Hi girls! A few weeks ago I posted an essay I was submitting to colleges here and recieved lots of constructive criticism. Well, I have finally revised my essay and hopefully this one is much better. Once again would love any suggestions or comments. Let me know what you think.
Thanks so much!
________
Everyday as I walk to school I am amazed at the amount of poverty-stricken people I see on the streets. I am not particularly amazed in awe or surprise. However, I am baffled and stuck. On these same streets
I have grown to understand the importance of dignity and integrity. I used to stare at homeless people, I would watch them gather soda cans from our Brooklyn corner garbages like digging for treasure they once possessed and somehow lost in the gaping holes of our leftovers. I used to think this were some distant pastime like when I was younger and would collect sea shells by the Coney Island shore. Until, I got older, and they never went home. They were always there in the mornings and after school.
Where I am from its not hard to find excuses for yourself to quit. Its not that much of a stretch to believe that this world is an overbearing oppressor. But I believe, we inherently adapt to our environments in form
and nature. And so, what is so unnatural about homeless people in Brooklyn? They are human individuals trying to find their way in this world and though, somewhere down the line, they have lost their family and
homes, they continue to survive and struggle. How then, can I see such a fight in their spirits, despite their situations, and not wish to be more?
The most astounding observation I can come to conclude in having lived and reflected on where I am from is how, even the poorest and the most without, can always find a way to obtain contemporary style and trend. Everyone has the latest gucci bag or the newest prada shoes even if they are on welfare and struggling. It disturbs me how people in my community will spend their last dollar to look good but never deal with the internal conflict that truly reflects on the other expression. I was floored one morning, when I saw a homeless man whose head was half way to the bottom in search for cans in the garbage while is sneakers held more pride in its clean, fresh, newness outside on the concrete. As though to be watching and laughing at the man whose entire body drowned in search of a way just to pay for the next pair of sneakers to add to his shame. And perhaps, this is when and where, the exact moment I believed I needed to be a part of the fashion industry.
Ever since I was a young girl I have been inspired and awed by fashion. I would go into my mothers closet and play dress up in her designer clothes for hours and hours, getting lost in my own imaginary world. Seeing people without has inspired me to continue my education so I can one day pursue a career as a Fashion Stylist and even style for those who can't afford to hire a June Ambrose or Rachel Zoe. Fashion is a unique way in which I would like to affect my community. I want to be a crucial element in how people look and feel. People in my neighborhood have went from having ancestors that were kings and queens in Africa to digging in garbage cans for whatever they can manage to find. Inside, these people feel royal, so they want to look royal. Fashion is bigger than an image, its a cultural advancement. Fashion, although thought to be superficial,isn't, or at the very least, shouldn't be. It is a reflection of the etiquette ,soul, and creativity of people. For some it is a reflection of their dreams and experiences.
Thanks so much!
________
Everyday as I walk to school I am amazed at the amount of poverty-stricken people I see on the streets. I am not particularly amazed in awe or surprise. However, I am baffled and stuck. On these same streets
I have grown to understand the importance of dignity and integrity. I used to stare at homeless people, I would watch them gather soda cans from our Brooklyn corner garbages like digging for treasure they once possessed and somehow lost in the gaping holes of our leftovers. I used to think this were some distant pastime like when I was younger and would collect sea shells by the Coney Island shore. Until, I got older, and they never went home. They were always there in the mornings and after school.
Where I am from its not hard to find excuses for yourself to quit. Its not that much of a stretch to believe that this world is an overbearing oppressor. But I believe, we inherently adapt to our environments in form
and nature. And so, what is so unnatural about homeless people in Brooklyn? They are human individuals trying to find their way in this world and though, somewhere down the line, they have lost their family and
homes, they continue to survive and struggle. How then, can I see such a fight in their spirits, despite their situations, and not wish to be more?
The most astounding observation I can come to conclude in having lived and reflected on where I am from is how, even the poorest and the most without, can always find a way to obtain contemporary style and trend. Everyone has the latest gucci bag or the newest prada shoes even if they are on welfare and struggling. It disturbs me how people in my community will spend their last dollar to look good but never deal with the internal conflict that truly reflects on the other expression. I was floored one morning, when I saw a homeless man whose head was half way to the bottom in search for cans in the garbage while is sneakers held more pride in its clean, fresh, newness outside on the concrete. As though to be watching and laughing at the man whose entire body drowned in search of a way just to pay for the next pair of sneakers to add to his shame. And perhaps, this is when and where, the exact moment I believed I needed to be a part of the fashion industry.
Ever since I was a young girl I have been inspired and awed by fashion. I would go into my mothers closet and play dress up in her designer clothes for hours and hours, getting lost in my own imaginary world. Seeing people without has inspired me to continue my education so I can one day pursue a career as a Fashion Stylist and even style for those who can't afford to hire a June Ambrose or Rachel Zoe. Fashion is a unique way in which I would like to affect my community. I want to be a crucial element in how people look and feel. People in my neighborhood have went from having ancestors that were kings and queens in Africa to digging in garbage cans for whatever they can manage to find. Inside, these people feel royal, so they want to look royal. Fashion is bigger than an image, its a cultural advancement. Fashion, although thought to be superficial,isn't, or at the very least, shouldn't be. It is a reflection of the etiquette ,soul, and creativity of people. For some it is a reflection of their dreams and experiences.
