Big Sky Country: College Admission Essay Sample

Everyone has that unforgettable experience that they would like to capture and relive. For some, this may be a certain day; for others, it may be a special event. For me, though, it is a place that I hold near and dear that constantly reminds me of how much I enjoy visiting "Big Sky Country." Montana has certain characteristics that when you take notice of them you feel the true power that the natural world has to offer. I haven't been able to pinpoint the source of this feeling, whether it is the crisp, cool, and clean air, or the soothing sounds of nature in its most elemental form. Everything about the atmosphere of Montana captures all of one's senses, and leads them on a journey into what feels like a world without cares, or perhaps what Lewis and Clark experienced seeing the Rockies for the first time. It is the feel of the radiant sun and the effect the boundless sky has on one's perception of their own significance that is the essence of Montana herself.

In what seems to be a very calm and relaxed state, I occasionally find myself doing nothing more than gazing off into the distance which is filled with untamed sagebrush, wild grasses, and small gravel roads. Aside from just gazing, I enjoy hiking and blazing new trails into untouched, pristine wilderness. I get a sense of empowerment and brazenness knowing that only I and likely a few others have ever taken this exact path. Just knowing that at any given moment I could cross paths with an elk, moose, or other remarkable wild animals forces me to stay constantly alert and energizes me to continue trekking. Once this endeavor eventually ends, I lightheartedly continue to my next unknown expedition. There are innumerable other activities with which one can occupy their time, but typically my two favorite are kayaking on an undisturbed lake and running on the gravel of county roads. While leisurely kayaking through the water, leaving nothing but a small ripple, the quiet sound of the oars kissing the water and the faint sounds of all different animals captivate and relax me. All I am able to absorb is the serenity of my environment, and all I am able to capture is the everlasting memory of it. My fun really begins once I start my regular run, although running in Montana is everything but regular. Throughout the run there is an unbroken rush of refreshing air, a constant sound of my feet pounding the gravel, and so much scenery to marvel at, all of which compound the ensuing adrenaline rush. These feelings combined surpass any other experience that I have undergone before.

Montana more than likely conveys a much different significance to me than it does to others. I treasure Montana for the reason that it is a place where I can escape busy, urban life. Time spent in Montana seems to last longer and provides more meaning than spending my time in other less serene places. It gently reminds me that simpler things in life can be the most important. The other reason Montana is so significant is that it is home to my grandparents. Thanks to all of the toil and labor my grandparents have put into their property and log cabin, it is a family favorite for vacations and reunions. They work constantly to make improvements so that our family will be comfortable every year that we visit. My entire family greatly appreciates what my grandparents do, but the gratification I receive from their effort is what ultimately inspires them to continue. Together, the cabin and the atmosphere that I associate with Montana make it the only place that I can go to be completely relaxed while enjoying myself at the same time.