CommonApp エッセイ ~Carleton~

私が出願したエッセイをただただ記録のために載せていくシリーズです。参考までに。
剽窃はありませんのでご安心を。

By submitting this application, I affirm my understanding of and agreement to the statements found here: http://www.commonapp.org/affirmations.

2022 Carleton Supplemental Essay 

Before graduation, every Carleton student completes a senior project, known as “comps.” Comps projects take many different forms: a few recent examples are formal research papers, public presentations, and even a live staging of a theater production. Based on your current academic interests, what type of comps project or topic would you explore, and why? (No pressure, we won’t hold you to this!)

My Answer:

As de Tocqueville did in the 19th century, I would like to publish a book titled "Democracy in America" where I plan to study why it is not only the government but also the people themselves that take responsibility for improving society in America. 

Combining my street snapping skills with my self-taught knowledge of politics and law from having read a pile of books, I am excited to work under Minneapolis-based artist Sam Gould on his "Beyond Repair" project, which examines citizen life through the lens of photography throughout the four-year life at Carleton. Meanwhile, I am excited to collaborate with city leaders in the community to discover the beauty of everyday life in Minneapolis with my sense of street photography. On a local level, Professor Ross Elfline's "What Can a City Be?" project at Public Works is particularly fascinating as an opportunity to study the relationship between Minneapolis city and the people there. 

Outside of classes, drawing on my experience of MUN and my knowledge of law from the family dinner table, I want to participate in Mock Trial to more closely examine America’s justice system. In addition, I am looking forward to discussing a variety of topics, from politics to literature to pop culture, with lecturers at the weekly Convocation series to learn about their personal beliefs on life.
In my book "Democracy in America,” I would like to examine the present and future of democracy, based on not only political science as a theory but also experience gained through close contact with democratic activities and from observation through an artistic perspective. Life at Carleton is a microcosm of America where I can experience a climate of freedom, equality, and human rights from my Photography and Political Science as a culmination of my studies. (296 words)

Carleton prepares students to “lead lives of learning that are broadly rewarding, professionally satisfying, and of service to humanity.” We rely on the individuals within our community to help carry out this mission and shape each other’s experiences. Please share your thoughts on Anything missing? Do you want to share more with us? If so, use this space to fill any gaps you think would assist us in reviewing your application. (Optional, no more than 250 words)

My Answer: 

My classmates call me the God of Cleaning.

In Japanese high schools, we have to take charge of cleaning the blackboard between classes. Though almost no one wants to do this, I enjoy taking on this responsibility.
This is because once I alone wipe the blackboard with an eraser, all the other students and teachers enjoy the lecture in a clean environment. Even one teacher’s comment saying, “This blackboard looks beautiful” warms my heart. 

The "blackboard eraser" spirit of enjoying everything wholeheartedly was demonstrated in other areas as well. After joining the Photography Club, which was down to five members, I became the head of the club, entering photo contests and talking about the appeal of 1960s Early American photographers such as Eugene Smith, Vivian Maier, or Robert Frank in the school magazine. We now have 20 members, and last year, we held an exhibition outside the school for the first time in the club’s history.

In the past, I used to say, “You have an artistic sense. You should join our Photography Club!” However, I was always rejected. But when I enjoy taking pictures, my classmates get interested in joining. Perhaps this "blackboard eraser" spirit has the power of empathy that makes those around me excited.

Therefore I would like to keep the spirit of the "blackboard eraser" as something that not only cleans my mind but also naturally excites the minds of others, giving me a sense of purpose in my daily life. (245words)