Jerusalem Center Essays

Dear Readers,

Today I turned in my application to study at the BYU Jerusalem Center. I got it in at the very last minute (in fact after the last minute, thanks to some kind and understanding office secretaries), not because I purposefully procrastinated (I had my application printed out and was thinking about my essays months ago) but because these last two weeks have been CRAZY! Here are my application essays. Many thanks to Rosalynde and Mama for their help in editing and finalizing them.

Jerusalem Center Application for Admission

Part Four: Student Essays

1. What additional information regarding your qualifications would you like the Jerusalem Center Admissions Committee to consider?

There are three qualifications I wish to emphasize.

First, I am an Ancient Near Eastern Studies (ANES) major. My desire to study in Jerusalem is fueled not only by the unique and life-enriching opportunity it presents, but also by the academic advantages it would provide. My experience in Jerusalem would be a lens to add color and focus to all of my collegiate studies and beyond. If accepted, I know my ability to comprehend and generate ideas so key to ANES would be greatly enhanced.

Second, I love languages. I have studied French for six years and have placed in national competitions. I have begun informal studies in Spanish and German, and I intend to study Danish and Finnish, additionally. I am confident that I would succeed in Hebrew and Arabic. I look forward to the chance to expand my linguistic capacities.

Third, being the ninth of eleven children, I know how to adapt to life in a large group and deal with the stress of living in such an environment. I can’t wait for the opportunity to be part of the Jerusalem “family.”

I hope that these qualifications, among others not discussed here, merit acceptance to the Jerusalem Center.

2. Describe a significant experience in your life that has strengthened your character.

For the last two years of high school, I was sure I would major in Music Dance Theatre.

Being a life-long performer, I could not imagine any other career but show business. I was passionate about Musical Theatre and had many friends in the major, so auditioning seemed only natural. Furthermore, after praying I felt certain it was right. So at the start of my senior year, I prepared for the most important audition of my life. I searched for the perfect songs and monologues, sought advice from MDT friends, rehearsed diligently; and when it finally came, I felt ready. Although nervous, I performed well and was excited about my prospects. I waited with anticipation for my letter of congratulations, but to my profound dismay, I was rejected. It was a deep wound and it took a long time to heal. I questioned everything I had ever thought about my future, my talent, my ability to receive revelation, even God’s love for me. But now I’m grateful for God’s personal intervention. I learned humility, and I gained strength. I learned to trust completely in the Lord and rediscovered buried talents, and that is worth all the rejections in the world.

3. Tell us why you want to go to the Holy Land and the spiritual and educational benefits you hope to gain.

This past conference, I found myself sitting in one of the Temple Square visitor centers examining a row of paintings of Christ, each by a different artist. In a strange moment of epiphany, I realized that we have no idea what Jesus looked like. Continuing in this line of thought, I realized that we know so little about His personality, the dynamic of His relationships, His favorite color, favorite food, and so many other qualities that together define who someone is.

We know so little about our Savior, and yet we are commanded to come unto him and nurture a personal relationship with Him. How can we have this close relationship with Him, when all we have is a loose outline of his life, a list of people he associated with, and fairly small collection of his words?

My principle goal in studying in Jerusalem is to come closer to Christ. I want to get to know Him by learning the language He spoke, walking the roads that He walked, and living in the land He inhabited. I want to experience the sights, sounds, and smells He experienced. I want to understand His life so that He can change mine.

What do you all think?

For your listening and watching pleasure, I have a clip from a Bollywood film Taal, introduced to me by Caitlin Clive. I've been in a Bollywood mood lately, thanks to one of the numbers in Christmas Around the World, and this is one of my favorite songs.



Love,
Christian