Mizzou College Essay Example
In an essay of 300 words or less, choose one extracurricular activity, work experience or community service project form the list you provided on the application and explain why you initially chose it, why you continued with it, and how you benefited from it.
Martial arts is a very challenging sport. It is not only a physical struggle; it also tests your mental and emotional strength. I took up karate as a freshman and have sought to excel in this demanding sport. Martial arts calls for discipline, self-motivation and the ability to act decisively. I believe I respond well to challenges. I have faced stronger and more experienced fighters in every match but have often found a way to win. I initially chose karate because I was looking for a sport to challenge my body. Karate is a sport that pushes your body to new extremes. Intially, I wanted a difficult sport that balanced strength and endurance. However, physical strength and endurance is not the only aspect wrestling trained. Mentally, I grew and matured. Karate taught me to never give up or quit. For me, and many other fighters, martial arts is a metaphor for life. I enjoy success, but eventually, you will fail. I look at losing as a chance to improve myself and my skills. Karate is not just a man-to-man conflict, it is an internal conflict. You fight yourself to stay in control. Once you lose that self control, you will ultimately fail. You fight anger and humiliation. You learn how to lose by acceptance. In life, most failures are private and fighting teaches you that you need to learn from your mistakes; get up and try again. When my mind puts up a barrier, I overcome the obstacle and move on. I believe that this is a very important trait to possess. Also, this mindset will help me to continue my goal of being a United States Army Ranger. When I start something, I will finish it. I am not a quitter. I know that I will face multiple challenges in my life, but I think that karate has and will help me
Martial arts is a very challenging sport. It is not only a physical struggle; it also tests your mental and emotional strength. I took up karate as a freshman and have sought to excel in this demanding sport. Martial arts calls for discipline, self-motivation and the ability to act decisively. I believe I respond well to challenges. I have faced stronger and more experienced fighters in every match but have often found a way to win. I initially chose karate because I was looking for a sport to challenge my body. Karate is a sport that pushes your body to new extremes. Intially, I wanted a difficult sport that balanced strength and endurance. However, physical strength and endurance is not the only aspect wrestling trained. Mentally, I grew and matured. Karate taught me to never give up or quit. For me, and many other fighters, martial arts is a metaphor for life. I enjoy success, but eventually, you will fail. I look at losing as a chance to improve myself and my skills. Karate is not just a man-to-man conflict, it is an internal conflict. You fight yourself to stay in control. Once you lose that self control, you will ultimately fail. You fight anger and humiliation. You learn how to lose by acceptance. In life, most failures are private and fighting teaches you that you need to learn from your mistakes; get up and try again. When my mind puts up a barrier, I overcome the obstacle and move on. I believe that this is a very important trait to possess. Also, this mindset will help me to continue my goal of being a United States Army Ranger. When I start something, I will finish it. I am not a quitter. I know that I will face multiple challenges in my life, but I think that karate has and will help me