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MBA INSIDER: SAMPLE APPLICATION ESSAYS Dartmouth (Tuck): Essay 1 QUESTION: What are your interests outside your job or school?
Exploring other countries and cultures is my principal interest outside of work.
In sixth grade my geography teacher organized a forum about the smallest countries in the world. I volunteered to present Monaco, a country I had never known before that class. Researching Monaco was the most exciting aspect of the project. After my presentation, my teacher, half-jokingly, asked me when I last visited Monaco. I couldn't believe it! That assignment planted roots for my curiosity with different countries and cultures. Growing up behind the iron curtain, I could learn about other cultures only through textbooks. After immigrating to the U.S. I finally realized my dreams of traveling in countries and saw with my own eyes what I have read many times. Since 1996 I traveled to twelve countries on four continents, including Monaco in 1998. My preparation for each trip reminds me of my sixth grade Monaco project. I prefer to schedule a trip around a cultural event during my travels. For instance, when I planned a trip to Hong Kong, I knew that I wanted to see the Chinese New Year celebration. I planned my trip around that time period, learning the ceremonies and customs in the process. I researched the cultural and historical sights I wanted to visit with the help from various resources such as books and my Chinese friends. As a result of my research, I discovered many Hong Kong attractions most tourists never visit. For example, I uncovered that the largest seated outdoor statue of Buddha is located on Lantau Island. Although it took me about two hours and two types of transportation (ferry and bus) to get to "Big Buddha", my visit to Lantau Island was incredible. While thorough preparation is an essential element of a good travel experience, it is often the unexpected encounters that remain in my memory and make the experience truly special. On my trip to Brazil I met a Russian woman who immigrated to Brazil as a child but studied ballet and spoke Russian (as well as Portuguese) fluently. Currently, I am looking forward to (and doing research for) my next trip – hiking to Machu Pichu in Peru and Amazon River cruise! My interest in different cultures led to my passion for learning foreign languages. I consider languages to be the core of cultures. I enjoy the ability to communicate with people from different countries in their native languages. When I travel to a country where I do not speak the language, I make a point to learn at least a few key phrases. In addition to appreciating the social aspects of speaking different languages, I treasure the opportunity to read the works of my favorite writer, Victor Hugo, in the language they were written in. I pursued my interest in foreign languages by studying the French language and literature at [deleted] State University. After immigrating to the U.S., I concentrated my efforts on mastering the English language at a college education level. Once at [deleted] University, I took advantage of the French Club to communicate with native francophone speakers, honing my French conversation skills and increasing my exposure to French culture in the process. After graduating from college, I continued my interest in languages by participating in events sponsored by the French Library of [deleted]. I continue to maintain my language skills by watching French films, taking part in "wine and cheese" social gatherings with native speakers, or simply reading a French book. Outdoor adventures is another one of my interests. As our raft flipped, I found myself in the icy cold class V rapid waters of [deleted] River in [deleted]. I felt many emotions. Regret wasn't one of them. My risk-taking nature resulted in many thrilling experiences. Whether I am hiking in New Hampshire mountains, white-water rafting in Maine or climbing Mt. Massada in Israel, I am going beyond my comfort zone and learning about myself in the process. Through my adventures I have built many strong friendships. It is amazing how much you can find out about five people by being lost with them for seven hours on Mount Cardigan in New Hampshire! Not only do I constantly push my personal boundaries during my risk-taking adventures, I witness my friends pushing their personal limits. It is only natural to build strong bonds during these experiences. While at Tuck, I plan to invite my classmates to join me on my many adventures. Next on the list – skydiving! 
BW MALL
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