say of a person’s success in their native Canada, they are able to get to know those of us who are close (and very proud) to the people who were here. This does not mean that their influence on the nation will not continue, as a nation we are still one of the most diverse nations on Earth.
I know firsthand how difficult it has been to travel the United States as it is outside of my country. It was amazing to be able to share the same story as this generation. I would like to say this story is a reflection upon us when it comes to freedom and our family. When people think about what is in my heart, the truth of it just doesn’t seem right.
It is also my sincere hope that such individuals will not be able to feel excluded and rejected through our social system. I know that many are very supportive and there are some who are very angry that I speak up for myself and my family. Some who work in government agencies may not be as open minded as I had hoped and will eventually make this journey a big and huge part of learning who I am, how I see myself and my friends, how we would benefit from living together in Canada once we make that decision. I always think of this as an opportunity to have a little freedom to live a unique life, even if it means the loss of that freedom. I am proud that I am able to share this story with Canadians.
To find out more about how it was made a reality, as well as what is the story, please click for a summary of all this.
Thank you for your participation.
It took a while at first but I realized that I didn’t feel too guilty or uncomfortable about my sexuality and was able to come out in front of my peers.