I used to despise crutches. To me, they gave people the fleeting satisfaction that simple objects could buttress their confidence, while confining them to a state of pathetic dependence. From wooden supports that hold us upright while we heal, to the psychological consolation some get from a bag of Doritos, we often seek comfort based on perception of what we need. The words "sticky" and "gelatinous" rarely describe such concrete support, but a particularly viscous goo was my personal crutch...

"I'm gay." My friend's words echoed through the computer speakers, and after a pregnant pause I piped out an inadequate, "Oh." At fourteen, I lacked an immediate and positive response to embrace his openness and act upon his candor. I was a freshman trying to find myself amidst the entropy of conflicting high school emotions and was caught off guard. Eventually, disorder segued into order. As a selected leader in a peer education program, Teen PEP, I learned the importance...

As someone who aims to use political theory to solve real-world problems, I would soak up the myriad opportunities at Duke and the Sanford School of Public Policy. Working with civic engagement in the Hart Leadership Program will continue my efforts to raise political dialogue and strengthen the ties between the university and community; I seek to better Durham's 23% voter turnout. Studying in the Duke Social Science Research Institute adds an academic component to my previous practical service opportunities in...

I decided to write my Personal Statement for the Common Application on a small but meaningful episode of growth in my adolescence; my experience with hair gel and how I viewed crutches. A BIG tip my guidance counselor gave me when writing my essay was to write about a side of me that colleges DO NOT SEE when reading my application. I definitely think this advice paid off, but I was able to subtly intertwine my interests and even an...

For one, try your best to get TWO from junior year. That worked for me. It helps if they speak to a particular academic interest. For example, if you are keen on history or english (and may study social sciences or...