Admission Essay about Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture as a career has always been my enthrallment from the time I was a young boy as there is no monotony in it and would like to major in UC architecture. I do believe that my desire to be able to pursue this field stems from the fact that most of my teenage life I have spent it travelling the world and also that I once got directly involved in building. My parents like travelling so much and during those times they would take me along in their tours. During those times, I would take with me my sketch book for drawing all the fascinating views in the different places we would tour and give a personal touch to the sketches drawn by being creative and displaying them in the way I would want them to be. This passion grew to the point that I would urge my parents to arrange for another tour sooner since I was eager to see the new structures and compare them with my own sketches. Traveling the world has made me realize that our cultures are also incorporated in architecture and th is has given me a reason to want to pursue architecture since it will be able to give me an in depth analysis of my culture and that of others. I do believe that I stand a better chance of pursuing the course since I have several advantages. I have been able to go through a number of experiences which have given me a good platform of working as an architect in future after completing my course. I was once involved in re-building the Oakland houses which gave me insights on what is required in the profession. During my free time, I volunteered to give advice to the young teenagers on how to live there lives in order to accomplish their life goals which have been a tool of importance in my life. I will be dealing with so many people hence I acquired the courage to address a large number of people while presenting my designs. I also visited orphaned children and the old people in their nursing homes which was a motivation to me in creating homes where they would stay in when abandoned by their family members. In addition to all this, I have been involved in my high school and college organization programs that have really build my interest in architecture as a profession. My level of creativity has really expanded and I believe that am going to be an asset in your department. I am also competent in my potential to produce quality work since I have managed to enter a competition which required participants to redesign the dorm in 2005 in which my friend and I emerged the first. With this kind of exposure, I am confident that I will give the department the necessary work needed. Apart from all this, I have undergone a two year college experience which gave me knowledge concerning how I can use color, lighting and composition in architectural application. The experience has given me the tool of brainstorming which is powerful in architecture since it is going to give me new ideas to present. The knowledge and skills acquired so far will enable me deliver well in all project assignments. Moreover, I have had the privilege of going to Indonesia to work as a volunteer at Baran Bannan a UNESCO organization. The organization gave me a very good exposure especially since I was able to interact with professionals in the field of architecture who gave me a few tips on how to better my skills and be the best in what I do. The accomplishment I managed to work on during my time in the organization has made me proud of myself. I have been a person who wants to attain the desired goals in a specified time and thus this made me desire and appreciate architecture more. I have always admired the buildings that have been designed by most of the architects and being given the chance to use my skills in Baran Bannan was an honor since they entrusted me with work for the professionals. Candi Prambanan the cultural heritage has been uniquely designed using stacking of stones and thus its maintenance and preservation of the culture will help in understanding the whole work of the world. Architecture is a process that needs to be instilled in an individual in order to bring out all the feelings of the design. The earthquakes bound to hit the buildings should not affect the existence of the building since the architect will have looked into such predicaments and should put in place their recommendations. Stone working materials in the cultural heritage showed that the construction was for a long time ago and shows the Hindu style of constructing houses. The experience of this kind of volunteer work was rewarding since I was able to learn the culture of other tribes which is most basic for architects as it helps in bringing out the design. Architecture is a field that needs individuals to be creative in their working and produce original designs bearing in mind the upco ming designs in the market. Architects need to be well conversant with the new designs in the market and I know that through my traveling expeditions, I have been able to collect some vital information. Having all these experiences and knowledge, I know that am going to put them into good use and deliver much more I given the chance to display my ability. Sharing of acquired knowledge is something I encourage since it will enable me to learn from others. Reference: Senior, M. and Mannix, P. (2001). Writing an effective personal statement: a step-by-step guide. New York: Senior Plcs.

Coachella Free Essays

Coachella One of my favorite events is the Coachella Music Festival, a music fans ultimate adventure. My friend Isaac and I had planned our trip for months. The event was two days, split up because of the hundreds of bands playing. We will write a custom essay sample on Coachella or any similar topic only for you Order Now We bought our ticket months in advance for one day. The line-up for that day was amazing. The line up consisted of: Radio Head, Pixies, Kraftwerk, Rapture, Death Cab for Cutie, and many more. If you love alternative music, this is it. We also had planned to stay the night, so we pre-booked a room in hotel nearby. Our destination was Indio California, near Palm Springs. The drive from San Jose to Indio was about 427 miles. We headed out early morning, stopped a couple times to use the restroom and refuel. Driving on Highway 10, was mostly desert. The only interesting configurations worth gazing were the plain white wind mills. Hundreds lined up, across acres of desert land. Some of the giant windmills propelled with the slight dry wind. We finally had arrived and it felt like we stepped into a depleted tropical land. Luckily, the hotel we stayed in included a swimming pool! It was the day of the event, so we made sure to dress accordingly. We also made sure to bring plenty of water. The parking area was a chaotic scrabble of vehicles. The walk to the gates was a good 10 minutes. This was only the beginning; this event was spread out onto 90 acres. No wonder, GoldenVoice (Coachella Organizers) held event in this location; Empire Polo Club. The first idea that came to mind was to plan our day according to music events itinerary. A mass of 100,000 people would be diverged among the Polo Fields. Coachella’s map out of event accommodated all; with multiple stages, international food stands, alcohol and beverage stands, in door lounges to cool off, numerous tents with DJ’s, art installations, Coachella souvenir stands, porta potties in large quantities, ATMs, Security, and First Aide stands. The lines were a quarter mile long, or more for all stands. At this point, my friend Isaac and I decided we would cool off with a Heineken. Next we took our place in line to get a bite to eat. Of course everything is overpriced, since it is a music concert. How to cite Coachella, Essay examples

Theme - Animal Farm Essays - British Films, Cold War Films, Allegory

Theme - Animal Farm Theme Analysis The theme of Animal Farm is not difficult to understand. Orwell intended to criticize the communist regime he saw sweeping through Russia and spreading to Europe and even the United States. Though he agreed with many Marxist principles, Orwell was unable to accept the communist interpretation of socialism because he saw many similarities between the communist governments and the previous czarist regimes in old Russia. Communism, he thought, was inherently hypocritical.In his self-proclaimed fairy-story, Orwell uses his allegorical farm to symbolize the communist system. Though the original intention of overthrowing Mr. Jones (who represents the Czars), is not inherently evil in itself, Napoleons subsequent adoption of nearly all of Mr. Jones principles and harsh mistreatment of the animals proves to the reader that indeed communism is not equality, but just another form of inequality. The pigs and dogs take most of the power for themselves, thinking that they are the best administrat ors of government. Eventually the power corrupts them, and they turn on their fellow animals, eliminating competitors through propaganda and bloodshed. This is of course a reference to Stalin, who murdered many of his own people in order to maintain his dictatorship of Russia. Chapter 1 In Orwell's first chapter, the reader is introduced to all of his wonderful animals with two important exceptions: Snowball and Napoleon (two characters who will become the focus later). Obviously most of the chapter is intended to spark pity and a sense of sympathy for the poor, suffering farm animals, but the old Major's words are very telling. The wise old pig addresses the central conflict of the book, and of Orwell's intended meaning-- tyranny. The first (and seemingly only) dictatorship the animals must overcome is the rule of Mr. Jones and the other humans. Chapter 2 Orwell's second chapter is drenched with metaphors most of which will not come to light until later in the novel. The first is old Major's death. This represents the end to the older regime, the initial revolution. Now someone else will have to step into authority. Secondly Orwell strangely describes a pig named Squealer. The name sounds fairly pig-like but his actions don't. Supposedly Squealer has a special ability to persuade others. Orwell boasts, ...he could turn black into white. Obviously a pig like this could be used by the right people (animals). Orwell uses chapter 2 to really make Mr. Jones into a bad guy, although he admits that he was at one time a good master. Mr. Jones' main problem is that he drinks too much and neglects the farm. Even his men are idle and dishonest. Soon the animals are fed up with Jones (pardon the pun) after not being fed for over a day, so they organize and successfully carry out the long- awaited revolt. The animals rename Manor Farm Animal Farm yet agree not to live in the house. Yet some of the elite pigs have already adopted some of Man's ways; Snowball and Napoleon have suddenly taught themselves to read and write, and soon a list of 7 Commandments is written on the tarred wall. Unfortunately only a few of the animals can actually read the rules. This will come back to haunt them later. Orwell again closes with a eerie foreshadowing. After Snowball and Napoleon order the animals to work in the hay field, the milk which many of the lower animals asked to drink mysteriously disappears. Napoleon, however, dismisses the milk plea by proclaiming, The harvest is more important. Chapter 3 Chapter 3 is uneventful for the most part although it does have a few more important metaphors. For one thing, the pigs are starting to emerge as the elite class of animals although all animals are supposed to be equal. Orwell narrates, The pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others. Of course the rational is classic and easy to see through. Orwell continues, With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should assume the leadership. Snowball and Napoleon start to fight and argue over everything. Both pigs enjoy the apples and milk only given to them. Of course this is just in the farm's best interest. Really pigs don't like the taste

Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay Example

Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay Example Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay A brief knowledge of Historical events Is useful when reading this book as Individual Wars and Battles are not covered in too much detail because of the vast number of conflicts since the Renaissance period, however a reader with no historical background can read this book and gain a lot of knowledge, It has an easily read neural textbook feel about it, and It Is divided chronologically into three sections: pre-industrial 1500 1800, Industrial 1800 1943 and Today Tomorrow 1943 21st Century, which allows the book to be easily used as reference material for people interested In a particular period. A particularly Interesting feature of this History book Is that Instead of finishing when the author wrote It, Kennedy continues and makes his predictions for the future, he accurately predicted the fall of the Soviet union as well as the relative decline in the American economy with regards to the sis of new Powers such as China and the cooperation of the European states, which helps convince the reader in the 21st century that Kennedy Is somebody who knows what he Is talking about and that his arguments and predictions should be considered! The main line of the authors argument is that the Great Powers strength can only be tested against that of other Great Powers, one is by necessity always stronger than another due to factors such as the constantly differing growth rates, population and resources that each Power has. Kennedy time and again links the Roth or decline of an economy with the respective Powers military capability and eventual rise or fall. Whilst reading the book, backed with the wealth of examples and evidence Kennedy cites giving tables, charts and maps; it is easy to be convinced by Kennedys arguments. After all It makes sense that the bal-polar world of the Austrian and Spanish ended as they overextended themselves, creating the multi polar eighteenth century including Britain, France, Austria, Prussia and Russia. Kennedy then states that the economical power created by the Countries that were prepared o industrialist created a new series of superpowers: The nineteenth century British Empire then the t wentieth century Soviet union and the united States, and as the growth of these states stagnates and others grow world power will become multi polar once more encompassing five more possible powers; LISA, Russia, China, India and the ELI. Personally I agree mostly with what Kennedy says but In my opinion there are several difficulties, firstly he argues that Europe rose to dominate the rest of the world as opposed to because of fragmented states, increasing competition and 1 OFF actors for the decline of the Spanish Empire caused through lack of cohesion When I read this part for the first time, I though that this seemed like a contradiction, but on further thought could Kennedy mean however that these factors are beneficial to the rise of a power, however once they have reached a Great Power status begin to become a burden and can act as a factor in the Powers decline? I also think that an important factor which appears to be understated in the book are the leaders of Powers, I dont want to appear biased towards elite history as opposed to economic story, but using the Spanish Empire example from earlier, Spain did had ineffectual monarchs certainly from the mid seventeenth century, and was the time at which the Empire started to decline, cumulating in the Spanish war of Succession which in effect made Spain a second rate power. If Spain had more capable leaders they would have been in a better position to remain a major world player. In conclusion I would recommend The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, it is easily read, there are maps and charts which help the reader visualize the political boundaries of the time. The main arguments are well backed up, and it is interesting as the focus is constantly changing from state to state. It is a good book for students but anybody with an interest could read and understand it. The Book I am about to review The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is one of fourteen books written by Paul Kennedy, the author is considered an expert in the fields of Grand Strategy and International Relations, he previously studied under the famous historian GAP Taylor and this is Kennedys best known book to date; it being translated into twenty three languages, reaching no. N the Bestselling Hardcover Books when it was released in 1988 and also winning Kennedy the Williston History Prize for his work. The Book is rather long; owing to the fact it covers five hundred years of World History of the Great Powers, yet focuses largely towards European Powers, as that is where the majority of power lay until the early twentieth century. A brief knowledge of Historical events is useful when reading this book as individual Wars and Battles are not covered in too much detail because of the vast number of conflicts since the Renaissance period, however reader with no historical background can read this book and gain a lot of knowledge, it has an easily read general textbook feel about it, and it is divided chronologically into three sections: Pre-industrial 1500 1800, Industrial 1800 1943 and Today Tomorrow 1943 21st Century, which allows the book to be easily used as reference material for people interested in a particular period. A particularly interesting feature of this History book is that instead of finishing when the author wrote it, Kennedy continues and makes his predictions for the future, he accurately redirected the fall of the Soviet Union as well as the relative decline in the American economy with regards to the rise of new Powers such as China and the cooperation of the European states, which helps convince the reader in the 21st century that Kennedy is somebody who knows what he is talking about and that his arguments and predictions should be considered! The main line of the authors argument is that the Great Powers strength can only be tested against that of other Great Powers, one is by necessity always stronger than another due to factors such as the constantly offering growth rates, population and resources that each Power has. Kennedy time and again links the growth or decline of an economy with the respective Powers wealth of examples and evidence Kennedy cites giving tables, charts and maps; it is easy to be convinced by Kennedys arguments, after all it makes sense that the bi- polar world of the Austrian and Spanish ended as they overextended themselves, creating the multi polar eighteenth century including Britain, France, Austria, Prussia and Russia. Kennedy then states that the economical power created by the Countries hat were prepared to industrialist created a new series of superpowers: The nineteenth century British Empire then the twentieth century Soviet Union and the United States, and as the growth of these states stagnates and others grow world power will become multi polar once more encompassing five more possible powers; USA, Russia, China, India and the ELI. Personally I agree mostly with what Kennedy says but in my opinion there are several difficulties, firstly he argues that Europe rose to dominate the rest of the world as opposed to because of fragmented states, increasing competition and the freedom for merchants to do as they wish, yet he later cites the same reasons as factors for the decline of the Spanish Empire caused through lack of cohesion When I read this part for the first time, I though that this seemed like a contradiction, but on further thought could Kennedy mean however that these factors are beneficial to the rise of a power, however once they have reached a Great Power status begin to become a burden and can act as a factor in the Powers decline? I also think that an important factor which appears to be understated in the book are the leaders of Powers, I dont want to appear biased towards elite history as opposed to economic history, but using the Spanish Empire example from earlier, Spain did had ineffectual monarchs certainly from the mid seventeenth century, and was the time at which the Empire started to decline, cumulating in the Spanish war of Succession which in effect made Spain a second rate power. If Spain had more capable leaders they would have been in a better position to remain a major world player. In conclusion I would recommend The Rise ND Fall of the Great Powers, it is easily read, there are maps and charts which help the reader visualize the political boundaries of the time. The main arguments are well backed up, and it is interesting as the focus is constantly changing from state to state. It is a good book for students but anybody with an interest could read and understand it. The Book I am about to review The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is one of fourteen books written by Paul Kennedy, the author is considered an expert in the fields of Grand Strategy and International Relations, he previously studied ender the famous historian GAP Taylor and this is Kennedys best known book to date; it being translated into twenty three languages, reaching no. 6 in the Bestselling Hardcover Books when it was released in 1988 and also winning Kennedy the Williston History Prize for his work. The Book is rather long; owing to the fact it covers five hundred years of World History of the Great Powers, yet focuses largely towards European Powers, as that is where the majority of power lay until the early twentieth century. A brief knowledge of Historical events is useful when reading this book as individual Wars and Battles are not covered in too much detail because of the vast number of conflicts since the Renaissance period, however a reader with no historical background can read this book and gain a lot of knowledge, it has an easily read general textbook feel about it, and it is divided chronologically into three sections: interested in a particular period. A particularly interesting feature of this History book is that instead of finishing when the author wrote it, Kennedy continues and Union as well as the relative decline in the American economy with regards to the alps convince the reader in the 21st century that Kennedy is somebody who knows what he is talking about and that his arguments and predictions should be Kennedys arguments, after all it makes sense that the bi-polar world of the Austrian Empire then the twentieth century Soviet Union and the United States, and as the polar once more encompassing five more possible powers; USA, Russia, China, India and the ELI. Personally I agree mostly with what Kennedy says but in my opinion the freedom for merchants to do as they wish, yet he later cites the same reasons as with an interest could read and understand it.

Chinas Hukou System

Chinas Hukou System Chinas Hukou system is a family registration program that serves as a domestic passport, regulating population distribution and rural-to-urban migration. It is a tool for social and geographic control that enforces an apartheid structure that denies farmers the same rights and benefits enjoyed by urban residents.    History of the Hukou System The modern Hukou system was formalized as a permanent program in 1958.   The system was created to ensure social, political, and economic stability.   Chinas economy was largely agrarian during the early days of the Peoples Republic of China.  In order to speed up industrialization, the government prioritized heavy industry by following the Soviet model.   In order to finance this expansion, the state underpriced agricultural products, and overpriced industrial products to induce an unequal exchange between the two sectors, essentially paying peasants less than market price for their agricultural goods.   In order to sustain this artificial imbalance, the government had to create a system which restricts the free flow of resources, especially labor, between industry and agriculture, and between city and countryside.    Individuals became categorized by the state as either rural or urban, and they were required to stay and work within their designated geographic areas.   Traveling was permitted under controlled conditions, but residents assigned to a certain area will not be given access to jobs, public services, education, healthcare, and food in another area.   A rural farmer who chooses to move to the city without a government-issued Hukou would essentially share the same status an illegal immigrant in the United States.   Obtaining an official rural-to-urban Hukou change is extremely difficult.   The Chinese government has tight quotas on conversions per year.    Effects of the Hukou System The Hukou system has historically always benefited the urbanites.   During the Great Famine of the mid-twentieth century, individuals with rural Hukous were collectivized into communal farms, where much of their agricultural output were taken in the form of a tax by the state and given to city dwellers.   This led to massive starvation in the countryside, and the Great Leap Forward would not be abolished until the effects were felt in the cities. After the Great Famine, rural residents continued to be marginalized, while urban citizens enjoyed a range of socio-economic benefits.   Even today, a farmers income is one-sixth that of the average urban dweller.   Farmers have to pay three times more in taxes, but receive a lower standard of education, healthcare, and life.   The Hukou system impedes upward mobility, creating essentially a caste system that governs Chinese society.    Since the capitalistic reforms of the late 1970s, an estimated 260 million rural dwellers have illegally moved to the cities, in an attempt to partake in the remarkable economic development taking place there.   These migrants brave discrimination and possible arrest while living on the urban fringe in shantytowns, railway stations, and street corners.   They are often blamed for rising crime and unemployment.    Reform With Chinas rapid industrialization, the Hukou system needed to be reformed in order to adapt to the countrys new economic reality.   In 1984, the State Council conditionally opened the door of market towns to peasants.   Country residents were allowed to get a new type of permit called, â€Å"self-supplied food grain† Hukou, provided that they satisfied a number of requirements.   The primary requirements are that a migrant must be employed in enterprise, have their own accommodations in the new location, and be able to self-provide their own food grain.   Holders are still not eligible for many state services and they cannot move to other urban areas ranked higher than that particular town.    In 1992, the PRC launched another form of permit called the blue-stamp Hukou.   Unlike the self-supplied food grain Hukou, which is limited to certain business peasants, the blue stamp Hukou is open to a wider population and allowed migration into bigger cities.   Some of these cities included the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), which were havens for foreign investments.   Eligibility was primarily limited to those with familial relations with domestic and overseas investors.   Ã‚  The Hukou system experienced another form of liberation in 2001​ after China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).   Although WTO membership exposed Chinas agricultural sector to foreign competition, leading to job losses, it galvanized the labor-intensive sectors, particularly in textile and clothing, leading to an urban labor demand.   The intensity of patrols and documentation inspections were relaxed.    In 2003, changes were also made to how illegal migrants are to be detained and processed.   This was the result of a media and internet-frenzied case in which a college educated urbanite named, Sun Zhigang, was beaten to death after he was taken into custody for working in the megacity of Guangzhou without the proper Hukou ID. Despite the reforms, the current Hukou system still remains fundamentally intact because of the continuing disparities between the states agricultural and industrial sectors.   Although the system is highly controversial and vilified, a complete abandonment of the Hukou is not practical, due to the complexity and interconnectedness of the modern Chinese economic society.   Its removal could lead to a migration so massive that it could cripple city infrastructures and destroy the rural economy.   For now, minor changes will continue to be made to the Hukou, as it coincides with Chinas shifting political climate.

Independence War 1775 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Independence War 1775 - Research Paper Example However, the parliament made it clear through the enactment of the Declaratory Act of 1766, that it had the authority to tax the colonies (Bobrick 15). This paper is a critical evaluation of the economic factors, which pushed the colonies to rebel against Great Britain and demand for independence. Economic Factors that Led to the American War of Independence (1775-1783) The War of Independence, or the American Revolutionary War, is a war, which was fought between Great Britain and 13 American colonies between the years 1775 and 1783 (Greene 201). However, it may be important to note that France and Spain were also actively involved in the war as they provided military assistance to the Americans. When the British entered America long before the revolution, they settled in colonies, after which leaders were selected in every one of them as representatives of the British government in England. They were to ensure that the colonies provided sufficient raw materials to the industries abr oad as well as market for the manufactured products. They were also supposed to ensure that the colonies remained loyal to the crown by collecting taxes on behalf of the British government (Alden 20). ... More so because the colonies did not have sufficient machinery and personnel to defend themselves from France and therefore, they needed the protection of their mother country, which was well equipped militarily. Secondly, the Anglo-French war was a highly costly affair and it hurt the British economy deeply (Bailyn 27). It is estimated that in North America, the British government spent approximately 4% of its total spending to protect the colonies from French invasion (Bailyn, 36). The colonials from North America also failed to fulfill their obligations during the war in terms of financial contribution and provision of personnel to engage in the war to defend their territories. Due to this, the British Government decided to come up with a strategy to cover the heavy losses and one way to do this was to increase revenues from the colonies. In 1763, the British government decided to halt the expansion of the colonies by creating borders, with an intention of preserving land belongin g to the Indians (Alden 41). This move was meant to gain favor from the Indians so that they could become consumers of British manufactured goods thereby providing market, which was essential in promoting the economy. In order to achieve this objective, British soldiers were posted on the western lands and were charged with the mandate of expelling all the Americans who had settled there as well as prevent new settlement by the American colonials. Ironically, the soldiers were to be paid using taxes collected from the Americans (Bobrick 22). The colonials did not take this lightly as they perceived it as a move to limit their economic interests and this created discontent and hatred towards Britain as it led to the

Global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Global warming - Essay Example The Earth is heating up and it will affect the crops. The rising of the sea level, the melting of icecaps and the global climatic changes are all the impacts of global warming. Global warming has influenced the business strategies as people try to reduce the greenhouse effect through efficient operations or energy conservations techniques. Regulations are imposed every other day to reduce the quantity of carbon dioxide and other gases emitted into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is argued that global warming presents new oppurtunities to businesses; it encourages innovation and creativity with the help of advanced technology. Global warming is believed to be destructive and expensive (Richman, 2007) but smart companies know which way the wind is blowing and how fast the ice is melting (Gunther, 2006). They find new ways to innovate, save energy, cut costs and reduce emissions. Insurers manage $26 trillion of assets of companies and are trying to influence the government to change po licies so that radical action can be taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions (Webber, 2002). Businesses have to evaluate the risks and analyze the oppurtunities that climate change has posed (Hagen, 2007). Stronger storms, prolonged droughts in some areas and heavy flooding or precipitation in other areas can adversely affect the immovable properties of businesses. The value of properties in coastal areas could decrease and they may be required to construct sturdier buildings that are more solid and resistant.