Panicked thoughts rushed through my mind when I learned about my father’s illness in 8th grade. What would we do? Where would he live? Why was this happening to me? My father, who had only gone to see a doctor because his eyesight had worsened, had been diagnosed with advanced diabetes, glaucoma, and an extreme susceptibility to a stroke. That day my life changed drastically. I went from living with each of my divorced parents on different days of...

Waking up every morning, the first thing I would want see in my dorm room would be Albert Schweitzer’s quote: “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” I was raised to be conscientious of others’ needs, but helping others was not an integral part of my character until my father became sick in my eighth grade year. My family life with divorced parents had always been slightly disconnected...

Over time, horror has been classified as vulgar and superficial. Some reject horror films because they feel that purposefully looking at violence and torture indicates an actual desire for those things. This perception ignores that these perverse thoughts emerge from humanity. Examining patterns in American horror films can reveal the fears that haunt our society and help us understand how they limit America. The clearest example of the connection between horror films and the fears of society is the slew...

In talk over the dinner table and in polite conversations between family friends, the topic of college graduates’ grim job prospects has come up countless times. A liberal arts education is imperative for me because it will prepare me for the unpredictable future of job availability by giving me a larger skill set and bank of knowledge. Because I intend to pursue several different occupations throughout my life, developing skills for adapting to different communities, settings, and types of involvement...

Throughout my childhood, my parents always stressed the importance of education. My mother could not finish college because of a mental disability while my father thought going into the army was more important. Regardless of their differences, I grew up seeing both of them work long, physically demanding days to make up for the high paying jobs they could never have had because they lacked college educations. Even in 5th grade, I was aware of the immense power that I...

At Hendrix, I want to graduate with a BA in Psychology so that I can pursue a Master’s in Social Work and a career as a psychotherapist. Hendrix would provide me with both an education and valuable career experience in improving communities, public health, and the realistic limitations of working in mental health through clubs such as the Volunteer Action Committee, Active Minds, and the MDC. The Odyssey Program would also allow me to gain career-relevant experience and explore...

Everyone always laughs when they hear that my favorite candy is Mini M&Ms;. To me, Mini M&Ms; are fun-sized, bite-sized, and pocket-sized. Most people first ask why the mini ones before cracking a joke about my similarly miniature size. I’m always baffled by this. Yes, they are smaller than usual, but they have the same endearing qualities of a miniature dachshund or a tiny tea set. While all candy is made to be enjoyed, Mini M&Ms;...

Once I asked my mother what her favorite job was. After thinking about it, she said “ I’ve never liked any of my jobs. Go to college so you don’t have same answer.” Understanding her limitations has motivated me to use any available resources to pursue an education and a college degree that will give me access to occupations that I will love. I chose to attend a rigorous school forty-five minutes away from my house, worked hard to...

Among my friends, I always encourage discussions of mental health. While I plan to pursue a career in psychology, my priority is to help others feel that the topic of mental health should not be a taboo. While at CU Boulder, I would love to be part of a peer counseling group to make others feel comfortable seeking mental help. In my college search, CU Boulder is the only community in which students have already established several student organizations that...

A few years ago, I tagged along with my sister to a Lewis & Clark visit. From the moment we parked, I was stunned by the campus. Even though it was years ago, the lush landscaping and the cozy buildings are still fresh in my mind. Lewis & Clark is the only campus that I have visited that feels like a home. Creating a place for myself that is beautiful, unique and comfortable has always been important to me. It was immediately...

When a friend first told me that SCU was a Jesuit school, I was instantly intrigued. I love the Jesuit philosophy of learning in order to help others because I want to learn about psychology and the human mind to help others with mental illnesses. Choosing a Jesuit school would surround me with others who see the same importance in learning and service that I do. SCU’s dedication to educating the whole person would also support me in maintaining...

In my college search, SCU is the only school that truly emphasizes morality and implements humanitarianism throughout campus life. Today many colleges and universities focus solely on pursuing an education that will allow you to land a well-paying job in your field. While SCU would provide me with a world-class education, I would also grow as a person and learn how to implement my learning to help others. The heartlessness of the world has especially affected me recently as I...

Because I will be living away from home for the first time, I want the community that I become a part of to be safe, nurturing and close-knit. Out of all of the universities that I have looked at, UP truly cares for its students in every sense of student life, including academics, study abroad, residential living, clubs and activities. The Shepard Freshmen Resource Center answers questions about campus or academics. Clubs and committees show UP’s concern for its...