Describe the world you come from—for example, your family, community or school—and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations “Sic fahn,” we chant in unison in Chinese and eye the food greedily, waiting impatiently for my father to pick up his chopsticks so we can follow suit. Every night, unlike many families that eat separately, we gather around the dinner table to eat dinner together. This family ritual has naturally given us a sense...

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are? I sat in anxious anticipation on the hospital chair as we waited for the nurse to enter to take my vital signs. Earlier that month I had been diagnosed with scoliosis, an enormous shock to my overprotective parents who had never even seen me break...