Harvard University Personal Statement
Jason Y. Shah
I used to spend endless nights wide-eyed, anxiously dreading a high school life teeming with harsh peers and hollow hallways, immersed in a cold atmosphere eternally void of familiarity's warm embrace. I'll admit that this is not a hopeful vision; nevertheless, I certainly risked accepting this ugly reality when I supported my family's decision to uproot itself and move from new Jersey to Florida after my freshman year.
Somewhat fexible, my parents gave me a signifcant voice in the decision as I would be most profoundly affected. Yet, I had spent my entire life in the same cozy center-hall colonial in the same new Jersey suburb. I had known my friends since youth, when we had snowball fghts during the icy winter and ran through lawn sprinklers during the summer. Teachers knew my family and cordially greeted me in the halls. I could never move. In my mind, I was set!
Or was I? Instinct tugged at my heart, something was missing in my life because life is not about being "set." Lured by the concept of a fresh start, I yearned for the chance to write my own story. As the son of Indian immigrants, I had adventure in my blood; the time had come to venture beyond my comfort zone and stake a unique claim in Florida.The frst few months were trying; only birds joined me during lunch and I spend weekends alone writing introspective poetry. My ffteenth birthday centered on a family discussion about our affection for our new home while Hurricane Charley pounded the life out of Florida. I regretted moving. By fortuitous research, however, I learned more about innovative entrepreneurs who were shaping our world. I have not looked back since.
My self-inficted adversity fnally evoked personal growth. I constantly introduced myself to strangers and pursued my passions in different activities. By launching and supporting community organizations, I transformed into a proactive leader as I overcame diffculties in varied contexts. Continuously seeking challenges
I used to spend endless nights wide-eyed, anxiously dreading a high school life teeming with harsh peers and hollow hallways, immersed in a cold atmosphere eternally void of familiarity's warm embrace. I'll admit that this is not a hopeful vision; nevertheless, I certainly risked accepting this ugly reality when I supported my family's decision to uproot itself and move from new Jersey to Florida after my freshman year.
Somewhat fexible, my parents gave me a signifcant voice in the decision as I would be most profoundly affected. Yet, I had spent my entire life in the same cozy center-hall colonial in the same new Jersey suburb. I had known my friends since youth, when we had snowball fghts during the icy winter and ran through lawn sprinklers during the summer. Teachers knew my family and cordially greeted me in the halls. I could never move. In my mind, I was set!
Or was I? Instinct tugged at my heart, something was missing in my life because life is not about being "set." Lured by the concept of a fresh start, I yearned for the chance to write my own story. As the son of Indian immigrants, I had adventure in my blood; the time had come to venture beyond my comfort zone and stake a unique claim in Florida.The frst few months were trying; only birds joined me during lunch and I spend weekends alone writing introspective poetry. My ffteenth birthday centered on a family discussion about our affection for our new home while Hurricane Charley pounded the life out of Florida. I regretted moving. By fortuitous research, however, I learned more about innovative entrepreneurs who were shaping our world. I have not looked back since.
My self-inficted adversity fnally evoked personal growth. I constantly introduced myself to strangers and pursued my passions in different activities. By launching and supporting community organizations, I transformed into a proactive leader as I overcame diffculties in varied contexts. Continuously seeking challenges