When I reflect on the most meaningful experiences in my life, volunteer work is one that comes to mind. Over the past four years, I have interacted with many different groups, including the economically disadvantaged, elderly, youth and developmentally disabled. Each interaction has been a unique experience that has highlighted my strengths but also helped me become a more well-informed...

If I were to sum up my four years of high school, I would say that it was an emotional roller coaster. On one hand, it was a time when I experienced some of the most amazing memories that I will always cherish. I met some of my best friends, who will continue to hold a special place in my...

As the only child to two first-generation immigrants, navigating the college process was scary, stressful and difficult. I approached the search not having a clear idea of what characteristics I wanted in a college. I thought I wanted a small school, yet my parents questioned whether a big school would be more suitable. They thought I would thrive in a...

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most complicated aspects of the college application process. With a slew of required documents and extremely labor-intensive questions, applying for this federal funding is an ordeal. But it doesn't have to be this way — the application process can and should be simplified. While FAFSA was designed to...

One of the biggest problems that I have faced growing up is figuring out who I really am. I am Indian by ethnicity, but somehow come off as Persian or Hispanic. Through my eyes, I seem to be the same as any other Indian. Apparently this was not the case to others, as I am quite fair-skinned compared to other...