Odd Interview question for IPSF-SEP

[eaglesfan1392]

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So I'm planning on doing SEP next summer and I decided to work on the application. One of the questions I have to answer in 250 words is "Briefly describe an encounter you have had with a person whose lifestyle is different from your own. How did the experience change your view or understanding of that lifestyle?"

I am Indian and have visited India when I was younger to visit family. Being born in the USA, I thought that this type of situation would be good, but I'm not sure. Any insight on to how I can properly answer this question?
Thanks!

 

[rxlea]

This is straight forward. Have you talked with anyone of a different religion, nationality (aside from American since it's the dominant culture), sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc.

 

[eaglesfan1392]

Going to India was a big lifestyle change when I was younger. A lot of things like food, integration of religion, and culture are much different than here. I don't know if thats stronf enough though.

 

[rxlea]

Going to India was a big lifestyle change when I was younger. A lot of things like food, integration of religion, and culture are much different than here. I don't know if thats stronf enough though.

That's more getting in touch with your own culture. That's different. That would be like me saying I went down to mexico to visit family and it was way different than here. I don't think that's what they are asking.

Also, the experience which you describe will be different as a child than an adult.

I think they are asking you to describe an experience with someone completely different than you. After all, they want to see that those type of experiences inspire you to learn abroad.

 

[eaglesfan1392]

I have a feeling I have to make something up then because thats the only place where I had to experience a truly different lifestyle. I have been to London before, but that was only a few days and there definitely wasn't a different type of lifestyle.

 

[rxlea]

I have a feeling I have to make something up then because thats the only place where I had to experience a truly different lifestyle. I have been to London before, but that was only a few days and there definitely wasn't a different type of lifestyle.

You've never talked to anyone that's different from you? No international students?

You're going to have to spin it that you want to learn about others then and that up until now you've been sheltered or something

 

[Indypharm]

It doesn't have to be a place you visited. The question refers to a person with a different lifestyle. Is there a person you have interacted with that was completely different from you? Did they change the way you look at yourself or others? I think they want to make sure you are tolerant of other lifestyles. Have you encountered someone of a different nationality, sexual orientation, or someone with a disability? What did you learn about their lifestyle? Did you have a stereotypical view of someone and then when you got to know them better you learned something different?

You shouldn't have to make this up. You've never interacted with someone whose life was different from your own?

 

[eaglesfan1392]

Ok I have an idea.

I recently started working at a retail pharmacy. I see mostly very old people, especially those who are 70+ years old. And many of these people have more than 3 or 4 prescriptions they are picking up each month. I can talk about how most of these people have positive attitudes even though they are in a poor state of health. This one lady who was practically blind was about to joke about it with me. I was very surprised and learned that a not only do drugs, but positive initiatives help to overcome obstacles.

FYI This is true and I'm paraphrasing, but how is this?

 

[Indypharm]

Ok I have an idea.

I recently started working at a retail pharmacy. I see mostly very old people, especially those who are 70+ years old. And many of these people have more than 3 or 4 prescriptions they are picking up each month. I can talk about how most of these people have positive attitudes even though they are in a poor state of health. This one lady who was practically blind was about to joke about it with me. I was very surprised and learned that a not only do drugs, but positive initiatives help to overcome obstacles.

FYI This is true and I'm paraphrasing, but how is this?

I would write what you learned from the experience on a very specific and personal level. You only learned that a positive attitude can help people who are sick as effectively as drugs can? What did you apply to your own life? Do you try to be more positive now? Did you gain some perspective with regards to your own problems?

 

[rxlea]

Ok I have an idea.

I recently started working at a retail pharmacy. I see mostly very old people, especially those who are 70+ years old. And many of these people have more than 3 or 4 prescriptions they are picking up each month. I can talk about how most of these people have positive attitudes even though they are in a poor state of health. This one lady who was practically blind was about to joke about it with me. I was very surprised and learned that a not only do drugs, but positive initiatives help to overcome obstacles.

FYI This is true and I'm paraphrasing, but how is this?

No. Being old isn't a "lifestyle".

Think of people who are different CULTURES.

No offense but how does this not make sense to you?

 

[Indypharm]

No. Being old isn't a "lifestyle".

This made me laugh.

OP, how is your life as an american-born Indian different from people you have encountered in your own culture who are actually from India? What have you learned from them? Do you have any friends that are not Indian? What have you learned from your interactions with them? I work with a Korean pharmacist. She doesn't have kids, doesn't want kids, and values her own intellect above everything else. It's very different from my Indiana lifestyle where everyone is married with 5 kids by 22. (That's an obvious exageration). We talk about our respective upbringings quite a bit. Because of her influence, I am less guilty about pursuing a professional degree with two young children. She's taught me to value my education and not feel so guilty for missing out on time with my children, because my ambition will have a positive impact on their lives just as much as my own.

 

[bp2313]

This made me laugh.

OP, how is your life as an american-born Indian different from people you have encountered in your own culture who are actually from India? What have you learned from them? Do you have any friends that are not Indian? What have you learned from your interactions with them? I work with a Korean pharmacist. She doesn't have kids, doesn't want kids, and values her own intellect above everything else. It's very different from my Indiana lifestyle where everyone is married with 5 kids by 22. (That's an obvious exageration). We talk about our respective upbringings quite a bit. Because of her influence, I am less guilty about pursuing a professional degree with two young children. She's taught me to value my education and not feel so guilty for missing out on time with my children, because my ambition will have a positive impact on their lives just as much as my own.

Like!