I have never thought of myself as a runner. If someone suggested at the beginning of summer I would complete a half-marathon, I would have laughed out loud. Three months and 106 miles later, however, I ran my first half-marathon and pushed the boundaries of what I thought possible. Running granted me respite from the chaotic nature of junior year, and allowed me to reflect on the journey my life has taken so far. I have lived in five cities, four...

The international student community at my school is extremely important to me. Since the age of eight, my family and I have moved from country to country, passports and visas in hand. With every move, I adopted parts of my host country's culture and strived to assimilate yet remained connected to my cultural roots. In 9th grade, I went to boarding school 10 000 miles away from home and immediately found a home within the international community. In order to support the...

I am extremely concerned by the erosion of democracy occurring in Hong Kong. Throughout the past few months, protests in Hong Kong over the Chinese extradition bill have intensified. Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens have taken to the streets, risking injury and arrest, in order to march for greater democracy in Hong Kong. Shouting “Free Hong Kong”, armed with umbrellas, and wearing all black, these protesters believe so strongly in maintaining democracy that no matter the resistance they...

I am extremely concerned by the erosion of democracy occurring in Hong Kong. Throughout the past few months, protests in Hong Kong over the Chinese extradition bill have intensified. Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens have taken to the streets, risking injury and arrest, in order to march for greater democracy in Hong Kong. Through the implementation of the extradition treaty, Hong Kong citizens feel their liberties are being stripped away by the government of a country to which...

This summer, I watched Madeleine Albright’s TED Talk, “On being a woman and a diplomat”, and was inspired by Secretary Albright’s drive to fight for gender equality and become the first female Secretary of State. Through her efforts in promoting women’s rights, Madeleine Albright paved the way for future women pursuing a career in the government, and influenced foreign governments to employ more female diplomats. I was so inspired by Madeleine Albright’s TED Talk that I...

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Phillip K. Dick, caused me to reflect upon the impact and repercussions of technology. Growing up in an age of technological innovation, I have, for as long as I can remember, been surrounded by cell phones, computers, and machines designed to make my life easier. I am continuously connected to my peers via text message and social media, which has both facilitated conversations with some friends and replaced face-to-face interactions with others. I...

The international student community at my school is extremely important to me. In 9th grade, I went to boarding school in the US and immediately found a home within the international community. In order to support the international community, I have attended International Student Society club meetings since freshman year, and have been the president of the club since junior year. As International Student Society president, I facilitate conversations on international conflicts, politics, and economics. In addition, I am an...