Another one of those: Adversity/Diversity Essay

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

bvan95

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2016
Messages
115
Reaction score
40
Hi everyone,

So I'm drafting my responses for these two behemoths and would really really appreciate your feedback!
A. Adversity:
1. My challenge of adapting into the American culture/education environment/relationships... as a 16 year-old kid
2*. Dealing with my father's terminal illness dx while in college 8500 miles away, now during gap-year as a caregiver (this is something I'm most confident to write about but not sure if it's a appropriate/good topic)
3. Navigating my religious identity: reconciling beliefs held by my parents/culture that are in direct contrast w/ my Christian faith

B. Diversity:
1. My mixed identity as a Vietnamese who has lived most of her "young adult" years in the US
2.My passion for teaching, mentoring and investing in building relationships (w/ experiences to back up)
3. My somewhat unique experience as a caregiver and volunteer in the Vietnamese healthcare system: I can draw some interesting parallels and differences between the US and the Vietnamese healthcare

Those are all I have right now! Plz help 😀😀😀
 
A. 1 or 3
B. 1 or 3

Not saying #2 can't be a good essay, but the others sounded better.. to me. Also, be careful not to mix up A1 and B1 as they sound very similar.
 
While 3A may be good, I think avoiding religious debate would probably be the best just to be on the safe side. Im sure it was hard on you but someone may be a part of (insert parents religion) and may not take it too well.

I also think 3B would be strong! Not many people have that type of insight vs the amount of applicants that may have grown up abroad and moved.
 
A. 1 or 3
B. 1 or 3

Not saying #2 can't be a good essay, but the others sounded better.. to me. Also, be careful not to mix up A1 and B1 as they sound very similar.
I'm a little hesitant on A1 because I feel like the other international applicant may have the same experience and mine might end up not being that unique.
 
While 3A may be good, I think avoiding religious debate would probably be the best just to be on the safe side. Im sure it was hard on you but someone may be a part of (insert parents religion) and may not take it too well.

I also think 3B would be strong! Not many people have that type of insight vs the amount of applicants that may have grown up abroad and moved.
Thank you! I have similar concerns for 3A-may not be that unique compared to other international candidates. I do think 3B would be nice too but @Goro always advice us to think about diversity as "What is cool about you" so I'm not sure between that and my passion for education.
 
While 3A may be good, I think avoiding religious debate would probably be the best just to be on the safe side. Im sure it was hard on you but someone may be a part of (insert parents religion) and may not take it too well.

I also think 3B would be strong! Not many people have that type of insight vs the amount of applicants that may have grown up abroad and moved.
Agree 100%!
 
Agree 100%!
Thanks Goro! Alsoo can I address more than 1 aspect in my diversity? I.e. in addition to my VNese healthcare experience, can I add a few more traits that I think might be beneficial?
 
Top