The following sample is a result of collaborative brainstorming, writing, and editing. This essay helped my client gain admission to top schools and win numerous scholarships.
I extended the man in McPherson Square Park a hot bowl of soup. He eyed it curiously, looked up, and seemed poised to fling it back in my face. I braced for the worst. Suddenly, he extended his hand and introduced himself as Marvin. By the time we finished discussing everything from politics to religion, the soup had turned cold. He just needed someone to speak with.
My gratitude to Marvin extends beyond his not having drenched me during my leadership of my school's weekly mobile soup kitchen that day. I am thankful that he taught me not to judge the needs of others based solely on my preconceptions. After this experience, I proactively asked the soup kitchen's clients about their concerns. Besides learning that the minestrone soup could use more horsepower, I found that many people were new to the area and unfamiliar with where they could secure a safe place to bathe, dine, and lodge. In response to these needs, I created and distributed cards with the contact information of reputable local shelters - and added an extra dash of pepper to each week’s broth.
I have also applied Marvin's lesson to other areas of my life. In the context of peer tutoring, I...
