Professor’s Reply
Max, I’ve thoroughly reviewed your essay, and I must say, it’s a compelling piece of writing. Your passion for learning shines through, and I’m impressed by how you’ve woven together your interests in literature, nature, music, and physical activity. You’ve done an excellent job addressing our prompt, clearly articulating your intellectual journey and how you plan to continue it at UC Berkeley. Your specific examples, like your experiences with Thoreau’s works and your reflections during runs, give us a vivid picture of who you are as a person and a student.
I appreciate the research you’ve done on UC Berkeley. Your mentions of specific courses and programs show that you’ve given serious thought to how our university fits into your academic plans. Your writing is strong, with a clear structure and good command of language.
However, there are a few areas where you could strengthen your essay even further. While your diverse interests are impressive, I found myself wanting to dive deeper into one or two key areas. Could you expand on how one of these interests has significantly shaped your worldview or led to personal growth? Additionally, while your connection between nature and 19th-century American literature is well-articulated, it’s not entirely unique. I’d be interested in hearing a more unexpected insight or angle from your experiences.
I also noticed that while you describe your past and present interests well, you could elaborate more on your future goals. How do you hope to contribute to your field of study in the long term? Lastly, while the Thoreau quotes are relevant, be cautious about relying too heavily on others’ words. Your own voice is strong and compelling – let it shine through even more.
Overall, this is a strong essay that positions you as an excellent candidate for UC Berkeley. You come across as a thoughtful, passionate student who would likely thrive in our rigorous academic environment. Your intellectual curiosity and desire to make interdisciplinary connections are exactly what we look for in prospective students. If I were to grade this essay, I’d give it a solid A-. With some minor refinements, particularly in depth of exploration and future vision, you could easily bump this up to an A or A+. Well done, Max. Your essay suggests that you’d be a valuable addition to our campus community, bringing unique perspectives to classroom discussions and research opportunities.
The Harmony of Ideas: My Intellectual Journey
by
Max Michaels
UC Berkeley
The Beginnings
The gentle rustle of leaves underfoot, the rhythmic cadence of my breath as I run, and the melodic strains of a guitar—these are the sounds that have shaped my intellectual curiosity. As I stand at the threshold of higher education, I find myself reflecting on the path that has led me here, a path illuminated by the wisdom of 19th-century American writers and the timeless lessons of nature.
My intellectual journey began in the pages of Thoreau’s “Walden.” I was captivated by his idea that “We need the tonic of wildness,” and it resonated deeply with my own experiences in nature. Thoreau’s words gave voice to the sense of clarity and purpose I’d always felt after a long hike or a quiet moment by a stream. This revelation sparked a passion for environmental studies, as I began to see the intricate connections between human society and the natural world.
Literary Explorations: A Cornerstone of My Intellectual Journey
As I delved deeper into 19th-century American literature, I discovered a rich tapestry of ideas that both challenged and inspired me. Emerson’s essays on self-reliance taught me the value of independent thinking, while Whitman’s celebration of individuality in “Song of Myself” encouraged me to embrace my unique perspective. These writers weren’t just figures from a distant past; their ideas felt startlingly relevant to the complexities of modern life.
Harmonizing Interests: Music and Nature
My love for music developed in parallel with my literary explorations. I found that playing guitar offered a different kind of language—one that could express emotions and ideas that words alone couldn’t capture. As I practiced and improved, I began to see connections between the structure of music and the rhythms of the natural world. The harmonies in a chord progression echoed the intricate balance of an ecosystem, while the ebb and flow of a melody mirrored the cycles of nature.
Physical and Mental Synthesis: Running as Part of My Intellectual Journey
Running became another cornerstone of my intellectual development. What began as a physical activity evolved into a form of moving meditation. On long runs, my mind would wander freely, making unexpected connections between ideas from my reading, observations from nature, and melodies from my music. It was during these runs that I first began to synthesize my varied interests into a cohesive worldview.
The Next Chapter: UC Berkeley
As I approach my studies at UC Berkeley’s College of Arts and Sciences, I’m excited by the opportunity to further explore and integrate these passions. The interdisciplinary nature of the college aligns perfectly with my holistic approach to learning. I intend to major in Environmental Studies, with a focus on the intersection of literature, philosophy, and ecological science.
I’m particularly drawn to courses like “American Transcendentalism and Environmentalism,” which will allow me to deepen my understanding of how 19th-century thought has shaped our current environmental discourse. The “Environmental Philosophy and Ethics” seminar will provide a framework for examining the moral dimensions of our relationship with nature—a critical consideration as we face global ecological challenges.
Broadening Horizons: Interdisciplinary Aspects of My Intellectual Journey
Beyond my major, I’m eager to take advantage of Berkeley’s diverse academic offerings. Courses in musicology will help me explore the cultural and historical contexts of music, potentially leading to insights about the role of art in shaping environmental awareness. The “Philosophy of Science” course intrigues me as a way to critically examine the methodologies we use to understand both nature and ourselves.
I’m also thrilled by the prospect of engaging in undergraduate research. The Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics caught my attention, and I hope to contribute an article examining ecological themes in ancient texts and their influence on American Transcendentalist writers. This kind of interdisciplinary research embodies the intellectual exploration I’m seeking.
Practical Applications: Living
Outside the classroom, I look forward to joining student organizations that align with my interests. The Berkeley Student Food Collective, with its focus on sustainable food systems, seems like an ideal way to put environmental theory into practice. I’m also drawn to the Californians for Green Nuclear Power club, as I’m keen to engage in discussions about complex environmental solutions.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Nature
As I stand poised to enter this new chapter of my life, I’m filled with a sense of excitement and purpose. The intellectual journey that began with Thoreau’s words and quiet moments in nature has led me to Berkeley’s doorstep. Here, I hope to forge new connections, challenge my assumptions, and continue to grow. My goal is not just to study the harmony of ideas, but to become an active participant in creating that harmony—bridging disciplines, fostering sustainable practices, and contributing to our understanding of humanity’s place in the natural world.
In the words of Thoreau, “Things do not change; we change.” As I embrace the transformative power of education at UC Berkeley, I look forward to the ways in which I will change, and to the positive impact I hope to have on the world around me.