50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

The Role of Others
“The thing I learned about myself while writing that essay is the role that 
people play in giving me a positive impression about something I am doing. 
I think this is true in all facets of life; clearly for example, you will dislike 
your job if you dislike your co-workers. I was privileged to be surrounded by 
individuals authentically committed to what they were doing. One’s activities 
are not necessarily ends in themselves but rather are viewed as good or bad 
depending on the personal dynamic that accompanies them.”
—Devin Nambiar, Columbia University