Why Bates?

The girl in the mirror opposite me glows like a child when she argues about the war in Iraq or the tax-cut policy. I love public speaking, for the pure joy of it. At Bates, I would gladly roll up my sleeves with the school’s national-recognized debaters to confront some perky eyes, shoot back a quick tongue, or just to swap ideas.

Such simple skills set the basis for my career choice as an international business lawyer for foreign companies in Vietnam. I would like to major in Economics, with secondary concentrations in Chemistry and either French or Rhetoric. Bipolar as they seem, Economics and Chemistry complement each other for the task as Vietnam is attempting to morph its traditional Eastern identity into Western free market. The economy is hungry for private investment, while overused historic sights and beautiful resorts cry out for protection and awareness. At Bates’ renowned economics department, I plan to get to the bottom of this fascinating era of East-West crossroad by building social insights on a scientific foundation of nature, the uniting force of our identity.

Vietnam is on the other side of the world, thus college is home. Only here can I plow through the vast library network, research in top-notch facilities, explore American democratic enterprise and then set off to Japan to learn about the only first-world economy in the Asiatic rim. Later on, abundant research and internship opportunities like the senior’s thesis and the Ladd program will weave those experiences into solid, real life solutions. Besides the “brain” factors, I am also looking for a liberal and engaging students body, with the rigorous Debate Council, the active Multicultural Center, even something as bizarre as Zenstruck Juggling. My Daoist subconscious specifically lobbies for the sapphire oceans and golden leaves of coastal Maine (a perfect setting for Buddhist contemplation).

Bates is it. Glancing at the mirror, I see a jaw-dropping, all-for-it version of the same girl, glowing at the possibilities ahead. Still intrigued, but now spunky like New Orleans’ jazz and crisp like the Midwestern air, she wants to bring it over to your place for the next wild time.