Essay Instructions: I am applying for Claremont McKenna College. Here are the specific directions that I was given:
"Leadership is a constant theme and emphasis at CMC. In fact, one of the way we describe CMC students is 'Leaders in the Making.' Identify and discuss a person, fictional or non-fictional, who has helped shape culture and thought. You may select someone from any field: literature, the arts, science, politics, history, athletics, business, education, etc."
The reason I chose Nelson Mandela for this essay, is because he was incarcerated and was able to come out of the experience a better person. I have also been incarcerated (for six years), and I would like to show the college admissions staff that people can in fact be successful after being released from prison. I would also like to show the admissions staff that prison can be a positive, and even life-changing experience, rather than the negative one that many people perceive it as.
If it helps at all for your reference, I made considerable positive changes while I was incarcerated. This was truly a defining moment in my life, which made me into a better person. I focused on spending my time productively while I was in there. This was acheived by reading a lot, exercising, developing my people skills, and taking college courses. I ended up graduating with a 3.95 gpa and was named the class salutatorian. Aside from academics, I matured a lot, built character, and became a more appreciative and more insightful person.
I am aware that Nelson Mandela also spent his time in jail productively, and I would like to have some comparisons drawn between us, if possible. I would also like to show that I identify with some of his qualities, such as, being committed in one's goal, being persistent, being resilient, and being disciplined. Although I would like to relate myself into this essay to a certain extent, please focus primarily on Nelson Mandela, as he is the topic. Please also be careful to not make this essay read too much like a biography, which it is not intended to be.
Lastly, please mention Nelson Mandela's accomplishments, such as, abolishing apartheid, and earning the nobel peace prize. Thank you!