Another Diversity Thread

[DBC03]

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My apologies to those who have seen many of these before, and my heartfelt appreciation to those who are willing to help me out.

I've considered a lot of the advice that has been given to those asking about the diversity thread over the past month and I am carefully considering different perspectives as I prepare to write. When I think about what unique aspect I will bring to medical school, or what makes me "cool" (or what my friends would say makes me cool), the running theme I keep coming back to is my creativity and my ability to think outside the box. I am involved in art and design, but the biggest drawback I see with this is the ability to give an example without actually showing pictures.

One take is that I am always looking for ways to improve where I am, to remake the old into something new, and to see the best in everything (including people). When I enter a space, I don't see the space as it is, but I envision what the space could become. We have completed two major home renovations over the past six years. We did everything from the ground up, including the initial design, carpentry, masonry, paint, and decor, and we did it all within a ridiculously slim budget. We certainly ran into issues throughout the design and construction process and I have always managed to find a unique way to build or fix what we have and to add value to the places we have lived. I have also made most of the art and decor in our house and refinished most of our furniture.

The only way I can think to explain this is to perhaps talk about our home renovations and any obstacles we have faced? Then explain that both houses doubled in value after renovations that cost a small fraction of that? I'm not really sure how to approach this.

Or should I go with the idea that I see how things could be and I work diligently toward improving them? I can see some parallels with how I view people and I could make some connection there.

Another aspect of my creativity is to discuss our photography business. We've had some interesting experiences with it (including shooting with and getting a portfolio review from the lead editor at National Geographic), but I don't feel that is central to who I am and it doesn't really give an example of my creativity.

Finally, should I scrap this and head in a different direction?

 

[Goro]

Nope, keep it as you described. Play up the designing part, and what you have done.

 

[AttemptingScholar]

I think I've heard a few stories of people linking to a website that has their portfolio if you really feel like you need to show your art. I do think the renovation sounds more interesting, though.

 

[DBC03]

Nope, keep it as you described. Play up the designing part, and what you have done.

Thanks for your input. I'll try to include the designing and explain what we have done.

Another question I have is about the difference between the adversity and diversity essays. Some prompts are clear - what makes you diverse or what adversity have you faced. However, when a prompt is a little more vague, should I go with what makes me diverse answer? Or discuss the adversity I have overcome? Here's an example: "The school of medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. "

I appreciate all of your help!

 

[DBC03]

I think I've heard a few stories of people linking to a website that has their portfolio if you really feel like you need to show your art. I do think the renovation sounds more interesting, though.

I have an extensive design blog that was included in my application as one of my activities. I could include the link to a specific post in there if I want to give an example.

 

[Goro]

Thanks for your input. I'll try to include the designing and explain what we have done.

Another question I have is about the difference between the adversity and diversity essays. Some prompts are clear - what makes you diverse or what adversity have you faced. However, when a prompt is a little more vague, should I go with what makes me diverse answer? Or discuss the adversity I have overcome? Here's an example: "The school of medicine regards the diversity of an entering class as an important factor in serving the educational mission of the school. Please write about things in your background that have been important to your development or that have been challenging to you on your path to a career in medicine. "

I appreciate all of your help!

Go with either one. It's odd that they combine two prompts into one. As you very well know, one is looking for resilience and coping skills, the other what you have to offer the Class.

Flip a coin?