大学申请短文：Georgetown University - 常春藤之路 ivytrack.org

"Justanother illegal looking for a job," the chubby cashier whispers to hiscoworker as my dad and I walk out of the convenience store. We had just drivenup to buy lunch, and my dad was delighted to see a "Help Wanted"sign.

"Mihija, por favor pregunta si puedo aplicar" he eagerly pleads to me.Despite my hesitations of seeing an army of white-faced workers, I reluctantlyagreed to ask the chubby cashier for an application. The cashier, whose nametag said Dave, informed us that the first part of the application was a verbalinterview. Dave would ask the questions, and my dad would do his best to respond.His English was broken and he frequently looked to me for translating. After afew questions Dave concluded the interview and looked over to me,

"Listen,girl. He's over 60 and speaks no English. There is no way we would hirehim." His tone was rude, but I sadly understood why my dad wasn't hired. Ifaced my hopeful dad and watched his smile drop as I told him that Dave justremembered that they hired someone yesterday and that they really couldn'tafford to hire anyone else. My dad was disappointed, but nonetheless hegraciously shook Dave's hand and thanked him for his time.

Jobsearching is difficult for everyone, but in a world full of Daves, it's almostimpossible. Daves are people who look at my family and immediately think lessof us. They think illegal, poor and uneducated. Daves never allow my dad topass the first round of job applications. Daves watch like hawks as my brotherand I enter stores. Daves inconsiderately correct my mother's grammar. Becausethere are Daves in the world, I have become a protector for my family. I excusetheir behavior as just being a "typical American." I convince mymother that they are only staring at her lovely new purse. I convince my dadthey are only shouting about store sales to us. Aside from being a protector, Iam also an advocate. As an advocate, I make sure my family is never takenadvantage of. I am always looking out for scams and discrepancies. I am the oneasking the questions when we buy or sell a car. I make sure all details arediscussed and no specifics are left unanswered.

I havebeen committed to helping my parents since I was 8 years old. Although I didn'talways enjoy acting like a mini-adult, I was always delighted to see my parentssmile when I finished a task. I quickly came to a conclusion that I likedmaking other people happy. It felt good to do something for others that theycouldn't do for themselves. My parents never shielded me from reality. I wasvery aware of their past struggles with poverty and I knew how lucky I was tohave food on the table, a roof over my head and a school to attend, and afteryears of helping just my parents, I decided to expand my clientele: I beganvolunteering.

I havevolunteered at soup kitchens, retirement homes, public libraries and parks. Ihave worked with inspiring leaders, traveled to unique locations and met withengaging people of all ages. I quickly developed a love for both service and mycommunity, and after eight years the love still flourishes.

I amexcited to widen my impact and hope to pursue a career in either publicservice, politics or diplomacy. I am so grateful for all the support I havereceived. From caring public school teachers to subsidized lunches, the United Stateshas put me on a path to success. Undoubtedly this path wasn't always paved, butrugged and relentless feet have carried me along.