Anonymous
2021 · 278 words
Ever since I was a kid, I've had a problem with stepping on bugs on the sidewalk. Why would you kill it when you could just as easily step over it? Or help it across the street?
This philosophy lies at the heart of urban planning and community development. Although stop signs and sidewalks are vitally important, I believe that the whole study boils down to making the world a better place by interacting with the people in your community and helping out those in need. I've unknowingly been preparing for this major all throughout my high school career.
It first started with a 100-hour volunteerism scholarship I was interested in, and it ended with me being a part of the circus. Well, it ended with me volunteering to play drum rolls at the YMCA circus camp, to be precise, but it really taught me how to engage little kids and make them feel safe. After 100 hours, I was fairly well-versed in this whole social capital building endeavor. Following this experience, I got a job at a team-building course to further refine my skills. My contribution in clubs, sports, and mentoring programs is helping foster community.
UIUC's nationally-ranked urban planning program will deepen my love of community development and humanitarianism. I'd be honored to be in this program, learning from amazing and world-renowned faculty & researching and implementing asset-based community development. While rural Illinois will always be home, I'm ready to make the most of the opportunities offered in Champaign. I'm excited to make UIUC feel like home, not just for me but for everyone. I'll use the knowledge and skills I gain to better the world.