I like to refer to myself as an oxymoron in a man. I realized this embodiment of opposites one day as I left my school’s technology center to go to football practice. I was a self-proclaimed nerd who played football, among other sports, and I found this interesting. My contradiction of stereotypes did not end there: I was also enthralled with math, yet captivated by photography; I was an FFA officer – a country boy who won contests in FBLA; I was even intelligent and popular. As we began a long practice, the thought left me, but my revelation’s impact has not.

The longer I ponder it, the more I realize my oxymoronic traits play an integral part in my personality. Thanks to my diversity, I am more open to new ideas and accepting of people. I find myself a little more interesting as well. My diversity produces a drive to explore, branch out, and investigate the curiosity I harbor. All these contribute to making me Nathaniel Guy Mahieu.
My personality reflects what I am hoping to achieve during my college years at Washington University. The foremost of my goals for college is to exploit my curiosity, keep it alive, and focus it on my fields of study. I am excited to apply myself and my curiosity to challenges whose solutions can make a difference in people’s lives. I look forward to building a solid foundation for my future family and for my career. Throughout my studies, I will strive to reach my highest potential. This drive to improve myself and my world is the center of my personality.

When my exhausted self left practice that day, I was looking forward to what the future had to bring me and wondering to what stereotype I belonged. I now see it does not exist, and the only stereotype I belong to is my own. This unique collection of oxymorons and contrasting interests is truly who I am. When I attend Washington University, I will bring all this with me: my goals, my personality, my experiences, and my drive. These are what I have to offer my college and peers.