Studying International Relations: Admission Essay

 ADMISSION ESSAY 1
Studying International Relations: Admission Essay
Name
Instructor
University Affiliation
ADMISSION ESSAY 2
For many years, I have been interested in studying international relations. My interest
in pursuing this field stems from several factors which have affected me. First, I have been
exposed to international affairs throughout my life. With my father and two of my brothers in
the Saudi Foreign Service, I have grown up under the shadow of inter-national affairs.
Second, I am fascinated by history, economics, and diplomacy. I believe, through the study of
international relations, I can effectively satisfy my curiosity in these fields. A third factor
which has affected my interest in international relations is patriotism.
Through the Foreign Service, I would not only have the opportunity to serve my
country, but also have the chance to help bridge gaps between my country and others. Finally,
as a Saudi living abroad, I have been bridging cultures throughout my life. This experience
has taught me to look for differences to compromise and similarities to synthesize in order to
balance different cultures. In short, I believe that my experiences in life, combined with a
rigorous academic education, will enable me to pursue a successful career in the Saudi
Foreign Service.
At St. Albans, especially in our later years, we are given the freedom to choose from a
vast array of classes. Using this freedom, I have selected classes which have personal
significance to me, regardless of difficulty or appearance on my transcript. However, from
these classes, one holds an extraordinary amount of value to me. This course is A.P. Omnibus
History, a combination of American and European history. There are several reasons for my
great interest in this class. First, I am fascinated by the cyclical nature of the past. I see these
recurring political, economic, and social trends as a means of looking forward into the future,
while allowing us to avoid the mistakes of the past. Second, history teaches many lessons
about the nature of human behavior, both past and present, providing insight into the actions,
desires, and aspirations of those around me. Finally, it lays a solid foundation for several 
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disciplines, including political science, economics, and international relations, three fields of
great interest to me.
Another major interest of mine, which I have not had the opportunity to express
elsewhere on my application, is the visual arts. Throughout high school, I have used a variety
of media to express myself. I began with black and white photography, focusing on the
presence of lines and balance in nature. For my work in this medium, I received an award at
the St. Albans School Art Show. From photography, I moved on to glass etching. Using a
sandblaster to etch the glass, I again concentrated on lines and balance in my works.
Moreover, by arranging several glass panes into a sculpture, I moved my study into three
dimensions, winning another Art Show award. Currently, I am working on canvas, using oil
and acrylic in a Mondrian style, which is based on lines and balance. Eventually, I hope to
explore the effects of combining these and other media, creating my own style of artistic
expression.
In the past four years of my life, no activity has affected me more than wrestling. Four
years of varsity wrestling and the honor of being a team captain have instilled many qualities
in me. First, through years of hard work and continuous dieting, wrestling has given me
discipline. This discipline has spread to other parts of my personality, including my moral
character, work ethic, and perseverance. Another quality wrestling has given me is
leadership. As a team captain, I have learned to lead by example, both on and off the mat.
Above all, though, wrestling has given me a love of life. Through this sport, I have
experienced pain, sacrifice, adversity, and success. Exposure to these feelings— which are, in
my opinion, the essence of being— has allowed me to truly appreciate life. I hope to continue
wrestling at Georgetown.
ADMISSION ESSAY 4