Prompt: Common Application
Essay
Pinching the delicate edges of the dumplings shut, I can’t help but think how these tiny folds mirror the twists and turns of my own life. What seems like a simple task—filling and sealing dough—holds within it the challenges and lessons that have shaped who I am today.
It all begins with the dough. Flour and water, combined in just the right proportions, form the foundation of the dumpling—much like the early years of my life. But finding the right balance wasn’t always easy. At 11, my world shifted when my baby brother was born, turning me from a carefree child into a caregiver almost overnight. Suddenly, I was juggling school, babysitting, and family responsibilities, and it felt as if I had taken on the role of a mini adult. Much like kneading dough, which takes time to form, it took time for me to adjust to this new reality. I learned that maturity isn’t instant; it’s built over time through patience and persistence.
Once the wrappers are ready, it’s time to make the filling—the heart of the dumpling. For my favorite dill and pork dumplings, the savory richness of the pork pairs perfectly with the fresh, aromatic notes of dill, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This mix mirrors the diverse experiences and influences that shape my life. While my friends casually use cups and teaspoons, my family relies on centimeters and celsius as if we’re conducting a scientific experiment. Growing up in a Chinese immigrant household has taught me the value of hard work and resilience. The blend of cultures in my community has pushed me to appreciate different traditions.
Sealing the dumplings is the final step, but it’s also the most delicate. The edges need to be pressed firmly, or the filling will spill out during cooking, undoing all the effort. This reminds me of the moments when things felt like they were about to fall apart—having to drive my brother to his soccer practice after school or helping him understand his math homework all while having hours of school assignments to complete the same day. In these times, I’ve had to be like the careful cook, focusing on sealing everything together. Each time, I found ways to hold it together—whether it was by planning ahead of time, or simply taking a moment to breathe. It taught me that while I may not have control over every situation, I can control my response and approach, learning to find strength in vulnerability.
Finally, the dumplings are ready to be steamed or boiled, but the process doesn’t end there. I vividly recall the first time I attempted to make dumplings; I was just six years old and watched in disbelief as over half of them spilled into the boiling water, a water grave for my culinary creations. My mom, sensing my disappointment, reminded me that every chef has their mishaps. Fast forward a decade, and those early failures have transformed into valuable lessons. Now, I confidently roll up my sleeves and craft dumplings on my own, appreciating each step of the process as a reflection of my growth and resilience. Mistakes are not just setbacks but stepping stones toward improvement.
Just like each dumpling carries the effort I’ve put into it, I carry the lessons I’ve learned with me. As I move forward to college, I know that I’ll continue to face challenges, maybe ones worse than my dumplings spilling out, but I’ll approach them the same way I approach making dumplings: with care, patients, and a sense of purpose. I’ve learned that life, much like cooking, is about embracing the process and finding joy in the journey, even when the final product doesn’t turn out as planned.
Tips for Writing
- Be authentic. Write about what matters to you and not what you think admissions officers want to hear.
- Start with a hook. Begin with a unique detail or anecdote that grabs attention immediately so it’s memorable to the admissions officer.
- Keep your voice natural. Write like you’re speaking to a friend. Make it personal and relatable, not overly formal.
- Focus on growth. Highlight a story that showcases how you’ve changed or learned something significant about yourself.
- Be patient and start early. Writing your essay won’t be a one step process. You’ll need to make edits so it’s best to start early.
- Conference with your English teacher. Even if you have an advisor outside of school, try to conference at least once with your English teacher. The more input the better!