<p>How formal does the essay have to be? I know 'regular' essays usually encourage being lively and informal (if that's the right word) but I think the SFS-specific essay asks the applicant to be more technical.</p>
<p>The prompt is this: Briefly discuss a current global issue, indicating why you consider it important and what you suggest should be done to deal with it.</p>
<p>Also, it's asking that I BRIEFLY give the run down of the issue, then focus mainly on why I myself find it important and what solutions I'd recommend, correct?</p>
<p>Does obscure > big? I have a few topics in mind, but they aren't necessarily global issues similar to the oil crisis or global warming or the US power decline.</p>
<p>If I saw this, I would probably talk about Cuban-American relations. I would talk about its significance in relation to the Cuban diaspora in the U.S., the rampant poverty in Cuba, the potential for American businesses in Cuba, and the potential for increased relations with Venezuela and other South American states. I would suggest lessening, although not explicitly abolishing American sanctions on Cuba in order to show the U.S.'s commitment to improving relations with Cuba, while still remaining steadfast in our dedication to releasing the political prisoners in Cuba. Of course I would do some reading to make sure I look like I know what I’m talking about more than I do here ;).</p>
<p>Hope that helped.</p>