Teacher’s Summary: In “The Universal Language of Friendship,” a Stanford University personal statement, the author reflects on the transformative power of friendship experienced through living in multiple countries. Moving from Korea to Vietnam, the author navigates cultural differences and language barriers, discovering that friendship transcends these challenges. Through international friendships, the author learns resilience, empathy, and open-mindedness, preparing to bring these values to Stanford’s diverse community. The statement emphasizes that true friendship fosters personal growth, bridges cultural divides, and is a universal language that unites people across the globe.
The Universal Language of Friendship: Stanford University Personal Statement
The gentle rustle of palm leaves outside my window in Vietnam was a far cry from the bustling streets of Seoul I once called home. As I sat at my desk, fingers hovering over my keyboard, I couldn’t help but reflect on Henry David Thoreau’s words: “Simplify, simplify.” But how does one simplify friendship?
My life has been anything but simple. As the child of business-savvy parents, I’ve hopscotched across continents, leaving behind the familiar faces of childhood friends in Korea for the unknown horizons of Vietnam. Each move threatened to strip away my sense of belonging, yet paradoxically, it was through these transitions that I discovered the true value of friendship—a possession more precious than any material wealth.
In the halls of my international school in Vietnam, I found myself navigating a microcosm of global cultures. Here, friendship became my compass, guiding me through the labyrinth of language barriers and cultural differences. My Vietnamese classmates patiently helped me wrestle with English idioms, their laughter softening the sting of my mispronunciations. In return, I shared stories of Korean traditions, bridging our worlds one conversation at a time.
But friendship, I learned, is not just about cultural exchange. It’s about growth. My Korean friends, despite the physical distance, remained my academic north star. As they prepared for their university entrance exams, they became my long-distance study partners, motivating me to excel in my International Baccalaureate program. Our late-night video calls, filled with mutual encouragement and shared anxieties, reinforced a profound truth: true friendship knows no borders.
These friendships challenged me to question my preconceptions. Heated debates about politics and religion with my diverse group of friends in Vietnam didn’t lead to division; instead, they fostered understanding. I learned to listen, to consider perspectives I had never encountered in my homogeneous Korean upbringing. This wasn’t just cultural appreciation—it was the foundation of global citizenship.
As I approach the next chapter of my life, I realize that Thoreau was right about simplification, but perhaps not in the way he intended. By cherishing friendship above all else, I’ve simplified my priorities. I’ve learned that the most valuable possession is not something that can be packed in a suitcase, but something that travels with you in your heart.
My journey from Seoul to Saigon has taught me that friendship is the universal language—a currency accepted in every corner of the globe. It’s the investment that yields returns in personal growth, the counselor that guides you through unfamiliar territories, and the bridge that connects disparate worlds.
As I look towards my future at Stanford, I’m excited not just for the academic challenges, but for the opportunity to continue building these bridges. I carry with me the lessons of resilience, empathy, and open-mindedness that my international friendships have instilled. These are the tools I hope to use to contribute to Stanford’s diverse community, fostering connections that transcend borders and cultivate global understanding.
In a world that often seems increasingly divided, I believe in the power of friendship to unite us. It’s this belief that I hope to bring to Stanford—a testament to the simplest, yet most profound possession of all.