What does it mean to achieve if there is no one to share it with? What does it mean if I make a six figure salary and it’s all for myself? I have learned from a young age the impact that unselfish motivation can have on your character and your success in life. One thing I have always been taught was not to achieve solely for myself, but to achieve so that I can help others. During the summer of my junior year of high school, I lived in Perú, SA with my family for about two months. Before we left for Perú, my family and I made a point to grab all of our old clothing and some new clothing and bring it with us to Perú. We ended up filling about three suitcases with just clothing. The clothing was intended for families struggling in the shanty villages on the outskirts of the city of Lima. During our second week of travels; we borrowed my uncle’s truck and left early in the morning for the shanty villages. My family and I had made a point to not go with any church group, just on our own and help these people. Once we arrived, the people swarmed around us to receive the clothing, and we distributed it among them. After that day I asked my Dad why we had gone so out of our way to give these people what they needed. I asked him “Wouldn't it have been easier to give the clothes to a church group?” He simply replied, “Yes it would have, but we didn't just give these people the material objects that they needed, we gave them our presence, and in turn gave them hope, which should give them the strength they need to push forward.” These words my Dad said taught me that charity should not be done in your convenience, but rather you should show that you care by actually going out of your way to help somebody. Being originally from Peru, my Dad left the country with the intention of coming back to these people after he had secured himself here in the United States. It was these lessons that I had growing up that I wish to base my career goals on. Now that I have made it into a university, I wish to make a goal to achieve not only for the benefit of myself but also for the benefit of my community and heritage. I wish to pursue a degree in civil engineering at Purdue University. After I finish my masters I want to be able to do work outside of the country in nations who need help. I wish to improve upon existing infrastructure so that the less fortunate will be able to have homes and a means to get around. In order to be a great leader, you have to understand not only who you are leading for, but also the reasons why. I have gained leadership skills from Model United Nations club offered by my school. I have been put in situations where I was forced to take the floor and lead my peers so that we can create resolutions and gain support of other delegates. I greatly understand my goal and what I wish to achieve to help the greater good. Because I am a good leader and when I take a leadership role, my views are passed onto my followers. I want for them to understand why we are out in the field doing work, and not staying home in a safe environment.
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