Successful Berkeley HAAS Sample Essay

What makes you feel alive when you are doing it, and why?

A successful essay will share a specific and personal experience that helps the reader get to know you better, giving insight into your character, values, or how you would uniquely contribute to the Berkeley-Haas community.

In 2016, my life took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon the Art of Living (AOL), a nonprofit organization that focuses on mental well-being through yoga and mindfulness. Little did I know that this encounter would leave an indelible mark on my heart and soul.

At that time, I was grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic accident that had left me reeling with emotional pain from the loss of a dear one. But AOL became my beacon of hope, shining a light on a path to healing and resilience. Through yoga and mindfulness, I found solace and a renewed sense of purpose.

Driven by a deep desire to reinforce my inner strength and pay it forward, I made a bold decision. Taking a sabbatical from my regular life, I dove headfirst into the world of AOL. From July 2018 to March 2019, I immersed myself in their teachings and worked tirelessly to become a certified yoga teacher.

Since then, my life has been transformed. As a yoga instructor, I have had the privilege of organizing over 100 meditation programs for people from 25+ countries. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that yoga and mindfulness can have on individuals from all walks of life. It has been immensely fulfilling to see thousands of individuals experience a shift in their well-being, finding peace, balance, and inner strength.

But my journey with AOL didn’t stop there. Driven by a sense of duty towards my community, I have actively participated in numerous service projects. In 2017, when Uttarakhand was struck by a devastating earthquake, I volunteered and formed teams across cities to collect tons of grains and clothes for the victims. The resilience and courage of the affected families touched me deeply, and I realized the power of collective action in times of crisis.

In 2016, I took on another challenge – raising funds for river rejuvenation in Latur, the worst drought-hit region in India. I conducted awareness workshops in Mumbai corporates, spreading the message of environmental conservation and garnering donations of over $500k for the revival of river bodies. Witnessing the impact of this effort on the lives of farmers and the environment fueled my passion for creating positive change.

In 2020, I stepped up my commitment to community empowerment. I conducted workshops in villages, providing mobile hardware training for men and apparel sewing for women, empowering over 50 unemployed individuals to start earning a livelihood. The joy and sense of purpose I saw in their eyes were immeasurable, and it reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and skill-building as tools for social change.

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For me, impacting the community positively and lifting people through difficulties is not just a passion, but a way of life. It is what makes me feel truly alive. As I prepare for future endeavors, I am humbled by the realization that the spirit of inspiring positive change, staying strong in the face of challenges, and creating a ripple effect of positive energy for people around me are invaluable assets that I possess.

Looking ahead, I am determined to continue my journey of service and make a meaningful difference in the world. I believe that mental well-being is a crucial aspect of human resilience and perseverance, and I am committed to taking a leadership role at Haas Mindfulness Club and Net Impact. My vision is to create a supportive community that encourages yoga, meditation, counseling, and alternate therapies at workplaces, schools, and families around Haas, nurturing a culture of holistic well-being.

But I don’t stop there. I have a grand vision of creating a one-stop lifestyle wellness app that integrates various aspects of well-being, bringing the power of mindfulness, yoga, and holistic living to a wider audience. I am fueled by a passion for creating positive change, and I am excited to embark on this journey.