Prompt: The University of Michigan Supplement
Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (300 word limit)
Essay
“You look like you could dress up as a house,” Claire told me.
Five-year-old Claire blurts out odd comments all too often. As much as she confuses me, I see myself in Claire. I see her curiosity and passion for dance—something we share. I teach Claire alongside 5 other girls in my 9 A.M. jazz class on Saturdays.
When I was five, I would peer into the studio to see what the older girls were doing. I watched as they elegantly danced through a routine. My eyes gleamed with admiration; I wanted to be them. Now 12 years later, I realize I am that older girl. Something that not only makes me grateful but places a pit in my stomach, knowing my time with this community is slowly ending.
I view dance as more than an activity; dance is my family, my passion. I spend 20+ hours at my studio a week practicing alongside girls with the same dedication as me. I gained a group of sisters who helped me flourish. I set goals to work hard, show my best, and be kind. I rise to the challenge and motivate those around me to do the same.
Dance is my community. Through performing and teaching, I’ve gained elegance, grace, and poise. At my studio, I am a student, a teacher, a friend, and a sister. I love dance for many reasons, but I love it most because it is freeing: without rules, nothing can be broken. I yearn to share this freedom with others, which is why I teach dance to little girls like Claire—so she, too, can build a community.
Tips for Writing
Start by brain dumping and writing as much as you possibly can, then cut down and refine the work. It is much easier to get rid of sentences rather than come up with them after the “flow” is broken. Also, make sure to write something truthful and meaningful to you as it is much easier to write about (rather than just writing something because you think that is what the college wants to hear).