SIPA essay - What will your classmates be surprised to learn about you?

[gwualum4mpp]

Hi all, 

 

I looked through the threads and couldn't find anyone addressing this portion of the SIPA essays. I'd be curious to see the approach that people took to this answer! 

 

Part of me sees this as a section where you can highlight parts of your background or experiences that weren't mentioned. I studied abroad in Ecuador and had a pretty unique experience working for a coalition of ethnic "minority" groups from across the country, but I don't directly address it in any of my other essays (I'm interested in domestic education policy).

 

In truth, I know the greatest surprise for people is that I take meds for bipolar disorder (going on 4 years), it tends to throw people for a loop when they find out: "Really, but you're so...functional!" It usually leads people to rethink their notions of the disorder and what it means. That would be my HONEST answer but I doubt it'll strengthen my application - I don't like having to justify my stability to people, and especially universities. 

 

I'm unsure about the essay but will use this forum as an avenue to air my thoughts out. Any *constructive* feedback is appreciated

[Loric]

What's SIPA?

[sunpenguin]

I studied abroad in Ecuador and had a pretty unique experience working for a coalition of ethnic "minority" groups from across the country, but I don't directly address it in any of my other essays (I'm interested in domestic education policy).

 

I vote you write about this experience! You  might even spin it like this: Your classmates might be surprised to know that even though your long-term focus is on domestic policy, you had a fantastic opportunity to work with diverse groups in Ecuador, and that has influenced your views on the ways the needs of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic groups can best be served by education policies here in your own country.

[gwualum4mpp]

Hi LoriC, SIPA is Columbia's graduate School of International and Public affairs, they offer MPA and MIA programs. 

 

And wow sunpenguin your reply is really helpful! I hadn't thought about putting it that way. And now that you mention it, this aligns well with SIPA's approach, as described to me by a rep - looking at the interplay between global policy/affairs and domestic policy/affairs. I think this can help show why I'm a good fit. Now I definitely think I should talk about that - thanks!!

[sunpenguin]

Glad it fits! Good luck!!!  

[Loric]

While I find the concept of the American education system as an ideal to be applied to lesser cultures a bit nauseating.. he does have a point.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Loric

[gwualum4mpp]

It doesn't seem like subpenguin implied the US as an "ideal" approach at all - I understood it as just a suggestion to frame my example as an international experience that informs my understanding how our education system can be equipped to manage a diverse population...