“How do you pronounce your last name?” Every time this question is asked, I grew ashamed of my last name. At the start of my… Read More
Tag Archives: Voices
Choose Films Wisely, Skip the Blockbuster
In a world full of excellent cinema, lackluster films dominate pop-culture. I acknowledge that I’m the pretentious one; I love high-quality movies. No, not action… Read More
College Essay: One or the Other
When you juggle three things at once, it’s always going to be hard at first. But once you get it, you will learn how to… Read More
College Essay: Crossing the Finish Line
“Good luck! Race hard, not only for yourself but for all of us and God’s glory,” I whispered to my teammates as we waited for… Read More
College Essay: A Cup of Tea
Somali tea has always had a special place in my heart. Every Saturday afternoon, my mom drives my twin sister and me to my auntie’s… Read More
College Essay: Sportsmanship Trumps Loss
When I’d watch pro tennis players in elementary school, from Serena Williams to Andy Murray, I’d see their giant reactions when they lost. They would… Read More
College Essay: Believing in 2nd Chances
I sat in the taxi on the way to the LaGuardia Airport in Queens with tears streaming down my face. Through the glass, I said… Read More
College Essay: Finding My Best Self
As a toddler, I wanted to know what happened in Applebee’s kitchen. So, I looked. Even though I don’t remember it, my family loves to… Read More
College Essay: Serving Boiled Pork
I placed the bowl of boiled pork on the long, white table filled with old men laughing and drinking beer. An elder tapped my shoulder,… Read More
College Essay: A Change of Heart
The summer before my freshman year I was ecstatic. My coach had previously told me if I kept things up I could play soccer in… Read More
College Essay: Accepting a Disability
I had never thought about what it would mean to have a disability. Then in fourth grade I had my first seizure. I woke up… Read More
College Essay: The Game of Chess
Chess has helped me become a better person by improving my knowledge and skills. The game is beneficial for me because it teaches me brainstorming,… Read More
College Essay: A New Perspective
It all started in eighth grade when my mom told me she was pregnant with my second little sister. I was ecstatic! I could barely… Read More
College Essay: Freedom Through Dance
I watched my dancers walk out from the wings, wearing the white costumes we carefully picked out, and onto the brightly lit stage, presenting themselves… Read More
College Essay: Uplifting Hmong Women
Recently I witnessed something that would become an important matter in my life. My aunt was on the verge of divorce with her husband. She… Read More
College Essay: Thanks, Neighbor
Greater Eastside St. Paul. African American and Spanish music blasts, the smell of weed fills the hot summer air, trash covers the streets, and you… Read More