UM, to Find Freedom by Rebecca

UM, to Find Freedom by Rebecca - August 2020 Scholarship Essay

I am being raised listening to Malala and Greta Thunberg, who tell me success consists of making a difference in the world. On the other hand, my parents define success as financial stability and building my way up in the leadership ladder.

Society fed me a narrative that being a teacher implies failure, that one is shoved into the profession when incapable of making it in the labor market, and I accepted this. But I started coaching basketball and realized how much children need to be guided, and applauded. As well as corrected, and accompanied. And so I understood one does not just “end up” teaching; one chooses to be a part of a child’s growth. I think that is invaluable.

I was told that bulimia and depression belong to the weak of character. Yet I found myself surrounded with friends suffering from these conditions. I have known a lot of smart, strong people who have fallen into deep sadness. I have no idea what hides behind a person's grin.

I was told what life is about, but continuously found, and still find, generalizations to be erroneous. Then I found philosophy, where everyone says something completely different. Somehow, the way it unsettles me also allows me to find peace. And I have no idea where it might take me. I simply want to know more.

Two years ago I might have wanted to attend University of Michigan just to write it down as an accomplishment. But after redefining my goals, I am attracted to UM for much more than its ranking. Having dedicated months to my International Baccalaureate Extended Essay on applied ethics discussing the moral status of animals, I know I want to continue to be involved in research. I am particularly interested in the branches of applied philosophy - politics, economics and ethics - and I believe it is important that these deep reflections about our world reach a broad public. UM’s Meteorite, the journal of philosophy written by undergraduates, gives me a chance to reach a large audience. Additionally, Phi Sigma Tau activities at UM, which promote students’ research papers, would allow me to continue writing, as well as expand my circle within the field. I know these, plus The Undergraduate Philosophy Club - a club in which I would keep exploring ideas beyond the class environment together with students from different majors, therefore with increased diversity of perspectives and knowledge - would make my experience incredibly enriching.

I searched for UM’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts student profile. Curious. Bright minds. Dedicated. Pursuing discovery. I want to be a part of this community. I want to free myself of those preconceived ideas that were ingrained as my own when I had no capacity of rationally analyzing them. Although certain attributes of mine, like being ambitious or a workaholic, are very deeply rooted within me, I still wonder if I will ever fully choose who I want to be. I know that this seems more likely in an environment where I am not told what to think, but how. I wish for diversity of thought. I wish for deep discussions - and I see both of these at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.