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Of all the
characters that I've "met" through books and movies, two stand out as
people that I most want to emulate. They are Attacus Finch from To Kill
A Mockingbird and Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham from Field of Dreams.
They appeal to me because they embody what I strive to be. They are
influential people in small towns who have a direct positive effect on
those around them. I, too, plan to live in a small town after graduating
from college, and that positive effect is something I must give in order
to be satisfied with my life.
Both Mr. Finch and
Dr. Graham are strong supporting characters in wonderful stories. They
symbolize good, honesty, and wisdom. When the story of my town is
written I want to symbolize those things. The base has been formed for
me to live a productive, helpful life. As an Eagle Scout I represent
those things that Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham represent. In the
child/adolescent world I am Mr. Finch and Dr. Graham, but soon I'll be
entering the adult world, a world in which I'm not yet prepared to
lead.
I'm quite sure
that as teenagers Attacus Finch and Moonlight Graham often wondered what
they could do to help others. They probably emulated someone who they
had seen live a successful life. They saw someone like my grandfather,
40-year president of our hometown bank, enjoy a lifetime of leading,
sharing, and giving. I have seen him spend his Christmas Eves taking
gifts of food and joy to indigent families. Often when his bank could
not justify a loan to someone in need, my grandfather made the loan from
his own pocket. He is a real-life Moonlight Graham, a man who has shown
me that characters like Dr. Graham and Mr. Finch do much much more than
elicit tears and smiles from readers and movie watchers. Through him and
others in my family I feel I have acquired the values and the burning
desire to benefit others that will form the foundation for a great life.
I also feel that that foundation is not enough. I do not yet have the
sophistication, knowledge, and wisdom necessary to succeed as I want to
in the adult world. I feel that Harvard, above all others, can guide me
toward the life of greatness that will make me the Attacus Finch of my
town.
Comments
This essay is a
great example of how to answer this question well. This applicant chose
characters who demonstrated specific traits that reflect on his own
personality. We believe that he is sincere about his choices because his
reasons are personal (being from a small town, and so forth). He managed
to tell us a good deal about himself, his values, and his goals while
maintaining a strong focus throughout. He didn't pick Napoleon or
Abraham Lincoln, but clearly thought about his choice of characters.
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