Could you people please keep your bias aside and comment on this for what it is, a college application essay. Don't turn this into a political debate. Keep in mind the school I'm applying to is very conservative/christian/big into "southern values"
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1. Tell us about a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
The President of the United States of America, our Commander in Chief – George W. Bush has had an considerable influence on my life. When I was younger I, like most of my peers, couldn’t have cared less about politics. I just couldn’t understand why the government couldn’t just print more money to feed the homeless, or simply lay down the law when it came to international policy. I was for big government and economic intervention even though I didn’t realize it. I couldn’t fathom why other people didn’t have a seemingly endless supply of food in their refrigerator, something I was always blessed enough to have. I didn’t understand the stock market, I just knew my grandfather liked watching the boring ticker on MSNBC and that a green arrow meant profit. Essentially, I was simple-minded, uneducated, and my opinions were misinformed.
Then, seemingly overnight, my outlook on life changed. George W. Bush was inaugurated, and shortly thereafter the country was attacked on September 11th, 2001. Although I didn’t even know what the World Trade Center was – I knew thousands of Americans had lost their lives and many more were devastated by the deaths of their loved ones. I closely monitored Bush’s reaction and how he handled the aftermath. I was impressed, to say the least. Now maybe it’s because in my eighth grade year I was enrolled in a Civics class, but I suddenly gained a genuine interest in politics. My best friend and I even had the opportunity to interview former Republican Congressman Ed Schrock in front of the student body. When Congressman Schrock asked what my goal in life was, I simply replied “to be the President.”
Many people tell me that my political opinions have been the result of my upbringing – especially by my very conservative grandparents. While this may have had an influence in my core upbringing and values, my opinions are largely just that – mine. During my sophomore year a Young Republicans club was started at my high school. I was ecstatic. I became treasurer of the club and volunteered for every local event that supported President Bush’s reelection, along with the congressional and other localized elections. I even had the honor of being interviewed on national radio about how, instead of defacing property, we were apart of a group of young people out supporting our Commander in Chief. My junior year I became president of the club, and I currently hold that title. I’ve campaigned for Thelma Drake, Michael Ball, Winsome Sears, Nick Rerras, and other Republican candidates. I’ve also met First Lady Laura Bush, which was honestly one of the best days of my life.
Now your question may be what all of that has to do with how George W. Bush has changed my life. Well, all of those are my reasons – essentially his presidency has affected my cause in life. From my school clubs, weekend activities, to career choice – everything has been influenced by his election. I have a genuine love for politics and a genuine love for George Bush and how he runs our country. In fact, I genuinely love America and the values we represent.
Another reason I have such a great affinity for George W. Bush is his persistence. He has had a presidency full of great conflict and catastrophe. However, even though he has faced great criticism – he is still able to get up in the morning and lead the country the way he feels is best. He has faced many blows during his time in office, but has yet to falter. I look up to him for never throwing in the towel, and always handling these problems with dignity and poise. I think a reason for this is his strong Christian faith and upbringing. I admire him for, during a time of religious conflict, proudly announcing and supporting his faith and not being ashamed or reclusive about what he is. He also brings with him a strong family upbringing and support system. Many Americans could learn from the Bush family, as their love and support for one another is unrivaled. This is evident through the utter love displayed between him and Laura. He truly encompasses all of the qualities of a chivalristic southern gentleman, and young men – even in the north – can learn a lot from that.
Now, unlike most of my peers, I care about politics and how they affect the country. I’ve never been one to accept something without first understanding it – and this is no different. I understand that, in many cases, homelessness can be avoided through a strong work ethic. I understand that a large government causes intervention which ruins capitalistic flow that is required for a country to prosper. I understand that children in Iraq didn’t have food, not because their parents were lazy, but because they had a totalitarian dictator who lined his pockets with it. When I look at the stock market now I have a genuine interest, and it’s not just representative of better Christmas presents. It’s representative of the economy and the fluctuation which could cripple it. It’s representative of how I will support my family.
George Bush is reason for this self enlightenment, change, and essentially maturity. I hope to one day lead America into the future and introduce democracy and freedom to those who have never known it. Bob Olson said “A life without purpose is a life without meaning.” I owe George W. Bush for giving my life purpose – and I want to fulfill that purpose as a Hampden-Sydney man.
