Mrs. Pipkin. I still remember the sweet voice and caring nature of my first teacher as if it were just yesterday that I was walking into a colorful kindergarden classroom, clad in my favorite pair of overalls, sporting pigtails in my hair. Every word she said resonated in my mind as I watched her with my wide sparkling eyes. She instilled in me a passion for learning, that allowed me to overcome my shy nature and gain the confidence I...

Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development. My curiosity for a subject could be compared to a light bulb in my mind. If it is on, this bulb’s light illuminates formerly dark areas and uncovers new possibilities for interest and passion. However, if the light bulb is off, that potential for broadening my knowledge can remain unexplored. The subject of science had always been a dimly...

What matters to you, and why? The African drums boomed in my ears, and from the back of the auditorium I could almost feel the dancers long dark hair whipping wind into my face as they paraded around the stage in perfect unity. In a blur the cluster of girls left the stage as it was being filled with electric bright dresses with hips swaying to salsa music. When the lights turned on at the end, the room exploded with...

Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better. Dear Future Roommate, If there is one thing I should communicate to you from the beginning, it is that I do not believe in placing people in categories. If you think that knowing what group I would be associated with in my high school would help you...