Featured Supplemental Essay Prompt For Emmanuel College Applicants:

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. 500 Word Maximum.

Successful Supplemental Essay Example From Our Accepted Alumni Student:

I typically don’t hang around five-year-olds. Finding my own confidence through high school science, I’ve had my sights set on chemistry research or becoming a high school science teacher—in spaces that are dominated by adults or teens.

But last summer, I found myself spending my days with kids--many around age five—while working for the “[Initiative Name]” program. As a counselor-teacher for the academic enrichment summer camp, I worked to call the attention of little ears and spark curiosity in little minds.

Admittedly, working with elementary kids was out of my comfort zone—and presented its challenges. While leading my K-2nd grade classroom, I navigated incessant questioning: “Why do I have to walk in line? Why do I have to wash my hands? Why are we even doing this?”

In my classroom, I met many little students convinced that they were inadequate spellers, mathematicians, and readers. However, recalling my own struggles, I shone a light on their blindspots. Once they embraced these insecurities, they could begin to make meaningful progress.

Finding my true calling in science--especially during high school chemistry and AP chemistry—made me feel certain that these kids would find theirs, too. I taught them facts and figures and embraced varied learning styles and neurodiversity. I thought of memories of my own insecurities as I worked to truly make all of my students shine.

At the end of each sweaty summer day, I realized the ways these elementary kids helped me—and brought me many realizations. As teens and adults, we all ask many of the same questions those five-year-olds posed: Why am I doing this? Am I even good at this?

In my future endeavors, I hope to continue chasing the answers to these questions and more. I hope to one day be a woman in the chemistry research field, a space once dominated by men. In years beyond that, I look forward to stepping in front of public school classrooms, to give that spark that only my past mistakes could prepare me for.

I believe in educational equity, in uplifting learning differences, in inclusive classrooms—and in ensuring that no student or person ever feels like they aren’t good enough.