There are some things in life that are simply known. I always knew I wanted to be an academic. This realization came to me when, as a child, it became obvious that I would rather spend an afternoon reading a book and then discussing it than getting my socks dirty while climbing a tree. Then I realized there was something fascinating and nourishing about the whole process. Then I realized that it was something that appealed to my intellect and touched my soul, and so what started as a child's game became a hobby, and then a habit. I am fortunate to belong to a well-established middle-class family, who knowing the highest standards of education allowed me to enjoy the privilege of receiving the best education my city had to offer. I attended one of the most prestigious schools in our city and after successfully graduating from high school I was ready to embark on my graduate work. I chose to study Liberal Studies, in the end, for no other reason than that it appealed to my sensibilities as it provided a wide range of fields of study, like any other career, intertwined so as to create an interdisciplinary career giving a holistic approach to issues of politics, history, philosophy and economics. During my time in school I discovered that not only did I have a passion for discussion, but that my love of knowledge had extended not to learning for my own personal enrichment but also to share said knowledge with those around me. I started tutoring high school students on subjects such as history and philosophy; and participating in group studies with my classmates, while also seeking their growth and empowerment. It was also during this time that I became aware of the important…map center…of the United States. I am proud of who I am, of the person I have become thanks to the help of those who have inspired me. My college coursework, work, and other experiences have helped me develop leadership, organization, research, teamwork, and the ability to integrate these skills and enable me to act logically. I am committed, analytical and with a dedicated interest in knowledge and teaching and it is because of all this that I felt I had the ability to undertake serious graduate work, achieving what I stated above and more. I believe in exceeding expectations and achieving goals and ________ is an example of an educational institution that strives for excellence. I want to study in _______ because I have always wanted to give the best of myself and with the program offered by your prestigious university I believe I can achieve it.