Adam Cohen
3/20/02
Personal Statement
Throughout my life, I have had two major interests that have helped to shape me as a person. These interests are law/government and language/culture. I have studied and experienced much within these realms. I seek admission to Duke University, because no other university offers as many opportunities for me to continue with these interests. I hope to one day blend law/government and language/culture by becoming an attorney specializing in international law. I know that Duke University has many programs and activities regarding these areas, such as study abroad options, the International Moot Court team, courses offered in other languages besides English, and (of course) the combined JD/LLM program. I have a definite interest in applying to this program.
My interest in law and government first began when I was in elementary school. My father has always had an interest in the two, and he envisioned I would become a lawyer, before I had ever had a concept of that profession. Now that I’m older, I look back at my earlier years of learning as crucial to the person I am now. When I speak of these earlier years, I am not simply speaking of my days spent sitting in the classroom, nor am I only speaking of my education before college. Everyday, from the day I entered this world until yesterday, has somehow shaped my existence and my education. I learned about government and law in high school through classes, pre-law conferences in Washington, and the Mock Trial team. This learning has only grown for me at the University of Florida, particularly from two experiences: membership in the Pre-Legal Honor Society and the survival of my American Civil Liberties class.
The Pre-Legal Honor Society struck me as an amazing organization, which I knew I had to join right away. Through no other medium could I meet so many individuals from the same educational background and with the same interests as I. I have made good friends from this organization and have been able to gain knowledge and learn about opportunities from guest speakers and senior members. I was able to get further involved in the Pre-Legal Honor Society and (at the same time) provide a valuable service by being accepted for the position of Law School Director. My job was to research and acquire statistics on law schools and fields of law and then present my findings at meeting before the entire organization.
The other significant law-related experience that has been crucial to my growth as a person was my American Civil Liberties class. My professor was a very dedicated and intelligent man who held his students to a very high standard. This class was in many ways a law school class, with the professor using the Socratic method and with some very difficult papers and examinations. Many students could not handle the demanding and incredibly difficult nature of the course and (therefore) dropped out. I stood my ground and earned an ‘A’ in the class. It may just appear to be another ‘A’ on my transcript but it was the most difficult ‘A’ that I have ever earned. I learned a great deal about the law from that class and developed a huge respect for it. I also became convinced, like never before, that the law is my future.
My future also lies in another field that developed much later for me. In high school, I was required to take two years of a foreign language. I had never before given foreign languages and foreign cultures much consideration. However, I became enamored with the Spanish language and culture during my first year learning a foreign language. My Spanish teacher was the best teacher I have ever had and it goes without saying that she was one of the greatest influences of my life. I took Spanish for three years and then went to college to continue my studies. Spanish only became my major after some amazing classes and professors that further cultivated my love for the language.
I became involved with an organization to which I was entirely devoted. This organization is Volunteers for International Student Affairs (VISA) and its purpose is to encourage diversity, share cultures, and support international students at the University of Florida. I learned a great deal about different countries and customs. I was offered the position of Assistant Treasurer for the organization, and I am glad I accepted it. VISA is a massive organization with several umbrella organizations and I was able to meet many people from different lands. Unfortunately, the organization has taken a downturn with the new leadership and is not the same organization that it once was. My time spent with VISA was enlightening, but there was an even greater event that occurred in my life.
The most significant event of my life took place this fall when I studied overseas in Salamanca, Spain. I knew I would never be the same person again. My language skills grew ten-fold, and the greatest lesson I learned there was to embrace diversity and to be tolerant and open-minded of all cultures. I talked to many natives and tried to soak up the culture of every region and country I visited. Besides Spain, I was fortunate enough to travel to Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, and Morocco. I met many more people from different walks of life, as Salamanca is truly an international city with thousands of students from all over the world. I made friends with some Spaniards and also some Germans. As a result of interacting with many kind and admirable German people, I have recently begun the study of German. I hope to become fluent in German some day, as I have already become in Spanish.
I understand now, in some sense, which direction my life should take, and I believe that the international arena will always be a part of it. I hope Duke University will become a part of it too. This school is a fantastic institution, and I would like to add my experiences and values to continue its tradition of excellence.
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