Essay
- Describe events that
demonstrate your ability to succeed in business.
My
classmates called me "the alien," because as a young boy, I
suffered from dermatitis, which filled my limbs with ulcers and
scars. Socially I was alienated from my classmates and lived a life
of loneliness and isolation. Doctors predicted that I would never
fully recover, but my parents refused to accept this. They encouraged
me to hope for the future, teaching me that any obstacle could be
overcome. I therefore took an active role in my health, trying many
medications and herbs.
Approaching my loneliness with bravery,
I came to view it as a challenge to be overcome. The summer after I
graduated from primary school, my disease improved dramatically. The
self-confidence I regained was profound; I realized that my personal
will had led to this improvement. I began to seek out friendships at
school, and I took part in activities like volleyball, Girl Guide,
and Art Club. Through it all, my attitude toward challenges remained
the same. In every examination or competition, I told myself that I
could easily excel since nothing could be more difficult than what I
had already overcome. I had learned to be confident and never to fear
failure. This credo echoes through my personal life and gives me the
inner resolve to succeed at any endeavor, including my professional
pursuits.
Like my personal battle with dermatitis, I
learned a great deal about leadership by overcoming adversity.
While
enrolled in an ESL program, I joined the Culture Club as a Special
Event Director. I managed a group of six individuals with organizing
various functions. I was the most advanced ESL student among the
group, and I therefore assumed myself to be the most capable. I
quickly learned my mistake. While preparing our first function, I was
strict with my team members and often rejected their ideas in favor
of my own. As a result, the function was not very successful. The
setback disheartened me, and I spoke of it to the club's supervisor.
She responded that she trusted my ability to succeed in the future.
This comment filled me with surprise, for I realized that I had never
trusted my own team members. Although they were weak in English, they
had many valuable talents. I immediately changed my policy, allowing
team members to choose the tasks they desired and to complete them on
their own.
Meetings evolved into group brainstorming
sessions, which yielded many good ideas. Most importantly, the
atmosphere between us improved dramatically. We were happier and more
eager to devote time to the program. I learned what true leadership
is, and the experience undoubtedly improved my ability to handle
challenging business situations.