<p>Since the whole college process became a reality for me, I have gained an interest in two particular degrees: Spanish and marine biology. I was born in Haiti and moved to the States when I was about eight years old. It was a very hard transition at first; I had to learn societal norms, the entire (and may I add, very complex) English language, and how to be a good citizen. Wanting so desperately to fit in with my American classmates, I pushed myself to learn the language. In eighteen months, I had completely mastered English. Being nine I did not see how special it was that I learned a whole language that fast. After completing English, I decided to try my luck by taking Spanish classes. Creole, the national language of Haiti, is in its most basic form, a dialect of French. French and Spanish are Romantic Languages and are very similar. Seven years later, I am taking AP Spanish. This summer (2013), I went to Mexico through a program known as The Experiment in International Living to partake in a trip based on learning the Spanish language and marine biology. I learned many valuable life experiences from my trip, but maybe the most important value that I learned was that pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is sometimes good. It is much easier to learn Spanish by communicating with Spanish speakers rather than through a lecture in school. Rather than being content knowing two languages, I want to push myself to fully acquire a third language so that I may also be able to gift someone else with the ability to be a global citizen.</p>
<p>My second degree choice is marine biology. Growing up in Haiti, then moving to a seaport city (New London, CT), I have always had a close (literally and figuratively) connection to sea life. As I have already written, I went to Mexico this past summer for a marine biology trip. Before the trip began, I did not believe that I could have pursued a career in marine biology. However, with each new day, I realized how connected I was to the water. I can recall the exact moment that I knew that a career in marine biology was in my future. I was sitting on a big, slow boat, gradually moving atop the Sea of Cortez when I noticed a wondrous sight. To my left were manta rays breaking through the surface of the water with such grace that it was comparable to a ballerina. To my right were sea lions clumsily dragging their bulky bodies across rocks. It was in that moment that I knew that I could never become bored of seeing sights like this and I made a promise that I would do all that I am capable of to ensure that others are also able to gaze at the beauty of the sea long after my existence has concluded. </p>
<p>My long-term goal as of this current moment is becoming a marine biologist in a Spanish-speaking country like Mexico or Chile. The group leaders from my had a very positive effect on me and my life goals. Since my sophomore year, I have found that doing activities that are not required outside of school that can benefit the community/someone is much more fulfilling than going home and nothing. As a result of this, I have partaken in many extracurricular activities and volunteering in my town. In terms of volunteering, I occasionally visit the nursing home across from my house to help out the caretakers and interact with the older folk. Another volunteering opportunity of mine is the local library. Whenever the Wilton Library Association has a book sale or needs help moving things, they contact me. However, I think that the most important volunteering I do is coaching for youth rec basketball. I take the opportunity to not only teach the youth about the wonderful game that is basketball, but also about basic life experiences and values. Winning is not everything. You cant win a championship by being selfish. And its always good to look for the best in others. In terms of work experience, I have held down two jobs, both dealing with younger children. During the school year, I work for the Wilton Continuing Education at the Cider Mill After School Program. From 3-6:30 I help these kids (3-6 grade) with homework (I dont think I would win Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader), I play with them, and act as a mentor to. While it can sometimes be hard and the salary is not all that, I wouldnt trade it for anything else. The second job that I have had in my seventeen years of life is my summer job at the Wilton Family YMCA. After coming back from Mexico, I got a job working one-on-one with a child who was in need of special attention at Camp Gordyland. Again, while it wasnt easy, I dont think that I would have taken any other job. </p>
<p>In terms of extra curricular activities, I was Vice President of the junior grade for the 2012-2013 school year. For the 2013-2014 school year, I will be acting as Executive Board Vice President. I joined the wrestling team my sophomore year but my season ended early (I broke my wrist in a preseason scrimmage). Admittedly, my hobbies and interests are much different than those of my peers. As a result of my summer experiences, I like anything that has an nature feel. The summer going into my sophomore year I participated in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) for a backpacking/white water rafting trip in Idaho and Montana. The summer going into my junior year I participated in High Mountain Institute (HMI) combining a load of class work and outdoor expeditions (backpacking, rafting, rock climbing). I would consider myself a man of nature and I love going into the mountains for weeks disconnected from the fast paced world. I also love reading. If I find a good book, I can breeze through it in two weeks or less, no matter how busy my life may get. Ultimately, I hope to become a marine biologist in a spanish speaking country and (INSERT UNIVERSITY) offers me the best chance of fulfilling my goal.</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>