My Perfect Landing by Jason

My Perfect Landing by Jason - August 2020 Scholarship Essay

When I first visited Northwestern, I was in awe of a man fearlessly riding his jet ski on Lake Michigan. I thought I was imagining it at first, but I saw him do a flip while riding it!

This man, whose spectacular video footage floods my camera roll, represents my freedom to pursue multiple passions at Northwestern. Because the theatre major at this school is unlike a conservatory program, I could grow as an actor without limiting myself academically. With most BFA musical theatre programs, students are unable to focus on additional areas of study, so I appreciate that I could pursue a second major in neuroscience at Northwestern. I am passionate about chemistry, the psychology of the mind, and how music and other factors influence the brain. Northwestern is the only school where I could have the best of both worlds as a scholar and a performer.

Just as the man on the jet ski had the opportunity to have a perfect landing, I would have access to Northwestern’s phenomenal resources. I would be able to audition for the Musical Theatre Certificate Program my freshman year, where I could grow as a triple threat — not just an actor, but also a singer and dancer. Ever since I saw “A Chorus Line” on campus, I’ve been eager to perform in the Ethel M. Barber Theater. Yet, what excites me most is The Annual Waa-Mu Show, where students present an original musical. By studying neuroscience, I would have the opportunity to research circadian rhythms and how they are linked to clinical disorders with Professor Ravi Allada. Also, the Hearing & Language and Creative Brain labs offer amazing research opportunities I could participate in. I, too, would absolutely flip to soak up all of Northwestern’s exceptional experiences. Here, I know I could execute a perfect landing.