Brown University Supplemental Essay: Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it | Josh

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it. – 250 Words 

From fresh cut kiwi to Bermuda grass, I’ve always dealt with allergies. When I started swimming, I was diagnosed with asthma, and doctors suspected I was even allergic to chlorine. For our science symposium, I studied chlorine’s effects on the respiratory, reproductive, and endocrine systems with crickets and fruit flies. I also wrote a paper about the development and treatment of allergies. This fostered my interest in research, particularly in biology, chemistry, and human behavior.

Along with research, mathematics intrigues me. From being a grade level ahead to winning awards at Math Olympiad, I’ve always been quite skilled in this discipline. I’ve most recently sparked an interest in literature and philosophy due to lively and introspective discussions and debates in my English classes. Beyond academics, I am passionate about the visual arts, because drawing and painting evokes my deepest emotions.

Brown’s Open Curriculum will allow me to combine my passion for scientific research and mathematics. I can go beyond my concentrations and enroll in philosophy and visual art courses, utilizing the satisfactory/no credit grading system. Thus, I can explore biological malfunctions and paint landscapes. A variety of courses will expand my knowledge, not just intellectually, but also mentally and emotionally. At Brown, I will be free to pursue my personal interests and embrace the culture of learning just for the sake of learning, for the purpose of education is to look at the world for one’s self and to create change.