For the first portion of my childhood, I lived an almost utopian life in Oceanside, California, with the perfect Californian lifestyle. I never understood the hardships of financial struggle until my dad was laid off from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Stations. The 2008 financial crisis and my dad’s inability to get a new job due to his age forced us to relocate to South Carolina after my last year in elementary school.  For my first few years of middle...

I quickly jumped out of my car and made my way to the court entrance, racquet in hand. I was just in time to help my coach run a local tennis clinic for beginners that he was sponsoring. I greeted my coach as I sat next to him on the courtside bench and began to change my racquet's grip. He began to introduce me to the kids, who he already had warming up, as I continued to put the grip...

As I sit at my desk, completing my homework, the familiar sound of my parents' voices penetrates my room's thin walls. I was used to hearing them argue and had learned to ignore it. However, this time I overhear my mom shout something particularly alarming: "The insurance won't cover it; I guess she's going to die then!" I never experienced financial struggle until my dad was laid off from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Stations, and my family relocated from...

Federico stared at me in amusement as I explained to him what I had learned in Spanish class that day. He failed to conceal the smirk on his face as I detailed the correct way to order reflexive, direct, and indirect object pronouns. When I finished rambling, he smiled and said, "Zach, you're taking all the romanticism out of the language." Since quarantine began, I spent nearly every day reading Spanish books, watching shows, and interacting with Spanish-speakers from around...

As I finish typing the final edits of my online store, I recline back in my chair, arms interlocked over my head, and stare at my final product on the monitor. Almost immediately, thoughts start to flood my head. I can suddenly visualize a multitude of potential problems with my sales funnel. Was the glaring countdown timer too obnoxious? Would the three-step checkout process significantly lower my conversion rate as opposed to two steps? Or maybe turquoise blue wasn't the...

Federico stared at me in amusement as I explained to him what I had learned in Spanish class that day. He failed to conceal the smirk on his face as I detailed the correct way to order reflexive, direct, and indirect object pronouns. When I finished rambling, he smiled and said, “Zach, you’re taking all the romanticism out of the language.” Since quarantine began, I spent nearly every day interacting with Spanish-speakers from around the world through online platforms....

The word “education” is often associated with completing high school and going on to college to acquire a deep understanding in a specific field to prepare you for the workforce. To me, true education doesn’t necessarily come from the societal progression of academic institutions that most people funnel through. A renowned scientist is not automatically more educated than a village farmer. My definition of education takes on a more transcendental essence. I believe there are a variety of life...

1. Pragmatist. Idealist. Individualist. 2. My mom's very own mangos and sticky rice (a traditional Thai dessert my mom makes on my birthday) 3. Call Me By Your Name. The only movie that's ever made me cry; a more beautiful movie doesn't exist. 4. Owner of my own hedge fund using algorithmic quant strategies to generate consistent returns. 5. "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi 6. Wakanda. A tour of their vibranium storage and technology. Sadly, this will always be a dream. 7. La Gran Hotel (a...

Since seventh grade, after becoming immersed in self-studying markets and trading strategies, I knew that I wanted to pursue a finance-related career in investment banking. I developed a desire to make sense of market volatility as well as acquire a broad understanding of financial markets and what drives human-decision making. With a Rice economics degree, I can explore my interest in quantitative applications of economics, which can provide an understanding of the role investment banks play in global markets, such...

Particularly appealing to me at Rice is the Financial Computation and Modeling minor, which would complement my economics major and better prepare me for a finance-related career. Through these unique academic offerings, I can explore all my interests and pursue internship opportunities in the pristine urban location. Also appealing is Rice’s effort to enhance the economics department through the RISE program and classes taught by renowned professors (especially ECON 101 with Dr. DeNicco, which I’ve heard is a blast)....

As I enter the front door of my new middle school, I’m faced with a long corridor of students on either side, their backs against the wall so that each side faces the other. I make my way down the hall to join them, my eyes darting back and forth. I quickly notice that the attire of my new peers appears to be... normal. I seat myself on the left side of the hall as more and more students...

As I enter the front door of my new middle school, I’m faced with a long corridor of students on either side, their backs against the wall so that each side faces the other. I make my way down the hall to join them, my eyes darting back and forth. I quickly notice that the attire of my new peers appears to be... normal. I seat myself on the left side of the hall as more and more students...

Boston University Economics is unique because of the degree to which it caters to students’ individual goals with the ability to tailor your degree through five electives. As an economics major, in addition to gaining a traditional understanding of economics, I can learn about financial markets and the decision-making of firms through the Money and Financial Intermediation and Financial Economics courses, which would better prepare me for a career in banking. Through courses like these, I can explore my interests...

Liberty and Power by Harry L. Watson; Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass; Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s by Frederick Lewis Allen; Rise to Globalism by Stephen E. Ambrose; Frankenstein by Mary Shelley; The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells; The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe; The Crucible by Arthur Miller; Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë; Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn...

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene; Human, All Too Human by Friedrich Nietzsche; Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (read in English and Spanish); Pale Blue Dot Speech by Carl Sagan; The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham; How To Day Trade: A Detailed Guide to Day Trading Strategies, Risk Management and Trader Psychology by Ross Cameron; Short Stories in Spanish for Beginners by Olly Richards; Short Stories in Spanish for Intermediate Learners by Olly Richards; Zero to...

GMHikaru on Twitch; chess.com; xQcOW on Twitch; The Wall Street Journal; Apple News; Forbes; Investopedia; Investing.com; Yahoo Finance; wallstreetsurvivor.com; Tennis Channel; TENFITMEN tennis impulse on YouTube; iTalki.com; HelloTalk; The Joe Rogan Experience; Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell on YouTube; LegalEagle on YouTube; Veritasium on YouTube; The School of Life on YouTube; OverSimplified on YouTube

Call Me By Your Name; Interstellar; Imagining 10 Dimensions - the Movie; Kamikaze - Eminem; F.A.M.E. - Maluma; Greatest Hits - Enrique Iglesias; Sunset Season - Conan Gray; Bloom - Troy Sivan; Red Pill Blues - Maroon 5; La Casa de Papel (Spanish); Elite (Spanish); Gran Hotel (Spanish); Rick and Morty; You; Designated Survivor; Queen’s Gambit; Sherlock; AuronPlay on YouTube

During freshman year, I helped the tennis team's coaches choose fifteen of thirty players during try-outs. Knowing they had all worked hard, it wasn’t easy to help choose who would make the team. Recognizing how I owed my playing ability to learning from players above my skill level, I understood that those who didn’t make the cut wouldn’t have that opportunity. This prompted me to create a free tennis clinic, three hours every Saturday, where those who...

Columbia Economics is unique because of the degree to which it caters to students’ individual goals with six offered majors and the ability to tailor your degree through multiple electives. As an economics major, in addition to gaining a traditional understanding of economics, I can learn about financial markets and the decision-making of firms through the Financial Economics and Corporate Finance courses, which would better prepare me for a career in banking. Further impressive to me is Columbia’s commitment...

“Officer, please, do you know how hard it is for families right now?!” I look down on the curb from my bedroom window as my dad continues to plead with the officer. He proceeds in a shaky and reduced tone of voice, “We’re almost gonna have a foreclosure.” Undeterred, the officer hands over the parking ticket and walks away as my dad rubs his face in distress. This was my earliest memory of the 2008 financial crisis. I knew that...

I envision myself at the Kimmel Center, taking courses as part of the Duke in New York Financial Markets and Institutions program. Since seventh grade, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in investment banking after self-studying markets and trading strategies. The Global Capital Markets and Foreign Exchange Markets classes within the Duke in New York program would allow me to make sense of market volatility and why some market catalysts are priced in, but not others. Through...

After my dad lost his job in California, my family was forced to move to South Carolina, and I was worried that I would be discriminated against as an Asian-American. I was also concerned about how my Thai mom would be treated as well as my Thai grandma, who spoke no English. Within a short time, my family went from living a relatively carefree lifestyle to struggling to pay the monthly rent of a small apartment in addition to my...

As far back as elementary school, I can remember feeling jealous of how other boys looked and trying to emulate their hairstyle or clothing. It was not until two years ago when I finally determined that what I felt was attraction and not envy of other boys’ looks. For a little over a year, I have internally identified as bisexual but not come out to anyone. I decided to remain closeted because of the fear that others would not be...

Zach Dodson - Fort Mill High School Supplementary Essay “Everyone be quiet!” Ms. Christine shouts to the class. “If I hear anyone talking again, I’m sending them to the principal!” She pauses for a brief moment before resuming in a reduced tone of voice, “You guys know, teachers have eyes on the back of their heads, so I can see who’s talking.” A few minutes of Ms. Christine’s deceptive persuasion follows, and she walks back to her...

At NYU, I intend to pursue a major in economics with a policy concentration at the College of Arts and Science. It would provide a solid foundation in preparing me for an MBA and my interest in later pursuing a career in investment banking or hedge funds. Firstly, I would be eager to join the various student activities offered by the economics department. As an economics major, I would join student organizations such as the Undergraduate Economics Society or Omicron...

After learning the foundations of Spanish in high school, I began to intensively study the language on my own by reading books, watching shows, and interacting with Spanish-speakers. Since quarantine began in March, I have spent over 100 hours Skyping with native speakers with the goal of becoming fluent. Through my self-study of Spanish, I was captivated by the fact that Spanish-speakers have different thought processes altogether. I’ve acquired a new lens to view the world and have almost developed...

For years, I’ve always seen my parents express homophobic sentiments. It always pained me to know that the people I love would not be able to accept me for who I really am. As a result, I decided to keep my bisexual orientation to myself until earlier this year. As I’m eating at the kitchen table, my mom walks into the room, sits next to me, and asks her routine question, “So, do you have a girlfriend yet?”...

During freshman year, I helped the tennis team's coaches choose fifteen of thirty players during tryouts. Knowing they had all worked hard, it wasn’t easy to help choose who would make the team. Recognizing how I owed my playing ability to learning from players above my skill level, I understood that those who didn’t make the cut wouldn’t have that same opportunity. This prompted me to create a free tennis clinic, three hours every Saturday, where these...

I would like to learn how to utilize economics equilibrium models to measure the externalities of companies and assess whether they will have a long-term positive or negative impact.

More than anything, I love forming deep and meaningful connections with people, like the relationship I have with my best friend. Staying up until 6am having deep conversations about any topic from politics, religion, or the meaning of life is the best thing in the world.

Right now, the song that best represents my life is the "I Believe That We Will Win" anthem because despite this being the most stressful year of my life, I continue to be optimistic that I will eventually get through these unprecedented times that society currently faces.

Graded Writing Paper Upload Zach Dodson Mr. Hasty English IV H 20 April 2020 Jane Eyre’s Innate and Developed Propensity for Forgiveness One of the most prevalent themes in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre is forgiveness, which Brontë develops through Jane’s actions and life experiences. From Jane’s conflicts with Mrs. Reed at Gateshead to her troubles with Mr. Rochester, Jane is consistently inclined to forgive those who have wronged her. Throughout the novel, Jane’s actions and inner thoughts...

After my grandma died from being unable to get essential but unaffordable medical treatments, I’ve seen society’s biggest challenge as encouraging policymakers to implement a more universal healthcare system where those who can’t afford treatments can still get proper medical care.

I played a lot of tennis with my friends and coaches and participated in USTA tournaments, visited my childhood best friend from California, taught myself Spanish during quarantine, became obsessed with watching and playing chess, and continued to educate myself on financial markets and investing through online courses like WallStreetSurvivor.

I would like to have observed Andrew Jackson’s Bank War, specifically the process that Jackson took to shut down the bank in spite of Nicholas Biddle calling in loans and starting a credit crisis. I’m interested in seeing how this affected US citizens and the overall economy.

Growing my @United4Amurica Instagram page, I had to maintain consistency through frequent posts of memes and political news, while appealing to a market audience. It has allowed me to develop a sense of open- mindedness as I constantly research and refine my political stances through discussions with people of opposing viewpoints.

I’m excited to finally be open about my bisexuality and participating in events sponsored by Stanford Pride, especially the annual Winter Ski Weekend trip since I already love skiing and snowboarding and would love to make new friends on this fun trip!

Federico stares at me in amusement as I explain to him what I had learned in Spanish class that day. He fails to conceal the smirk on his face as I detail the correct way to order reflexive, direct, and indirect object pronouns. When I finish rambling, he smiles and says, “Zach, you’re taking all the romanticism out of the language.” Since quarantine began, I spent nearly every day reading Spanish books, watching shows, and interacting with Spanish-speakers from...

Greetings, Firstly, let me express just how excited I am to be living with you! As an only child, I’ve never shared a room with anyone but my cat, and it can get lonely sometimes. So, here are some things you should know about me: I take pride in my sarcastic and somewhat strange sense of humor. For example, what’s white and can’t climb a tree? A refrigerator! I am obsessed with watching chess streamers on Twitch....

During freshman year, I helped the tennis team's coaches choose fifteen of thirty players during tryouts. Knowing they had all worked hard, it wasn’t easy to help choose who would make the team. Reflecting on how I owed my playing ability to learning from players above my skill level, I understood that those who didn’t make the cut wouldn’t have that same opportunity. This prompted me to create a free tennis clinic, three hours every Saturday, where...

The UF Honors Program is important to me because I strongly value being able to surround myself with like-minded individuals who are ambitious and driven to succeed in their respective career pursuits. Similar to the upper-level high school classes I’ve experienced such as AP or dual enrollment, I find that an environment of supportive peers who crave academic challenges cultivates even greater success among all students. The pillar that most appeals to me is community. I’ve always made...

In February 2020, I was an assistant poll manager in the South Carolina Democratic Primary. I was also a poll manager in the recent general election on November 3. As an assistant poll manager, I helped the clerk (the head poll manager in charge of the precinct) to set up the voting machines, check-in machines, and ballot scanners. I greeted voters at the entrance and made sure they had an acceptable form of ID ready. I scanned IDs at the check-in desk...

Bangkok, Thailand because it is where my mom is from and I’ve never been there before. I'd like to see cousins I’ve never met and learn about my Thai heritage.

From YouTube, I learned that the mere act of observation can change the behavior of subatomic particles from superposition because the wave function collapses.

Spanish which can provide a competitive edge in business, and philosophy to achieve inner peace and harmony with myself, society, and my relationships.

Spending the evening watching Twitch streamers: Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura playing chess and xQcOW setting a new Minecraft speedrun record.

I may seem logical on the outside, but I am actually guided by emotion to a significant extent and value most in life human connections, truth, and depth.

After my dad lost his job in California, my family was forced to move to South Carolina, and I was worried that I would be discriminated against as an Asian-American. I was also concerned about how my Thai mom would be treated as well as my Thai grandma, who spoke no English. Within a short time, my family went from living a relatively carefree lifestyle to struggling to pay the monthly rent of a small apartment in addition to my...

For as long as I can remember, my mom had always emphasized to me the importance of helping others. As a Buddhist, she believes that generosity enlightens the soul and eliminates greed. This notion is central to her faith, and throughout my life, I have seen it through her actions. When I was in elementary school, my mom helped to manage the school websites of all my teachers. She volunteered as a school photographer to promote the school and give...

“Officer, please, do you know how hard it is for families right now?!” I look down on the curb from my bedroom window as my dad continues to plead with the officer. He proceeds in a shaky and reduced tone of voice, “We’re almost gonna have a foreclosure.” Undeterred, the officer hands over the parking ticket and walks away as my dad rubs his face in distress. This was my earliest memory of the 2008 financial crisis. With my dad...

During freshman year, I created a free tennis clinic, three hours every Saturday, where players that didn’t make the high school varsity team could have fun and improve their game. I taught them proper forehand and backhand grips, swing patterns, footwork, and match strategy. It was gratifying to see their enthusiasm to play with my friends and me in the same way that I get excited to play with my tennis coaches. Through running this clinic, I discovered that...

Federico stares at me in amusement as I explain to him what I had learned in Spanish class that day. He fails to conceal the smirk on his face as I detail the correct way to order reflexive, direct, and indirect object pronouns. When I finish rambling, he smiles and says, “Zach, you’re taking all the romanticism out of the language.” Since quarantine began, I spent nearly every day reading Spanish books, watching shows, and interacting with Spanish-speakers from...

My interest in economics stems from seeing my family struggle during the 2008 financial crisis. With my dad losing his job and short selling our home, I knew my family was suffering financially, but I wanted to know why. In middle school, I began self-studying investing to help my still struggling family. The culmination of these events from my childhood sparked my desire to make sense of financial market volatility and what drives human decision- making. At Yale, I can explore...

Yale Economics is unique because of the degree to which it emphasizes a qualitative understanding of economic decision-making in addition to the quantitative applications. I would be particularly excited to take Robert Shiller’s Financial Markets course. I love his unique insight and overview of important topics, like how portfolio diversification relates to the Capital Asset Pricing Model in that people only care about stock correlation with the overall market, but not the independent uncertainty of stocks. At Yale, I...

The feeling when I solve a problem - when I get that “aha moment” and a new idea or concept suddenly clicks in my head and I can envision the world of possibility that my new understanding can unlock.

I would ask Steve Kaufmann: Do you agree with Nietzsche’s notion that learning many languages destroys “any finer feeling for language” and inhibits a deeper understanding of one's native tongue.

The Economics of Chess during COVID - How increased supply of virtual tournaments and online chess content from Twitch streamers and Netflix’s Queen's Gambit repopularized an ancient board game.

We would watch every Nadal match in tennis tournaments, listen to my curated Spanish playlist of over 200 songs and play chess every week. I hope my suitemates will become good and supportive friends.

Federico stares at me in amusement as I explain to him what I had learned in Spanish class that day. He fails to conceal the smirk on his face as I detail the correct way to order reflexive, direct, and indirect object pronouns. When I finish rambling, he smiles and says, “Zach, you’re taking all the romanticism out of the language.” Since quarantine began, I spent nearly every day reading Spanish books, watching shows, and interacting with Spanish-speakers from...

During freshman year, I helped the tennis team's coaches choose fifteen of thirty players during tryouts. Knowing they had all worked hard, it wasn’t easy to help choose who would make the team. Recognizing how I owed my playing ability to learning from players above my skill level, I understood that those who didn’t make the cut wouldn’t have that opportunity. This prompted me to create a free tennis clinic, three hours every Saturday, where these players...