UBC Essay 1 Samples

Sample 1
“$5 for two apples!” These were the words of four-year-old me as I stuck up two chubby fingers,
trying to be a little businesswoman. My parents often told me stories of when I was young. I
would build mini shops by using soft cushions and sell plastic food toys. They laughed at how I
would be a great entrepreneur when I grow up!
Starting these toy businesses from a young age has shaped who I am - a positive, ambitious,
social butterfly that loves to connect with others.
Boring hangouts? Bring Sandra, she’ll crack up a corny dad joke.

Need help in school? Ask Sandra, she’ll explain step by step.
Feeling down? Come to Sandra, she’ll be open to listen.
As much as I would like to present myself with a charismatic persona, it was not always this
way.
When my father passed away three years ago, I tried not to let my cheerful side fade. During that
period of my life, I experienced tremendous moments of grief. But as time passed on, I realised
that my father wouldn't want me in sorrow, but rather carry on his entrepreneurial spirit into my
storyline. I have learned to use his unfinished goals as a form of motivation to push forward in
life, to bounce back and achieve even more ambitious goals - to make him proud.
This unfortunate event has fueled me to become the best version of myself. It has presented me
with a learning experience to adopt empathy for others, especially when cheering up my mother.
I am most proud of my ‘happy’ personality and my ability to uplift the spirits of friends/family,
build valuable friendships, and make everyone feel welcome and appreciated.
Despite experiencing tough circumstances, my humorous and cheerful trait still constructs the
core of who I am.
Sample 2
“Nihao!” the jolly Russian shopkeeper exclaimed in broken Mandarin. He smiled, genuinely
happy to see me.
The encounter happened when I was living in Baishan, a small city near the border between
China and North Korea. In recent years, an influx of Russian migrant workers came to our city
looking for work opportunities- they operated restaurants and small businesses, spreading
Russian culture through goods and services.
At that age, I didn’t know what a ‘Russian’ supposed to look like, so I gazed at the jolly man
that looked foreign to me. Unfazed by my constant stare, the Russian shopkeeper welcomed me-
he was my host and I was his guest. Our exchanges started simple but I soon felt comfortable to
be myself. His passion showed care, evoking tremendous warmth. When I grew curious about
the shop’s savory aroma, the Russian shopkeeper showed me the various Russian honey spice
cookies, milk candies, and cheese desserts in the shop. The Russian dessert shop opened me to
Baishan’s Russian communities and the vibrance of Russian culture.
Today is my turn to be host. I strive to stay active in my community. I take on leadership roles
to meet new people from all walks of life. Feelings of uncertainty still lingers in first encounters
but I am often reminded of the jolly Russian shopkeeper. His warmth reminds me to uncover
similarities rather than focus on the differences with newcomers in my community- those that I
perceive as my ‘guests.’
Sample 3
When I first immigrated to Canada, my family experienced financial difficulties. My parents’

resume and educational background did not carry over, so they started working in menial labour.
They came to Canada with no money or tangible assets. In contrast, my immigrant experience
was much easier. A new language and culture are easier to pick up for a 12-year-old- starting
over isn’t hard when you’ve barely started.
Rather than getting ahead on my own, I wanted to help my parents secure their footing in
Canadian society by starting up a used furniture business. Personal gain felt meaningless without
the people that you care about around you. I allocated time spent with friends, on holidays and
weekends to help in the store, draft online postings, and meet customers and suppliers.
As I grew up, the group of people that I care about naturally expanded to include classmates,
teachers, and other members of my community. My family’s immigrant experience has deeply
influenced the ways that I interact with my community. They have taught me the importance of
civic engagement, responsibility, and emotional ties, propelling me to engage in urgent issues my
immediate community and the greater Canadian society face. These issues include the
environment, Indigenous reserves, and Canadian criminal law. Just like how my family found
freedom and opportunity after moving half a world away, I hope that my communal involvement
and contributions will enable others to realize that same freedom and opportunity I have today.
Sample 4
Whether I’m with friends, hosting birthday parties for young kids at Science World or playing
competitive rugby, I start the conversation. I love melting initial awkwardness away. It makes
me happy when I see people adapt to me and gradually feel comfortable when they talk to me.
I wasn’t always like this.
When I was little, I was shy. I doubted whether I had anything to offer. It was debilitating
because during school, I had so many things I wanted to share but the words wouldn’t come out.
It affected my social engagement in class and for a time, I struggled to find a sense of belonging
in my learning environment. Over the years, I’ve overcome my shyness and gradually found
confidence in my own voice.
Having experienced shyness myself, I now talk with greater regard of others, which includes
better listening skills, so others are comfortable in sharing their voice too. I talk because I like
learning about new and different people-I realized we all have something unique to say. Having
found my own voice, I value the need for people to express their ideas and communicate freely.
Moving forward, I want to use my voice to encourage others to find their own voice so that they
are comfortable speaking up if they ever need help.

UBC Essay 1 Samples

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

UBC Essay 1 Samples

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

UBC Essay 1 Samples

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Sample 1

Boring hangouts? Bring Sandra, she’ll crack up a corny dad joke.

When I first immigrated to Canada, my family experienced financial difficulties. My parents’

You might also like