1.
How has the world you come from – including your opportunities, experiences,
and challenges – shaped your dreams and aspirations? (221)
The world from which I hail has profoundly influenced my aspirations, sculpting a
vision where my enduring passion for tennis intertwines with my academic goals. For
over a decade, the tennis court has been my arena of both triumph and tribulation,
igniting within me a fervent desire to democratize this sport. My dream is to harness
the power of mathematics to enhance my data analysis capabilities, embarking on a
journey to model and calculate the most efficacious methods for spreading the love
and technique of tennis. The objective is to cultivate a strategy that optimizes the
dissemination of the sport's essence, especially for the underprivileged.
Complementing this dream is my experience as a sports content creator on TikTok.
My tennis tutorials, which have reached over a million viewers, are a testament to
my commitment to this cause. They serve as a conduit through which I can share my
knowledge and perhaps, more importantly, provide assistance and inspiration to
those who aspire to grasp a racket and embrace the game.
It is this blend of opportunity, experience, and the challenges I have faced that
shapes my dreams and aspirations. As I embark on my academic journey, I am driven
by a deep sense of purpose, eager to merge my passion for sports with rigorous
analytical skills, and contribute to the broader community.
2. MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from
tackling the world's biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one
way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or
contribute to your community together. (213)
At MIT, the convergence of diverse minds fosters an unparalleled synergy for
innovation and community service. In one of my computer science courses, I had the
opportunity to channel this collaborative spirit into a project that bridged my passion
for tennis with technology—creating a tennis matchmaking app to connect like-
minded enthusiasts. This platform was designed not just to facilitate meetups but to
enhance players' skills through shared practice.
Initially, my coding skills were rudimentary at best. However, through a dynamic
partnership with more technically adept classmates, we exchanged knowledge and
skills—my contributions centered around planning and researching viable design
methods and details. Over two weeks, we dedicated ourselves to this task, ultimately
launching an app that was warmly received by the local tennis community. The joy
and utility it brought to fellow players were clear indicators of our collective success.
This experience crystallized a vital lesson: individual effort, while commendable,
often pales in comparison to the power of collaborative endeavor. Working together,
we can extend our reach and create tools that serve our communities in meaningful
ways. As I look forward to the enriching environment at MIT, I am eager to contribute
to and learn from such a vibrant tapestry of collaborators, all striving to make a
positive impact on society.
3. Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you. (99)
Joining the MIT’s academic community, I am drawn to the field of Applied
Mathematics for its profound impact on real-world problems. MIT, a pinnacle of
technological and scientific education, represents my dream institution. My
admiration for Professor Jonathan Kelner's work on the mathematics of data
particularly resonates with my academic pursuits. By engaging with his research, I
aim to amalgamate experience and knowledge in data analysis, laying a robust
foundation for my passion project in sports analytics. This blend of theoretical rigor
and practical application at MIT is the ideal environment to fuel my aspirations in
sports data analysis.
4. We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you.
Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it. (143)
Tennis is my sanctuary, a pursuit engaged in not for utilitarian reasons but purely for
the joy it brings. The happiness it infuses in me is boundless. Analyzing the game on
the court, strategizing, and overcoming opponents with skill not only boosts my
confidence but also instills a sense of accomplishment.
Despite the rigorous demands of high school academics, maintaining a high GPA
while engaging in frequent training to keep my game sharp has been challenging yet
deeply fulfilling. The act of swinging the racket, breaking into a sweat, and the
breathless feeling it brings allows me to momentarily forget the toils of studying and
the mundane aspects of life. Tennis is more than just a sport to me—it is a source of
solace and pure delight, enabling me to return to my studies with a clear mind and a
light heart
5. How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn't expect? What did
you learn from it? (225)
I once encountered an unforeseen and challenging situation during the Early Decision
(ED1). A professor provided me with a verbal commitment, assuring me of admission
in the ED1 round. However, to my dismay, I received a rejection from the university.
This turn of events was particularly disheartening as this was an institute I held in
high regard. The unexpected rejection posed a significant challenge, especially
considering that I had not applied for early action or to UC schools.
Initially, I felt emotionally shattered. However, I found solace in encouraging myself,
realizing that I possessed the capabilities to strive for admission to a school that
resonated even more with my aspirations, such as my dream institution, MIT. I
steadied my emotions through deep breathing and swiftly devised an emergency
plan, with a mere 15 days left until application deadlines.
This experience bolstered my resilience and inner strength. It highlighted the
essential nature of sustaining self-assurance and persistence, particularly when
confronted with unforeseen challenges. Additionally, it emphasized the importance
of regulating emotions and tackling obstacles with a poised and collected demeanor.
From this encounter, I gained insight into relying on my own fortitude, adjusting to
unexpected situations, and making decisions with lucidity and composure. It has
profoundly influenced my journey, shaping my outlook on challenges and reaffirming
my commitment to confronting unexpected hurdles with grace and resilience.
