Of all the characters that I’ve
“met” through books and movies, two stand out as people that I most want to
emulate. They are Attacus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird and Dr.
Archibald “Moonlight” Graham from Field of Dreams. They appeal to me
because they embody what I strive to be. They are influential people in small
towns who have a direct positive effect on those around them. I, too, plan to
live in a small town after graduating from college, and that positive effect is
something I must give in order to be satisfied with my life.
Both Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham are
strong supporting characters in wonderful stories. They symbolize good, honesty,
and wisdom. When the story of my town is written I want to symbolize those
things. The base has been formed for me to live a productive, helpful life. As
an Eagle Scout I represent those things that Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham represent.
In the child/adolescent world I am Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham, but soon I’ll be
entering the adult world, a world in which I’m not yet prepared to lead.
I’m quite sure that as teenagers
Attacus Finch and Moonlight Graham often wondered what they could do to help
others. They probably emulated someone who they had seen live a successful life.
They saw someone like my grandfather, 40-year president of our hometown bank,
enjoy a lifetime of leading, sharing, and giving. I have seen him spend his
Christmas Eves taking gifts of food and joy to indigent families. Often when his
bank could not justify a loan to someone in need, my grandfather made the loan
from his own pocket. He is a real-life Moonlight Graham, a man who has shown me
that characters like Dr. Graham and Mr. Finch do much much more than elicit
tears and smiles from readers and movie watchers. Through him and others in my
family I feel I have acquired the values and the burning desire to benefit
others that will form the foundation for a great life. I also feel that that
foundation is not enough. I do not yet have the sophistication, knowledge, and
wisdom necessary to succeed as I want to in the adult world. I feel that
Harvard, above all others, can guide me toward the life of greatness that will
make me the Attacus Finch of my town.
COMMENTS:
This essay is a great example of
how to answer this question well. This applicant chose characters who
demonstrated specific traits that reflect on his own personality. We believe
that he is sincere about his choices because his reasons are personal (being
from a small town, and so forth). He managed to tell us a good deal about
himself, his values, and his goals while maintaining a strong focus throughout.
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