Many know gravity as the force of attraction to the center of the Earth but I know it differently. I know it as the collection of pieces – the building blocks- that makes you… you. The fragments that make up the essence of every individual which allows them to be tethered to the ground. Gravity seems like just a fundamental interaction does it not? But it is far more personal. Everyone’s gravity is distinctive. Mine is worth sharing.
From the brightly colored sticky notes on my wall, I can see little pieces of me trying to conform;
Pretending I won’t stand out despite the color of my skin, the food I eat, the way I speak, and the norms I follow. This lust for conformity mirrors my sticky notes I put up on my wall. On the left side of my wall, I have amendments 13-19 from the American constitution scribbled onto neon green and orange paper. I calculated that knowing at least a little bit of American History might make me seem like I deserve to belong. But my expectations did not stop there. Academically I have been setting exceedingly high goals for myself since moving to the US at the end of eighth grade. I took numerous Advanced Placement classes and joined clubs that aligned with my passion. Through my elementary school days in India, I aimlessly coasted through life with a series of fleeting interests. Moving to the US had made me realize how vital of an opportunity it was which resulted in my need to surrender myself to American culture. And in this, I thought I would find fulfillment.
Moving over to the middle section of my wall I see my rushed biotechnology notes of the different assays and clinical trials. This portion of the wall represents my newfound enchantments. Under the spell of a million different opportunities presented to me I vowed to utilize them all. My high school’s prestigious biotechnology program, which I have been part of for three years and am certified in, fostered resilience- especially with its low female to male ratio.With more male interests in this field,I developed adaptability. For me, biotechnology uncloaked my profound mesmerism for the entire field of science. I not only wanted to know the beauty of what was around me but why it was so. I was seduced by the power of knowledge to know more, making up for the fact that I did not fit in. This conscious incompatibility with American society itself was starting to create an unconscious sense of identity. And in this, I found purpose.
On the rightmost section of my wall I have rushed reminders and half-written haikus for motivation. This illustrates the mementos of my need to conform and fabricate my own gravity. These to-do lists are my perseverance aids; they allow me to keep track of my plethora of extracurriculars and academic duties. In this search to transcend my peers I discovered my capacity for leadership.In an effort to pursue this newly discovered talent, I reluctantly joined the youth group at my church where I was recognized for my leadership.This illuminated my ability to step out of my comfort zone. This gave me the confidence to serve as president of my school’s non-profit club, which amplifies the voices of the unheard students- symbolizing my own journey. These roles nurtured my skill for entrepreneurship allowing me to express my individuality. And in this,I found happiness.
Now, as I remove these sticky notes off my wall, it sparked a striking epiphany in me that these pieces are not what define me but instead are what built me. My gravity did not need to have been meticulously curated but instead embraced and defied. And by taking these sticky notes down, I am declaring my own gravity. In doing so I am equipped to start the next chapter.
Author’s Note:
This is my college essay and I know the gruesome process of writing something that truly reflects on who you are. It is truly such a difficult task and requires a lot of inspiration. And I hope my essay can be of some assistance for those seeking it. College essays stand out for their uniqueness and I hope I can stand out in that department and be the inspiration that writers seek.
