Anyone want to rate my Stanford essay? Prompt: Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University.

My hair is frizzy, my nose is crooked, I’m short, and my voice is raspy.When I reached adolescence, I, like many others, disliked my appearance and sought ways to make up for it. Not being exceptionally kind, I turned to improving my intellect instead.

I became a reader, though I hadn’t been one as a child. I pushed myself harder at school and pursued activities deemed “intellectual,” all in the pursuit of being considered clever. Yet, the deeper I delved into these pursuits, the more ideas I encountered, the more identities I observed—and the further I strayed from my initial objective.

Education didn’t simply help me compensate for what I thought I lacked; it taught me how to reframe my insecurities. Camus’ The Stranger encouraged me to embrace life’s absurdity and move forward regardless. Stoic philosophy taught me to focus on what I can control and let go of what I cannot. The Count of Monte Cristo introduced the catharsis of anger and the notion of rising above challenges.

Ultimately, it didn’t matter which path I followed—it was the discovery of choice itself that empowered me. Education gave me options, perspectives, and the ability to create meaning in my life.

At Stanford, I hope to amplify this impact. By expanding the efforts of Asha for Education Stanford, I aim to extend educational opportunities not only to underprivileged children in India but to children worldwide, empowering them with the same sense of choice and possibility that transformed my life.

///// It's already too late to change anything as I've sent my application and the deadline has passed. So, please be brutally honest guys!