A personal essay is an opportunity to express what I believe are experiences and factors in my life that shaped me. I certainly I have a unique perspective. I am different from most of my peers for the following reasons: my family is originally from mainland China; I lived in the countryside for the majority of my youth; and the tutelage of my beloved grandfather. These factors have contributed to my belief in self-determination, applying myself academically, and pushing my potential.
Early in my life, my grandfather acted as my primary care-giver; he was the one who supervised me both before and after school, and the person who taught me values and responsibilities. He has had a profound influence on my life, and is a constant source of strength.
My grandfather is very special. He was a military officer during the Chinese Civil War in 1949. He joined the defeated KMT party when they retreated to Taiwan following the war. This hardship and suffering led to his strong convictions in industriousness, forbearance, and practical thrift. Aside from understanding this history and hearing tales of his hometown on the mainland, he taught me -through his own stellar example - how to become an independent person.
I gained my first taste of independence early when I moved from the countryside to the city of Taipei, Taiwan, for my education. I left behind sweet memories of rice fields and lovely rivers for the terrain of urban streets and hi-rise communities.
I also had to leave my beloved grandfather behind, his comforting support and guidance; now I would live with my parents and my two sisters. Now I had to compete with my two siblings and vie for the attention of my parents. My younger sibling was especially inspirational to me. She had high academic grades and participated in many extracurricular activities. I came to admire her success and her independent personality. Sometimes I even thought that I was her "shadow".
In my senior high school, my sister and I attended different schools. This new environment was good for me; I became self-reliant, confident and began to explore my own academic interests. One of my greatest inspirations came from a history teacher. She first ignited my interest in history and analytical thinking. She encouraged me to express my opinions- even when they were not mainstream or conventional. I became a confident speaker, able to express my ideas effectively. Furthermore, my teacher encouraged me to self-study topics of personal interest. She recommended numerous historical titles, and soon I was one of the best-qualified "historians" in my class. I believe that I will always have a life-long love of learning. I also believe that by applying myself diligently I can reach my potential in various endeavors. I certainly learned this in college.
It was not until I entered college that I truly questioned the value of education and its importance. What did it all signify? Like a candle in the dark, my grandfather's words enlightened me and radiated the courage and power I needed to overcome the challenges of my rigorous academic schedule. His encouragement also inspired me to take part in many of my college's extracurricular programs.
Shortly thereafter, I decided to pursue a dual major in both business administration and Chinese literature. Such a heavy academic schedule would definitely be taxing and tiring, but it would also allow me the opportunity to pursue topics that I was interested in.
My resolve was proven when I received outstanding grades in both subjects. I continued to receive good grades in these subjects for the duration of my college career. Overcoming these challenges early on in my education taught me how to become a true independent thinker and an organized individual who could efficiently master two academic subjects.
After graduating from the college, I was forced to choose between these two subjects once again. I decided to take a position with a world-leading CPA firm. The chance to work for a multinational company in the field of fiscal decision-making fit perfectly with my career ambitions. Soon, I would be given the opportunity to work with many different industries, including some of the most successful companies in Asia, and many of the best financial professionals. Within a short amount of time, I was able to increase my business skills, my fiscal judgment, and my flexibility.
I believe I truly understand the meaning of hard work, perseverance, and resolve. To this day, I still heed my grandfather's words and I strive to be a good example for many people whom I love.
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