Throughout the course of my previous and current school years, I have had the opportunity to experience philosophical literature in its essence. I have gained much knowledge and wisdom from my reading; in this I have developed and began the process of "fine-tuning" my own philosophy. Ayn Rand and Herman Hesse both present philosophies that are valuable to young impressionable minds. Collaboratively, they have awarded me with the tools to complete my life's journey. The main point that each writer impresses upon readers such as myself, is life is short, gain knowledge and use it, do not waste your life, become life, though the world is harsh, the most successful people are those that strive for enlightenment through the journey to “self” and seizing the opportunity that comes to you. Essentially, "be," never subject oneself to the evils of "trying to be." Yet, the road that one travels often appears to be obscure and still the most prevalent factor that guides one as if it were a light; is the determination to be an individual. These noted authors knew what they were demanding of their future readers before they wrote. Today my revelations from inspiring works of fiction have allowed me to develop and grow with the maturity earned from taking on such a rigorous task. Ultimately, individualism, the search for "self" and the need to acquire advancement through knowledge, drives me steadily upon the path toward guaranteed success; these are the themes in the novels and that mold, make, and create me. These themes set the stage for the way I will obtain eventual success both in my personal life and the challenges I will encounter in today’s society.   

  Please include a personal statement with your transcripts. Explain your reasons for seeking admission to Montclair State University , including what you believe are your academic strengths and interests. Be certain to explain any situations that may have had an impact, either positively or negatively, on your academic record. List significant activities in which you have participated, both in school and out of school.

Academics are a major factor in my high school career. I work hard for my grades and feel defeated when I don't receive a grade I know I am capable of achieving. However, as I have matured, I understand that I am more than a grade and it is not the end of the world to earn a "B"; the key is identifying the problem and correcting it so that the next time, there is an "A" occupying that space on my paper. As a high school senior, the pressure is definitely “on.” As I float down these crowded corridors bombarded with books, stress and the never-ending desire to just sit on the ground and take a serious “coffee- break,” I reflect on my journey from elementary school to the present. I have quite the situation, a low-income school district and community, and yet I have risen above it all.

This is not a weakness but strength, every day I beat the seemingly inevitable stereotype and the statistics; I am a success. I am student who defies that media image that states that I am inadequate and worse incapable of the competence needed to “be” that someone to impact the future. Obviously, I beg to differ. I can write and I take the challenge by having three AP courses, an online course and the stress of just getting through high school becoming the prepared-for-life-adult I’m supposed to be at this point or at least making those adjustments.

I learned from a teacher once before, that the key to “being” is knowledge to the bounds of education and beyond; read, be enlightened by knowledge, grow, be the student, sit at the desk and soak in all the “goods” that teacher is giving you because I know that you are the future. You are Naomi Lowe more than a student, you are advancement beyond the expectations of your grade level, continue on that way.

The way I was shown now leads to Montclair . It is here that I will continue to flourish as a positive educated young woman whose experiences and knowledge mold the ground I walk upon and the people I affect. Thus far, my life has been my neighborhood and those select few that I choose to associate with. By attending an institution such as Montclair , I will not only develop a more defined sense of self, but a higher standard for friends. I will encourage them to be better and learn more so that they too may benefit from the wisdom that influences my mind and drives me toward success.

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

Siddhartha and Howard Roark. Common app

Throughout the course of my current school year, I have had the opportunity to experience philosophical literature in its essence. I have gained much knowledge and wisdom from my reading; in this I have developed and began the process of “fine-tuning” my own philosophy. Ayn Rand and Herman Hesse both present philosophies that are valuable to young impressionable minds. Collaboratively, they have awarded me with the tools to complete my life’s journey. The main point that each writer impresses upon readers such as myself, is life is short, gain knowledge and use it, do not waste your life, become life, though the world is harsh, the most successful people are those that strive for enlightenment through the journey to self and seizing the opportunity that comes to you. Essentially, “be” never subject you to “trying to be.”

In the space provided below, please elaborate on one of your activities (extracurricular, personal activities, or work experience)(150 words or fewer).

December 1 ^st           List what are.

Essay: Rutgers University is a vibrant community of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. How would you benefit from and contribute to such an environment? Consider variables such as your talents, travels, leadership activities, volunteer services, and cultural experiences. Only personal essays submitted via our website will be considered. You may enter a maximum of 3800 characters including spaces.

As an intellectually, maturing young African American woman in a “low-income” community and school district, I have been “sheltered” from the multitude of ethnic and cultural growth that fuels diversity. However, despite this apparent “handicap,” I am open to the world of possibilities and experiences that await me in the near future. By becoming a freshman at Rutgers , I will not only expand upon my “cultural rebirth,” I will endeavor on to a new path in my life; the path to finding self. The impact I visualize from this beneficial journey is the completion of the chapter in my life called “the high school student.” Now I will know the fruits of immigration, the labors of perseverance and the stress of advancement through knowledge. I am completing the steps needed to grow and develop into the adult that executes decisions based upon the appreciation and understanding that truly develops with the encroachment of knowledge that covers the four corners of life I like to call “Nirvana in the essence of a struggle.” I suspect that the Rutgers community is alive with promising young students from every walk of life and every barrier that often stops most students from expanding on their knowledge; this will not be a determining factor for me.

The ultimate goal of attending Rutgers is to have “surgery” on my “handicap,” and expand the length of my “cultural enlightenment.” In perspective, Rutgers will be my home and link to the many countries and beliefs that accompany it. In order to complete my goals, I must introduce myself to people that are a far contrast to my life, more than I can possibly imagine. I need a college community that will inspire the fruits of travel without actually traveling. Some of the most inspiring people are those individuals whose tastes and mindsets relay the superiority that comes along with the “explosion” of culture in its true definition. This is the global truth I hope to establish within myself. I am an individual, a scholar, a seeker of advancement through knowledge, a success driven student, and a local, potentiality worldly student seeking a rendezvous with destiny.