<p>Prompt: *Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. How are you prepared to contribute to Pepperdine's mission and community of faith, learning, and service?</p>
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<li>* <em>In my house,anything goes. My mother has always encouraged me to express my opinion and "stand up for what I believe in." When my sister and I were younger we were encouraged to express ourselves and explore, whether it was drawing on the walls, checking to see if lotion did moisturizer the television, reading to trees, or if sleeping under the carpet did make it magical. I live in the Rodeo housing complex otherwise known as the "projects"nowhere no one thinks about going to college, let alone graduating from high school. I'm among the few African American males in my school/community that has a life plan and wants to make something of my life.</em></li>
<li>* The high school I attend is in a quiet and small community, but is still ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse high schools in the national though the school staff and faculty are small and the classes offed a limited, I am glad I have attended this school with sufficient classes and passionate teachers. I remember my freshman year when my mother dragged me along with her to a workshop on African American males. The seminar, less than two hours long, completely changed my perspective on life. I learned so much about myself and my race; in how many privileges I have to be able to go to college and make something of myself. But I also saw how much of the people from my race never go to college, get a job, and live off of the government their whole lives. And I had a revelation, how would I be able to help my family and community if I didn't attend college?</li>
<li> * From then on I have been preparing myself for life after high school and being a positive role model for those in my community. Participating in that event my freshman year made me feel proud to proclaim my voice in a unified group while also letting my opinions be known about my personal values for life and education. Ive since then participated in man informal sessions to further educate African-American youth about college and how important it is for them to venture into the world and make something of themselves, I am very engaged in my community now. By being raised by a tolerant and supportive mom. I have been encouraged to feel comfortable in my own skin and expressing myself. Living in a diverse community and having a mother to back me up has shaped my dreams to stand up for everything that I value and believe in.</li>
<li> <em>In order for me to properly contribute to Pepperdine's mission, and to do my part in enriching the campus community, i vow to continue promoting the welfare of those around me and expressing myself through my opinions. Words can go a long way with people, and when you said the right things, they'll remember you forever. I want to be the guy that you remember for doing and saying the right things that made Pepperdine a better place. With my Christian faith and my ability to adapt to new stimuli I will be an effective and outgoing member of the Pepperdine atmosphere.</em></li>
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