Personal Statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 5

Personal Statement - Essay Example I play a number of sports, including uni-hockey, tennis, karting, skiing and golf. Sports enable a person to discover things about themselves that might elude them in normal life. They have taught me perseverance, courage and the ability to accept both victory and defeat with grace. As part of my extra-curricula activities I have taken part in yearbook activities and, as stated earlier took a trip to Mali in 2005 in order to teach children English. I learned what it is to be a stranger in a foreign land, and will empathize more with those I find in a similar position in my home country of Switzerland. I also learned the great benefits that accrue from helping others, both for society in general and the individual involved. The children I taught had little contact with the outside world before they met me, and expressed a fascination with this stranger in their midst that made me realize how privileged my life had been. Things I had taken for granted, such as always having enough to eat, living in a secure home and having a complete family cannot be relied upon by many of the children that I taught. Many had known times when they went hungry, when they feared for their lives because of civil strife, and when they did not know where they would be living from one day to the next. But none of them seemed to feel bitter or depressed about these facts. These experiences made them more eager to learn, especially the English language that they saw as a way to education and the way out of poverty. Their hope and enthusiasm taught me a lot about the most positive sides of human nature, especially those that can shine even when the physical circumstances of the person do not seem very promising. To conclude, I have led a full life up until now and am looking forward to the next stage of my education. My experiences in Mali showed me that hope, enthusiasm and optimism are the best manner to move forward in life. I learned as much from the children I taught

Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity Essay

Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity - Essay Example It was more of an attempt to subject men to women. Sommers recognized this and rose against it as subjection was not the aim but assimilation and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all sexes. There is perhaps no single statement that captures her ideas in entirety as the provided argument. This study seeks to explicate the meaning of her argument and the means she uses to present this argument. At the same time, the study also attempts to offer a personal view on the accuracy, and persuasiveness of the reasons she offers in support of her conclusions. Additionally, the study also traces the quality and accuracy of her argument when representing the views of an average woman and while discrediting the views of radical feminists. Lastly, we weigh her view against a probable response or view by staunch radical feminists such as Marilyn Friedman.This is one that starts with discrediting the views of radical feminists who consider feminism as a representation of two extremes, sexism and assimilation. In understanding these terms, sexism is discrimination based on sex largely defined by long-held stereotypes and traditions. On the other hand, assimilation refers to absorption of the minority by the majority to create a harmonious unit. In this regard, we can understand radical feminism as a fight to absorb the female gender into mainstream masculine activities as a means of fighting existent stereotypes on female inferiority. Sommers views this extreme as misguided as a woman can be free of these stereotypical and oppressive situations and still retain her feminine nature, simply, she does not have to fight to be a ‘man’. In trying to underline this argument, that a woman can enjoy her feminine nature without taking on the roles and mind frames of men, she cites what would satisfy an average woman. She notes that, an average woman is one who would derive utmost satisfaction from bearing children, having ample time to care for th ese children, having fair opportunities and being treated equally with their male counterparts. In summary, she notes that irrespective of the simplicity of these demands, it is still difficult for women to achieve them. It is at this point that she acknowledges that indeed a struggle must ensue for the average woman to achieve these goals. However, she is categorical that such dreams and aspirations cannot be achieved if they are sought through radical means. According to Sommers, a radical approach only underlines furtherance of false consciousness, one that is far from the actual concerns and priorities of a majority of women. This is understandable as a radical means represents a reactive force and not a reasonable force. In essence, a fight for fair inclusion of women is not a fight that can solely be won by women but one that also requires the input and participation of men. Having this in mind, it is quite apparent that men would be open to a reasonable means as opposed to a radical means. It is quite clear that Sommers’s argument is guided by this sobering reality.  Ã‚