<p>I have a question about the UR Supplement Question #2. "Meliora: 'Ever better' - The University's motto, Meliora, directs our focus toward continual improvement through research, understanding, and collaborative efforts. Offer and example from your personal experience of an obstacle you faced or a problem you identified. Describe the actions you took and the result."</p>
<p>The first part of the question seems to me to be talking about academics ("research" "understanding"), but then the second sentence says to talk about an example from "personal experience" about an obstacle, etc., which seems to me to be asking for an example from life about a problem I faced or and issue I had to deal. So, I'm not completely clear if I should talk about an academic/intellectual problem/issue I've worked on or if I should write about a personal struggle that I've dealt with.</p>
<p>I'd really appreciate some clarification! Thank you!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t necessarily assume the first part of the question refers strictly to the academic issues. </p>
<p>I seriously doubt that anyone who has faced a “serious obstacle or problem” hasn’t used research (reading about the issue), improved understanding (talking to others) and/or collaboration (working with others) to overcome it. </p>
<p>I think you’re reading the question much too narrowly.</p>
<p>It’s about whatever you want it to be about. Meliora, like any motto, is meant to serve both the institution and the individual. For example, Lux et Veritas (light and truth) is not only Yale’s institutional saying but is supposed to be a personal motto. This kind of motto isn’t like the state of Michigan’s - si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice - because it’s not likely you’re looking into your soul and personal struggle to find a pleasant peninsula. You may however try to get better at whatever it is you are and do.</p>
<p>So you answer how you want because they want to see how you interpret the question.</p>
<p>As always, WayOutWestMom and Lergnom are correct. Interpret this question as you see fit. In many ways, Rochester’s curriculum integrates academic content and practical experience, and this question is asking you to do the same. Consider it a ‘sneaky’ way to assess your preparedness for a university like the University of Rochester. I’d like to read a response from a student mature enough to make the connections between the classroom and life.</p>