I knew at a very young age that academics were my strong point. Little fourth grade me had a blast helping other students in math and language, ecstatic at being the teacher’s assistant. Fifth grade me didn’t think anything of it at the time as I checked out math books from the school library and did them. I would ask my mom to buy me middle school math and analogy workbooks so I could learn more and more....

When I first heard of academic bowl in my freshman year, I never realized how much I would enjoy joining the team. Seemingly random information I had picked up from the internet or tv shows actually got put to use, winning matches. Who knew Star Trek would help me answer more than one astronomy question. Even the music on my iPod helped my friend and I win our first junior varsity match, our two person team beating the full four...

The more effort a task requires, the more satisfying completing said task becomes. This maxim applies to any area in life, from cooking a complicated meal, to passing a difficult course. When difficulty arises, a person’s true nature shows; their two options are to give up, or find a solution to the problem. Persistence is key in some scenarios I have learned, like learning to play guitar, or learning calculus. The struggle, the pain, the frustration, is all worth...

If I were to design a course, I would make it a mix of lecture and discussion, to engage my students in the lessons. I wouldn’t want a large lecture hall, rather a small classroom that feels cozy. The smaller environment would be less intimidating for those who are shy, and it would encourage them to participate in group discussions. Discussion with my students would be crucial to determine how they were learning and processing the material I have...

I think I will benefit greatly from an education at Yale, where I can challenge myself academically. Yale would allow me to prepare myself for master’s studies, and meet fellow intellectual people. I can study the specific field I would like to go into and I know I will have many opportunities. I want to be at a university where I’m not only in awe of the architecture around me, but I’m in awe of the academics...