My Cornell Dyson Supplemental Essay
I’ve realized that my most popular blogs tend to relate to my Cornell/college experience, including those related to getting accepted. Thus, I thought it was about time I post my college essays.
During my application process, which was about 3/4 years ago, my program required an addition essay response to the question: What do you want to do in the future and how will your Cornell education help you accomplish that? (something along those lines). Enjoy the most arrogant essay I’ve ever written in my entire life below:
“And your new national president for Phi Beta Lambda is…Joanna LaTorre.” I envision the grand stage--with fluorescent strobe lights moving to the rhythm of the popular songs that lift the spirits of the room--as I walk the national conference stage to accept my new position and obligations. Years of experience in the Future Business Leaders of America chapter have prepared me for the moment.
Finding the perfect club is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. When I competed among Job Interview event finalists at my first Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) state competition, I knew FBLA was my perfect fit. My first-year experience was ineffable; I was overwhelmed by excitement for the future and inspired to accomplish the most ambitious goals I conceive. As I took my first steps into the grand ballroom for the opening session, I was engulfed by the energy of three thousand like-minded teenagers and energized as my favorite song at the time--“Pompeii” by Bastille--blared throughout the room.
Last year, I transferred to a high school without an established FBLA chapter prior to my arrival. “It shouldn’t be too difficult” my guidance counselor promised me. Little did I know, this organization would require much more energy than I anticipated. I built upon my appreciation for the organization when I founded my school's chapter and became the chapter president, district vice president, and eventual state vice President. The obstacles I overcame while establishing a new chapter involved lacking a business teacher advisor, helping members who were previously unaware of FBLA’s existence, and making sure everyone had a first-year experience as great as mine. Through hard work, dedication, and passion, I accomplished my goals, recruited over 50 members-forming the largest chapter in the district--, and guided over 30 members to winning districts. At West Shore, a relatively small high school, much of the work in running a chapter was delegated onto me. At Cornell University, I would be surrounded by individuals equally working together to accomplish a common goal. Just as the lines of an African Proverb state, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”
My decision to apply to the renowned Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management--and pursue an Applied Economics and Management major--is attributed to my immense appreciation for the FBLA organization and inclination towards the business field. My dream is to become a CEO of a major cooperation—preferably a major fashion company, as fashion has been a major interest of mine since I was a toddler (who pretended to be a runway model). I started my own online fashion business for an IB program personal project (an FBLA lecture inspired to do so), and I have researched prominent business leaders’ success strategies for years. I hope to expand upon my love for fashion, leadership, and business by obtaining internships, continuing to design clothing, continuously updating my online store, and pursuing a degree from a rigorous academic institution such as Cornell University.
To further explore my intellectual and academic interests, I would love to impact Cornell University’s business community by continuing my participation in FBLA and expanding its college-level, PBL, membership. If allowed, I would love to try to form a new PBL chapter and help classmates dominate the competitive events as I was able to do with the high school FBLA chapter I founded. I would love to allow for Cornell University’s students to benefit from the many amazing opportunities it has to offer, just as I have. I would also like to take my FBLA experience, apply it towards improving other business-oriented clubs I intend on joining, and increase Cornell University’s recognition as a leader among business schools while gaining an invaluable education from the ivy league university.
