Arts and Science

1. please write 1500 characters for each question based on my ideas already and add to it. do research on the program. it must be my writing style and sound like a 17 year old student wrote it. i will give a sample of my previous uni essays so u could reference and prehaps merge whatever fits.(PLEASE DO NOT USE AI) MY Previous essay: Tell us about who you are. How would your family, friends, and/or members of your community describe you? If possible, please include something about yourself that you are most proud of and why. (maximum 1500 characters)

Changes in my life have always come like waves, sudden and unexpected, pushing me into unfamiliar places. By choosing not to resist these waves, I learned how to find my way in the midst of new environments, schools, and responsibilities while staying true to myself and where I am from. To know me is to know my resilience, the foundation of my character, and the skill I rely on when difficult circumstances occur. At seven, I moved from Nigeria to Dallas, attended school there briefly before returning home. Soon after, I relocated again to Ontario, Canada, with my single mother and younger siblings. As my mom worked and pursued her education, I became the second parent, caring for my siblings in ways that demanded maturity far beyond my age. Experiences like this shaped me into someone who is resilient, emotionally mature, and independent. Even as my surroundings changed, I held on to my previous connections while learning how to form new ones across different environments. In 2024, my family moved to Edmonton. Leaving my home, my school, and friends once again was tough, but it pushed me to channel the strengths that I had built. I adjusted, formed new friendships, and worked toward earning my braiding license. The people Im closest with see this in me and recognize that wherever life takes me, big or small change, I am able to adapt without losing myself. I am most proud of my ability to turn uncertainty into growth and create stability for myself wherever I go

1. What is important to you? Why? (maximum 1500 characters)

I view education as both a right and a powerful tool for overcoming barriers that were not always accessible to the women before me. My mother made it her duty to instill in me the importance of education, especially as a young woman in a world where our abilities and voices are often overlooked. She would consistently repeat the phrase read hard and work hard, your education is something no one can ever take away from you. I knew early on that it represents opportunity, potential, and growth that holds the power to place you far from your roots. Success in my academics comes from consistent hard work and sacrifices I make to meet my goals, strengthening my faith that my sacrifices are leading toward a future I can be proud of. This understanding has deepened my gratitude for the opportunity to pursue higher education. Education matters to me because it gives me the power to speak, be heard, and make a meaningful difference in the others lifes. It allows me to build financial stability for myself so that I never have to depend on anyone for my future. I want to earn the respect that follows a well educated woman that walks with confidence, and knows her self worth. Most importantly, education gives me the ability to give back to those who supported me, especially during the moments when the journey felt overwhelming. I see education as both a privilege and a responsibility. Education is worth making sacrifices for because it is a privilege to have access to it and it is the key piece to building the future want for myself.

1. Tell us more about ONE or TWO activities listed above that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process. You will be asked for a reference who can speak to your response. (maximum 2100 characters)

My passion for hair started long before I realized it. When I was younger my mom would call me into her room and ask for one favour which was to braid her hair. I still remember six year old me, feeling free to try anything from twists, little braids, random styles. Most nights, she would fall asleep while I did her hair, and Id sneak out quietly.

Moving to Canada where black hair services were either hard to find or too expensive pushed me to begin experimenting my skill on both mine and my relatives hair. Through trial and error, watching videos, and constant practice, my creativity came to life. Motivation from my mother helped me step outside of my comfort zone by offering my braiding services. That was when I created Riri Hair.

I did research on how to set up booking sites, price my services and how I wanted to be seen as a braider. I wanted everyone that sat in my chair to feel genuinely cared for and appreciated. Getting my first client felt unreal, like the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I began consistently posting, staying committed and grew my client base. Within 2 months, I was fully booked. It took long days of braiding, sacrifices and a lot of patience to get me where I am today. Many clients shared their personal stories with me while in my chair, which was my goal in creating a safe and positive environment. This experience showed me what it means to serve my community. Through Riri Hair Im now able to offer services to black girls in my community who may feel like they have nowhere to go. This experience has taught me that wherever life takes me, I am fully capable of creating something meaningful for myself out of nothing that has a positive impact to everyone around me