Good College Essay Examples From Top Institutes

In my second year of high school, I went through a tough time with depression. It felt like a constant struggle, and everything seemed dark. But in the midst of all that, I found inspiration from Steve Irwin.

You might know him from the TV show 'The Crocodile Hunter.' Steve became my comfort during those hard times. His love for animals, bravery, and lively spirit caught my attention. Watching him on TV gave me a break from my own problems and brought some positivity into my life.

When I read Steve's life story, it made a big impact on me. He talked openly about fighting depression and how he turned his tough times into a job he loved. His words made me feel less alone in my own struggles. If someone as bold as Steve could face similar challenges, it gave me the strength to keep going. Following his example, I started therapy, exercised more, and tried mindfulness meditation. Day by day, I pulled myself out of depression, and watching 'The Crocodile Hunter' every night became a helpful routine.

What I admired most about Steve was his ability to find joy in unexpected places, even in dangerous situations. He showed me that laughter and humour can be powerful tools against depression. Inspired by him, I explored stand-up comedy, creating a funny skit about finding humour in my own struggles. I wasn't a comedy pro, but turning my experiences into something positive felt really good.
 
Dealing with depression is confusing. One day, it feels like everything is falling apart, but with time, you start seeing the good things around you—your friends, family, habits, and hobbies become important supports, pushing you forward.

For me, Steve Irwin was the first support I had. His experiences and attitude motivated me to be brave and resilient in the face of mental health struggles. Now, my goal is to live by Steve's spirit—spreading joy, passion, and encouragement, especially to those going through tough times. Thank you, Steve.

"I'm an active member of the Speech and Debate Team at Oxford Academy, participating in both Parliamentary Debate and Lincoln-Douglas debate divisions. Alongside this, I indulge in my passion for writing and crafting screenplays, short stories, and opinionated blogs. I'm a regular contributor to my school's literary magazine, The Gluestick. My commitment extends to community service, where I've amassed over 300 hours working at homeless shelters, libraries, and special education youth camps. Notably, I've been recognized by the College Board and consistently placed within the top percentile.

Yet, beyond these achievements, I define myself differently. I am not merely a test score, debater, or writer. I am an anti-nihilist punk rock philosopher, a realization that unfolded through three revelations.

Firstly, I recognized the influence of underwear on our lives. From ironed briefs for businessmen to soft cotton for the average and hemp-based for environmental romantics, underwear reflects our identities and subtly shapes our daily interactions. My favourite pair, holey but comfortable, empowers me with a sense of confidence. Despite their seemingly trivial nature, these articles of clothing are unsung heroes of comfort.

Secondly, during a debate on the topic of nuclear arms, I grappled with the profound realization that humans invest vast resources in ensuring mutual destruction. Despite winning first place in the debate, the cheers and applause were juxtaposed with the disturbing thought of ongoing nuclear weapon production. It dawned on me that the world is something I may never fully understand.

Lastly, my journey as a punk rock philosopher began at an underground hardcore punk rock show in a small abandoned church. Surrounded by a community of ordinary individuals engaged in soul-searching conversations about Nietzsche, string theory, and governmental ideologies, I discovered that punk rock is more than music – it's an attitude and a culture. Punk rock challenges the conventional, advocating for making the best of what you have to contribute to a community.
 
My world consists of underwear, nuclear bombs, and punk rockers, and I embrace its inherent complexity, mystery, and anti-nihilism. I am David Phan – a weekend debater in a three-piece suit, a participant in punk rock culture, and a blogger with strong opinions about underwear.

So, why college? For me, it's about seeking a higher education beyond the textbook-fed classrooms of high school. I yearn for a community that values revolutionary ideals, encourages diverse perspectives, and acts as a medium for movement – much like the punk rock community. College, to me, is not just a stepping stone for a stable career; it's a platform for knowledge, self-empowerment, and a catalyst for our next paradigm shift."

Every Saturday morning, I would smell yummy garlic and pepper as my grandma made kimchi, a tasty Korean dish with fresh cabbages, garlic, salt, and red pepper. It was a special tradition that made our home cozy and happy.
 
Kimchi was always the best part of our dinner, but things changed when my grandma got Alzheimer's. The Saturday morning tradition stopped, and the delicious homemade kimchi smell was replaced by store-bought ones. My grandma, who was once a great cook, became like a stranger in our home.
 
One day, my mom decided to bring back the tradition. She got fresh cabbages and red pepper sauce, and the familiar smell returned. Surprisingly, my grandma, attracted by the scent, joined in. Even with her old hands, she shredded the cabbages with determination. That night, we enjoyed not-so-perfect but very special homemade kimchi.
 
Years later, visiting my grandma, I realized that the clear moment was short-lived. Her sickness had gotten worse, but holding her hands, the smell of garlic was still there. I can't get the Saturday morning memories out of my head. Grandma used red pepper to create a beautiful and artistic look on the cabbages. Similar to the delicious taste of kimchi, I wish to keep those memories alive in my writing.
 
To me, writing means more than just words. It brings out feelings, inspires, and saves what time wishes to take away. My grandmother would often say, 'Tigers leave furs when they die, but humans leave their names.' Her legacy was the pleasant garlic smell in our home. Mine will be these words.

When I was really young, my love for exploring new places began. It all started when my grandparents took me to France, and since then, I've been to twenty-nine different countries. Each trip has taught me something special.

 At five, I was amazed by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. I used to feed pigeons in Piazza San Marco and ride gondolas in Venice when I was eight years old. When I was thirteen, I travelled the Great Wall of China and saw Stonehenge, marvelling at the old stones that were still standing.

Travelling and experiencing different cultures got me interested in languages. I started with French, learning how pronunciation is crucial. I once mispronounced a street name in Paris, and it taught me the importance of saying things correctly.

Then, I started learning Spanish in the eighth grade and learned through cognates how similar it is to English. For example, 'baseball' in Spanish is 'béisbol,' sounding almost the same. Cognates made speaking and understanding easier, and they still help me in Spanish today.

In high school, I got excited about Chinese. The characters fascinated me, and I loved how combining simpler characters could create long words. Learning the characters became a joyful practice for me.

Studying foreign languages made me curious about English, my native language. I started learning big words and exploring their origins, delving into the history of words. My interest in history also grew during my freshman year of high school, finding it like a captivating novel set in my own world.

Talking to people in their own language is the best part of learning languages for me. It makes our connection stronger. I've made friends in surprising places, like using a bit of Bulgarian in Paris, talking in Spanish with someone from India in Mumbai, and shocking a librarian by using Mandarin.
 
I’d like to learn foreign languages and linguistics in college because it's something I'll always use. Since I love travelling and won't stop, being good at different languages will be really helpful. In the future, I hope to employ these skills in jobs like business, foreign diplomacy, as well as translation.

A Chinese proverb my teacher taught me explains my journey well: "I feel like a chicken having a pile of rice.".' Each word I learn is like a grain of rice, satisfying my hunger for knowledge.

Even today, I still love traveling, and it seems I'm also addicted to learning languages.