The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

It was the Fall of 2021, my sophomore year of high school. “I know you’re a strong girl, and you’re going to do just fine without me. Take care of your mom, please?” Those were the last words my dad

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What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (in 350 words)

Born in Vancouver, a racially diverse city, my mom would tell me, "Everyone is different, and that makes this world special." However, growing up in mono-ethnic Japan, I never understood what she mean

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Leaving Japan to attend a U.S. boarding school at the age of 16, I anticipated a vibrant showcase of diverse cultures, but what stood out was a different reality: many international students distanc

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Volunteering at the Japanese Language School in Vancouver, I assisted Vincent, a third-grader in a standard class as the only one with ADHD. Based on my research, I implemented creative pedagogical me

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Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. (350 words)

It was the summer of 2022 when I met Vincent, a third-grade student from a Japanese Language School in Vancouver. I had been assigned as a teacher's assistant to help Japanese students living in Canad

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What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (in 350 words)

My DNA is Japanese, but my life's canvas is painted with the broad strokes of American culture. I often questioned my roots and identity because no matter which country I was in, I was always an outsi

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Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? (350 words)

Growing up, I was that bubbly girl who made everybody laugh; however, life took a turn when I lost my dad during my sophomore year. I lost my best friend. I lost my role model. I lost my inspiration.

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Academic Interest

Home. This word crossed my mind after touring USC. Despite being a community of thousands, the diverse student body, set in the very international city of LA, reflects my multicultural background.

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Describe yourself in three words. First Word: resilience Second Word: bubbly Third Word: pbj-addict What is your favorite snack? Trail mix - Counting up to my lucky number, five, of each nut before every karate match. Best movie of all time: The Bourne Ultimatum - Gave me strength to believe in my capabilities when society doubts them. Dream job: Partner with Japan's Board of Education to introduce mental health

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If your life had a theme song, what would it be? We’re All in This Together from HSM - played this walking into my first

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Dream trip: Santorini Greece What TV show will you binge watch next? Rewatch "The Office" (American version) for childhood comfort. Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? Baymax - comfort me and ensures my mental and physical health. Favorite book: Wonder by R. J. Palacio - my childhood read, makes me rethink my identity, who I am. If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? Teach the importance of taking care of one's mental health to children in a fun, creative way. DLAS Essay

After a year at an American boarding school with a diverse population, I wanted to represent my Japanese heritage, so I began training in Kyokushin Karate in the summer of 2021. 16 Upon entering t

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I am applying to Tufts because...

I am applying to Tufts because it would enable me to realize my goal of becoming a globally equipped leader in destigmatizing mental health, especially for Asian students. Tufts' core values (commit

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Prompt selection It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity, and why? It’s cool to love learning. What excites your intellectual curiosity?

While working as a teacher assistant in the summer of 2022, I met Vincent, a third-grade student from a Japanese Language School in Vancouver. Vincent was a 9-year-old; he knew everything about cars

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Pepperdine is a Christian university where all are welcomed and encouraged to challenge each other in the pursuit of truth. Students, faculty, and staff members from all backgrounds participate in conversations of faith inside and outside of the classroom. Considering that Pepperdine is a Christian university, why are you interested in attending and how would you contribute to conversations of faith on campus?

No matter how many times Rev. Endo (the reverend at the church I attended in kindergarten in Japan) gave a talk on kindness, quoting Luke 6:35, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecti

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Supplemental Essay

After a year at an American boarding school with a diverse population, I wanted to represent my Japanese heritage, so I began training Kyokushin Karate in the summer of 2021. The first time I ente

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