54 Essays that Worked at Georgetown University

Prompt: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

I joined my school’s debate club in grade eight, unsure what to expect. Little did I know that this decision would shape the next five years of my life – and beyond.

Once I experienced the thrill of delivering passionate arguments, I fell in love. Debate became a fun extracurricular where I could learn invaluable skills like public speaking and critical thinking that would serve me long after my high school debate career elapsed. Before I started debating, I would tremble at the idea of presenting a project at school or speaking on stage. This would soon change, with each round boosting my confidence to a point where I now feel at home when I’m given the microphone.

I gained a love for debate that spurred me to further immerse myself in the circuit, prompting me to become my school’s debate club captain in eleventh grade. I was even hired as an instructor at Canada’s most successful debate institution.

I soon realized that not everyone could access debate due to its thousands in annual tuition fees. As such, I started an online debate club that teaches affordable group debate classes to make the expensive extracurricular more accessible to youth all across the globe, training them to become the next generation of advocates. Using debate as a vehicle for philanthropy, I’ve been able to reach over 100 students in eight countries and compile $15,000 in tuition to donate to charities in Cambodia, Liberia, and Haiti. Using this money, GYP Debate Club has covered a year’s worth of tuition and uniform charges for 974 school-aged children, allowing me to share my love for learning and debate with youth across the world.

Prompt: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your personal background and individual experiences, skills, and talents.

[Name Redacted] wiped his hands on his apron and offered me a seat at the empty counter. “Ever tried Shakshouka with a sprinkle of jalapeños?” he asked with an inviting smile. Looking around at the vacant chairs, I couldn't help but wonder: why was I the only one here? *** I’ve always been a sucker for new experiences, especially when it comes to food. So after I stumbled upon [Name Redacted], a new Mexican-Israeli fusion restaurant in my hometown, I had to try it.

Week after week, I returned to explore the menu and formed an unexpected friendship with [Name Redacted], the owner. Despite our differences, we bonded with our love of food: over Mexican Latkes, he opened up about his time as a line cook in the Bronx. Between bites of Shawarma Tacos, he reflected on the tough kitchen conditions that shaped him into the chef he is today. Enjoying Baklava for dessert, he reminisced about meeting Rosie, his wife and sous-chef.

As our friendship grew, the empty tables at [Name Redacted] became harder to ignore. [Name Redacted]’s smile never wavered, but his shoulders sagged whenever he glanced at the untouched menus. One day, as we discussed rent increases, he broke down. “Who knows why people don’t want to come?” he whispered, a tear in his eye.

Seeing [Name Redacted] struggle, I knew I couldn't stand by. Though I wouldn’t be much help in the kitchen, I knew my skills laid elsewhere: perhaps marketing could turn things around. With the help of two friends, Adam and Rohan, I quickly got to work.

Fueled by newfound motivation, I threw myself into brainstorming ways to spread the word about [Name Redacted]. I never was much of a doodler, but I now filled the margins of my notepad with ideas: “Taco Tuesday special?”, “partner w/ school clubs.” During spring break, I slipped away from family time to use the business center’s old desktop computer to mock-up my ideas. Even the persistent beeping of “You have 5 minutes left on your session!” couldn’t pull me out of my creative storm.

After a month of hard work, I proudly unveiled a new campaign: “[Name Redacted]: Original Mex-Raeli Cuisine.” Putting their products at center stage, I thought, would surely lead to the most sales. Days passed, yet the stubborn stack of menus stood as tall as ever. I was mistaken.

Out of inspiration, I turned my attention to our audience. Whenever a customer walked in, I made it my mission to find out what they were looking for. Dick, a wispy-bearded Alabama native, missed the camaraderie of diners back home. Marina, a bubbly intern at a local hedge fund, wanted a quiet spot to relax with friends after work. As I listened, I realized successful restaurants offer more than just delicious food—they harbor communities. With this new insight, I set out to showcase what made [Name Redacted] truly special. Drawing from my own afternoons with [Name Redacted], I crafted headlines for a new digital campaign: "Fresh Food for Quality Family Time" and "Enjoy Your Dates with a Side of [Name Redacted]." Gradually, customers started coming in.

Seeing [Name Redacted]’s tables fill up, I realized the difference-maker wasn’t the marketing: it was the bond we built with our audience. Sure, my ads weren’t half bad (if I do say so myself), but the conversations we had with customers were far superior. Whether it’s writing a headline or crafting a “Mex-Raeli” dish, I’ve learned that the best ideas often come from those they’re meant to serve. In college and beyond, I want to keep pulling up a chair, listening closely, and finding ways to bring people together—in both a restaurant and a boardroom.

I recently visited those glass doors, now peppered with menus and flyers drawn by my own hand. [Name Redacted] and I greeted each other with a smile and a nod, but this time we couldn’t talk immediately. This time, we had company.

Prompt: Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Ever since I could remember, I have always love public speaking. The rush on stage and the excitement I get when I look out into the crowd truly surpasses most feelings in my day-to-day life. Whether an in-class resonation or a debate tournament, public speaking has played a critical role in my decision to start a TEDx conference. Asking the speakers to practice our speeches, we shoved ourselves into the tiny backstage area of the theatre on a brisk Saturday morning. Ranging from freshmen to seniors, we were as different as we could be. We all fit into different friend groups and classes across the 50-acre campus. Yet, when stuck in a small backstage room for several hours, we began to see our similarities. Regardless of our differences, we came together under the same passion - public speaking. We all loved the feeling of standing on a stage, becoming leaders, and expressing our ideas to the world. I had never wanted to be a commanding leader-instead, a leader who wants to build connections and grow with their team. As such, I began to connect our team. I joined us under our passions and goals for the events, allowing everyone to contribute and share their ideas. I gave direction and led my new friends into the opening night, where we all proudly stood on the stage and felt contentment in our hard work. I discovered how we could become friends despite our differences as a team, united by our similarities. Passing by in the hallways, we chat briefly five minutes before class. Texting each other for advice, we give constructive criticism on how we can grow. Working together, we could accomplish anything. The TEDx event has meant so much to me in providing a new perspective as to how I meet new people and how I can work with others under the same goal as a leader. I should always focus on the similarities that can help us grow as individuals rather than on what makes us distinct. Coming together, we could do anything.