University of California Los Angeles College Essay draft

"Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations." 

I cant seem to focus on anything but the heat piercing through my skin and the moist air surrounding me. Although, I do feel a mild wind blowing in my direction making me feel a bit better than I did a few minutes ago. It’s always sunny or humid here and on the days that it’s not, its a pretty big deal for people like me. I dislike the heat or sweating for any matter. Where I come from; the beach, ‘poke’ (raw fish) bowls, Lau Lau (pork) and family is just some of the many things important to us. I come from a place you call paradise - Hawaii.

Many people wish to live or even visit this beautiful island and I definitely see why. The island of Oahu is 597 square miles, making this place seem smaller than what it already looks like on the map (a tiny dot so to say) but I like to believe that we’re all one big family. We greet each other with kisses on the cheek rather than just a handshake, we refer to every adult as “Aunty” or “Uncle” rather than Mr. or Mrs., and we call people our age cousins rather than friends. Every place that you visit has its differences and everywhere you go, there are different cultures. Although I believe that Hawaii is especially different and set apart from your normal and predictable “state” There is a sense of belonging and what we local people call, “Aloha” meaning ‘noun, interjection, friendly; hospitable; welcoming:’. Aloha can be displayed through hello’s and goodbye, I love you’s, Thank you’s and simply through a smile. That’s one thing I will always love and adore about Hawaii - the comfort and uniqueness of it all. 

Growing up as a little girl I’ve always been the type of person to want more than what I had. Whether it was more ice cream, more gifts, or even more time in a day. Although this time, I knew it was a different type of 'more'. My family and I try to take a trip once a year to visit family in Virginia, but we’ve also been to California and Nevada multiple times. There’s an exhilarating rush of excitement and confidence that I get when I’m in the mainland; a feeling that I don't get in Hawaii. As we drove through Rodeo Drive, I felt a bit more happier and I smiled much more. Just the simplicity of the atmosphere made me feel like there was so much more out there for me. It was the same feeling that I got when we drive through the loud streets of the Las Vegas Strip and down the silent yet awake streets of Virginia. I never fail to accumulate butterflies in my stomach or smile at the beauty and difference of it all. I came to the conclusion that it I was yearning for something new, something different. It didn't take me long to realize that the mainland had all that and more. Everything outside of this ‘tiny rock surrounded by water’ had beauty of its own and ever since then, I fell in love with the feeling of adventure and curiosity. I loved Hawaii but even as a young and innocent little girl, I knew exactly what I wanted and this was (add 'just?') the type of ‘more’ that I was craving.

As the years past, my dreams and desires changed. I've always had a passion for helping those around me whether it was listening to them vent or even something as simple as buying them lunch. In my first year of high school, I was forced to join AFJROTC by my dad. Little did I know that this unfavored decision would become a new dream and desire for myself. I wanted to join the United States Air Force. I realized that joining the military would mean that I could protect and help a whole nation with the little that I had. Not only would I be living out my passion of helping others but I would also be traveling the world, exploring and experiencing so much more events than an average person ever could. Before thinking of joining the military, I had planned to go to college first and get a 4 year degree. By taking this path, I would be given the advantage of joining the service as an officer. After talking to many people and considering many options and routes that I had, I realized that the Military also had so many more opportunities and doors available for me. 

Hawaii with no doubt has shaped my dreams and aspirations but also contributed to the person I am today. I wouldn't have the courage and bravery to move away from home and explore, if it wasn't for Hawaii. If I hadn't realized how different home was compared to the mainland at such a young age, I would stay in Hawaii forever. The difference of culture, atmosphere and people motivate me to get out of my comfort zone and become the person I've been longing to be. After many years of different seasons and phases and dreams and desires, I finally know what I want more of.