Essay #2 (Required for all applicants.

500 words maximum)

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific
undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and
dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of
Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?
Journey
The journey is more important than the goal. As a teenager, my
parents would repeat this line more times than I can remember. Following in
the footsteps of my grandfather Roy Parks Sr., my father Roy Parks Jr. and
my cousin Kara Parks, I chose to study engineering from the time my father,
who is a civil engineer, took me to a job work site in Milford, Michigan.
Engineering sparked an interest in me and made me feel alive. For some, not
only is the tradition of engineering carried on to the next generation, but is
also following in family members footsteps at the same college. My
journey is important because of my family dynamics, self-discipline, and the
need to make a difference.
When I was a child my mother would remove my spoon from my
right hand and place it in my left hand during meals, because she wanted me
to exercise and use both sides of my brain. On occasion, when a problem
emerged, my parents would ask me to solve it. My input was always
acknowledged and I felt connected to how situations were resolved. I feel as
though the College of Literature, Science, and Arts at the University of
Michigan would challenge my perception. In addition to acquiring vast
knowledge, I appreciate the many diversities and cultures shared and studied
there.
As a young teenager, my father taught me to set high standing goals,
be self-disciplined, and to think both inside and outside of the box as a
problem-solving tool. My mother, who is a nurse, taught me life sciences
and delved into the ever-changing world of science. Moreover, my mother
would come home and tell me stories of her work consisting of heart and
lung transplants, left ventricular assist devices, intra aortic balloon pumps,
graphs, organ procurement, and the need for genetic engineers to create a
way to improve quality of life. I was intrigued at how science was
continuously improving from the human genome project, biotechnology, and
stem cell research.

As a senior in high school, I am captivated by my instructors dynamic

speaking skills and I am drawn into the classes of science: biology, genetics
and chemistry. In biology and genetics, I am attracted to the organisms
studied and how each had their own sequence of DNA. It makes me feel
that I am unique and creative as well. During science olympics, I won
several medals in forensics, genetics, and chemistry. At first if I did not
succeed, I would try again. My journey continues.
In conclusion, the University of Michigan has pushed the limits of
promising research and the passion of science. I would like to begin my
journey and reach my goal as an engineer and make an astronomical
difference. Who knows, maybe I could be nominated for the Nobel Prize for
my biogenetic discovery for patients. I hope and pray that my journey will
see me as a future Wolverine.