Sample MBA essay: crosscultural experiences

My father has always reminded me that I am very lucky to have the opportunity to study in American schools. My cousins back home in Korea are still struggling with the English language, quite like I used to struggle, especially during my first year here as a college student. I was afraid that my mistakes would be laughed at, and was even more afraid that I would not even realize what those mistakes were. I had always been the fearless kind, the one who took the lead and the one people could rely on because of my self-confidence. In Korea, I was a sports enthusiast; I tried every kind of daring sport. So, I used to have a daredevil image. People did not dislike me because of this though, because I still took the time to join community projects. I also helped manage my family’s business from the time I turned twelve. It might have started with something simple, like manning the shop, but it had taught me responsibility and the ability to interact with various kinds of customers. However, the new environment seemed to strip me off that confidence completely. Because of this, I sometimes would have severe homesickness and had to make frequent calls to my family. I managed to put myself back into practical mode though, reminding myself of the cost of overseas calls. On campus and elsewhere, I was able to practice my English. I was no longer the person I used to be proud of, the person who always knew what to do and seemed to do things according as planned. However, I became a new person I could be proud of: I had learned how to swallow my pride and keep on speaking even my English was much less than perfect. With the aid of good American friends, and even other foreign students who were here years before me, I was able to find a niche where there was no need to be ashamed. The time when I learned how to laugh at myself was the time that I was also more than willing to work longer hours on the English language. And, so I did. I read English novels and magazines, and watched movies that had been recommended by professors. Finally, I knew that I was making good progress.

I have graduated with excellent grades, and with a proficiency for English. Now, I think it is time to take the next step, be braver,and earn my MBA degree. My father has sent me here with the investment of not just money, but also his very heart, and the desire to make me something different. He wants me to achieve something better than what he has achieved in life. Because of this, I want him to experience the fruits of his labor by taking home an MBA degree that will help our small business prosper.