It’s been long since I’ve posted any writing. This is a supplemental essay I wrote to gain admittance to KHC, Class of 2027. Thank you for reading, and ask me if you have any questions.
When I envision Kilachand Honors College, discussion-based learning comes first to mind. The instructor opens with a question, and the atmosphere is tentative yet abuzz with eagerness. Slowly, responses trickle in, one, then two, then four as the ice cracks to reveal the rolling waves underneath and I find myself delving into the exponential exchange of ideas while our instructor elevates the discussion to collective heights.
Intimate, intellectually-charged group discussion resonates with me on how learning is, first and foremost, fun and stimulating. Passionate individuals congregate to discuss a topic; the diversity of perspectives and multitude of ideas simultaneously complement and contrast each other, indeed like a multifaceted Kaleidoscope.
I foresee this to be even more so when exploring interdisciplinary connections, which bi-directionally enriches the understanding of both disciplines. Plato and ZhuangZi’s differing attitudes toward attaining an ideal state are reflected through the distinct contrast in literary structure and style in each of their texts (See Additional Information). The former contend it is an effortful process to attain a new, elevated realization of reality, while the latter contends that it is an effortless journey to rediscover the natural way of life. Plato’s text is a lengthy dialogue guided by a logical structure and descriptive reasoning, whereas ZhuangZi’s text is concise prose, using simple language open to interpretation. These literary features help shape Plato’s ideal as specific and restrictive, and ZhuangZi’s ideal as all-encompassing and free.
These interdisciplinary connections enhance my interpretation of their philosophies through literary analysis while exploring the power of fiction as an engaging medium to shape perceptions of reality. Interestingly, the course Ancient and Modern Quarrels: Fiction and Philosophy Since 1900 provides further critical insight into the complex, at times the conflicting relationship between the two disciplines, which I look forward to exploring. This leads on to Kilachand’s emphasis on extensive scholarly research. In high school, I produced one Extended Essay and two papers on out-of-standard-syllabus topics (See Activities 1 and 2), revealing my proclivity towards rigorous research. Kilachand’s diverse curriculum and focus on producing research precisely offer the opportunity to fulfill my intellectual curiosity.
Crucially, Kilachand also aims to tackle real-life issues through knowledge, which is apt considering that BU excels in advancing “social mobility” (Farewell in Dean’s Corner). Students develop an awareness and responsibility to empower others, which stems from a sense of fundamental kindness that inspires me.
Upon opening my eyes to my city’s homeless, I created a booklet detailing their emotional experiences through bilingual poetry and photography (See College Essay). Being more environmentally conscious has led me to transition to veganism (See Supplemental Essay), visually represent my school’s textile waste allocation (See Activity 7), and more. I also acknowledge that as a young, privileged person studying in a private school, my exposure to real social issues is still limited. Being a Kilachand student will broaden my perspective and experience on these issues. The Ethics of Food course will allow me to examine my vegan values critically and with nuance, evaluating the decisions and ethical impact behind a range of diets. Housing Policy: An Economic Perspective can provide insights into the housing crisis permeating Hong Kong, a driving factor of homelessness. These courses forge pathways to become critically aware of relevant modern issues, forming the groundwork for applying theories to the complexities of the real world.
In conclusion, Kilachand’s discussion-based environment and critical perspective on relevant interdisciplinary issues will raise my academic, creative, and intellectual inquiries to new heights. It then teaches me to transform these insights into powerful tools initiating social change, ultimately resonating with the compassion within me.