The Inspiration Within

As I sit down to write this essay, my thoughts wander to my childhood, which is where my passion for literature and language began. My family had moved to a new town, and I had a hard time making new friends. My parents, in an attempt to help me, gifted me a copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". This was the first book that I had ever read on my own, and I was immediately drawn into the world that J.K. Rowling had created. I devoured the series and was left wanting more.

As I got older, I found that reading became a form of escapism for me. Whenever I was stressed, worried or just needed to relax, I would pick up a book and lose myself in it. Books became my closest companions, and I found myself exploring new worlds and meeting new people through the pages of the books I read. It wasn't just fiction that captured my attention, though. I began to develop a keen interest in history, culture and language, which led me to explore non-fiction works and articles.

As I started thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, it was clear that literature and language were my passions. I wanted to explore this field further, and I knew that I needed to choose a college that would give me the best opportunities to pursue my goals. After researching and visiting multiple colleges, I decided that Lehigh University was the perfect fit for me.

Lehigh's liberal arts program appealed to me because it offers a broad range of courses that will allow me to study many aspects of literature and language. The English department offers a vast selection of literature courses, ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary literature. Lehigh also provides opportunities to study foreign languages, which is an aspect that I find fascinating. I believe that understanding other languages and cultures can lead to a better understanding of one's own identity.

My future career goals involve becoming a literary critic and a writer. With a degree in Literature and Language, I will be equipped with the necessary tools to analyze and critique works of literature. I also plan on pursuing creative writing courses to hone my writing skills. I am excited to learn from the diverse faculty and students at Lehigh and to take advantage of the opportunities to develop my critical thinking, communication, and writing abilities.

In conclusion, Lehigh University is the perfect place for me to pursue my passion for literature and language. The liberal arts program will allow me to delve into different areas of study and broaden my horizons, while the English department will give me the skills and knowledge I need to achieve my career goals. I am thrilled to be joining the Lehigh community and look forward to learning from and contributing to it in every way possible.