American University asks applicants to respond to a single supplemental essay prompt in 250 words or fewer.
American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Describe a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you’re excited. (250 words)
My passion is for things that grow in concrete cracks. On my apartment balcony, I have a small but mighty container garden—three tomato plants, a stubborn pot of basil, and peppers. It started as a hobby, but it became an obsession when I realized my elderly neighbor, Mrs. Gable, had to take two buses to get to a grocery store with fresh produce. My small harvest of cherry tomatoes, which I shared with her, was more than a gift; it was a conversation starter about food access in our own neighborhood.
This experience ignited my excitement for urban agriculture as a tool for community resilience. I started a small blog with tips for low-cost container gardening, sharing what I learned about soil composition and sunlight. For me, a single tomato plant is no longer just a hobby; it’s a belief that we can create small, tangible solutions to big problems. It’s a way to be a changemaker, one pot at a time. At American University, I hope to cultivate this passion further, perhaps by getting involved with the Community-Based Research Scholars program to understand and address food insecurity on a larger scale.
I am excited by the stories hidden in dusty photo albums. My passion is for amateur archiving—digitizing my family’s old photographs, letters, and recipes. While scanning a faded photo of my great-aunt at a 1960s protest, I was struck by a powerful belief: official history often overlooks the quiet, everyday people who shape our world. The most important stories are often the ones we don't know we have.
This belief pushed me to volunteer at my local historical society, where I helped catalog oral histories from immigrant families. Listening to their experiences, I understood that preserving these personal narratives is an act of social justice. It ensures a more complete and inclusive historical record for future generations. I am a changemaker because I believe that making history accessible empowers communities by validating their experiences. I am eager to bring this passion to AU, where I can explore the intersection of history and public service, learning how to turn archives into active tools for advocacy and understanding.
My passion is helping senior citizens win the war against their smartphones. Every Tuesday, I volunteer at the public library’s “Tech Help Desk.” The work is less about technology and more about translation and patience. I’ll never forget the afternoon I spent an hour helping an 80-year-old man named Arthur set up FaceTime. When his granddaughter’s face finally appeared on the screen, his gasp of joy was one of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard.
That moment solidified my excitement for closing the digital divide. For seniors, a smartphone isn’t a toy; it’s a vital link to family, telehealth services, and community information. Teaching someone how to spot a phishing email or video call their relatives is a small act that restores their agency and combats the isolation that is so prevalent among the elderly. Being a changemaker, for me, means empowering people with the tools they need to navigate the modern world. At AU, surrounded by students dedicated to service, I want to continue this work, creating connections that bridge generational and technological gaps.
All the best!
