The Identity of Water: College Admission Essay Sample

Character, like a watercolor painting, is created stroke by stroke. An extra layer of color can change the entire work. Add a layer of water and the intensity and translucency is altered. My academic success is spelled out in black and white, while color comprises my character. I have never seen a watercolor painting lacking color and vibrancy because, like human character, watercolor painting has an innate depth.

From attending art shows strapped to my dad's back as a child to displaying works of my own, I have always gravitated to the uniqueness of watercolors. As I tossed technology and picked up a brush, the realization came that every aspect of my identity is characterized by watercolor painting. Water is essential to watercolor painting just as water sustains all life. The universality of water gives watercolors four main characteristics: creativity, depth, translucency, and simplicity. The boundless possible creations and depth define the mind, the translucence opens the heart, and the simplicity of a blank canvas defines the soul.

The creativity of a watercolor painting is limitless. Much like the mind, a painting can be structured and straightforward, or it can be free flowing and unbounded. But the painting, like the mind, produces an original creation when both of these aspects are combined into one image. Layer-by-layer and stroke-by-stroke, depth is generated on a canvas. The underlying colors remain the foundation as they are covered with coats of character. My mind is similar to a canvas full of colorful layers: the foundation is made up of my willingness and trustworthiness. These characteristics don't always shine through all the other complex layers, colors, and patterns of my personality, but they are always present. The outside vitality represents the satisfaction I receive through helping the less fortunate. Just as translucency complements watercolor painting, satisfaction and everyday pleasures complement research projects and community service.

It is easy to forget about what is underneath a colorful canvas of character. The pure and simple blank slate is the foundation for both a beautiful painting and an understanding soul. As others look to me for leadership, academic help, and works of altruism, I would hope that they examine my character as they would a watercolor painting. My transcript reflects my study habits, but watercolor paintings mirror my true identity.