Prompt: Common App Personal Statement
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Essay
The dried brown oak leaves crunched under my feet with each step as I skipped down my front yard, my empty orange jack-o-lantern bucket in hand. My friends were waiting for me, wearing their black cat, witch, and pirate costumes. As we gathered to take a picture before we headed off trick-or-treating, I noticed how my bright red Spider-Man costume stood out amongst the dull, dark colors my friends wore. Hearing the excitement of trick-or-treaters on my street made my spidey senses tingle in anticipation of embarking on my mission: getting the most candy possible.
I have always loved movies; I fall asleep to movie soundtracks, watch my favorite movies over and over, and analyze minute details because of my artistic eye. However, when my interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded during the pandemic, I began to see beyond artistic choices and pan in on the films’ messages. In Spider-Man: Homecoming, when the protagonist discovers a ploy threatening the safety of humans, he decides to take matters into his own hands to fix this problem, even after his mentor, Iron Man, strips him of his superhero suit. To pursue the villain, he sacrifices his happiness and discovers that anyone can be a hero, even without a fancy suit. Not only did this message resonate with me deeply, but it also inspired me to take action and help the community around me.
Surrounded by stacks of colored paper and an assortment of paint pens, I began experimenting with designing handmade greeting cards using my talent for making birthday cards for my friends and family. I encouraged three of my closest friends to bring my idea—utilizing art as a tool to fundraise for our community—to fruition. Building BR Kindred Hearts was demanding, and did not grow without sacrifice, perseverance, and responsibility. I quickly learned how to manage time between my academics, extracurriculars, and social commitments. I poured my time into creating unique handmade greeting cards and gifts. While I focused on my hefty fundraising goals, bonds with some friends strengthened—who encouraged and supported me to pursue my passion. Through BR Kindred Hearts, I learned how to effectively advertise my cards through social media, community events, local businesses, and craft fairs across New Jersey. It fostered an entrepreneurial mindset within me, essential for its success and boosted my self-confidence. However, the demanding nature of this initiative led two of my initial collaborators to withdraw. Like my favorite superhero, I have grown to realize that meaningful work requires difficult choices.
All feelings of missing out soon evaporated as the pride and joy I felt from seeing my impact took over and further fueled my creativity, passion, and mission: fundraising the most money possible. Every summer as a volunteer for Operation Backpack, I find myself overwhelmed by the thousands of boxes that occupy the enormous warehouse, each box representing a child without the resources to purchase school supplies themselves. Fundraising for this cause is one thing, but being able to see my impact on thousands of children is humbling, and motivates me to exceed my fundraising goals each year.
What started as a small idea grew into a successful project that continues to inspire me and benefit those in need. My art embodies my values, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to making a positive difference. Looking forward, I am excited to refine my talents in college by continuing to make meaningful contributions. While I may not wear a red suit adorned with black webs and a spider emblem every day (I don’t think having a Halloween costume counts), I emulate the values my favorite franchise has taught me: with great power comes great responsibility!
Tips for Writing
Choosing this essay topic was definitely difficult for me. At the start, I had a lot of ideas. I wrote about different topics I felt passionate about. Ultimately, I chose to write more about my love for Spider-Man because I felt it was a topic that was unique to me, and I could elaborate on details not easily found on my Common App Activities List or resume. That is one of the most important parts of the writing process—your topic has to be meaningful to you, and your authenticity will leave a lasting impression on the reader/admissions counselor. Good luck! You got this!! 🙂