I thought i would share an email with you that I recently wrote to my friend Andrew in New Zealand:

Hi Andrew

How are things going with the Oman promotion? In the off chance it does happen, I decided that it wouldn’t be a smart thing for me to participate in. I have a lot of paperwork things that will need time to process (financial aid, passport amendments due to name change, etc) and those are not the type of things to be done with haste. My instincts also tell me it’s not really a smart thing to do because I think as the time gets closer to leaving, reality will start to sink in and it will get harder for people around me and myself to handle things, although it won’t be unmanageable by any means. It would totally shell shock people if I had to jet off a whole 2 months earlier, which would only be about two and a half months from now. I’m also having a lot of fun at the moment with not be enrolled in school and just working, and I think I appreciate where I am a little more because I know I’m leaving. Something else that is somewhat counterintuitive is that I’m becoming better friends with a lot of people (and girls) since being accepted to Auckland. I think I’ve had the subconscious reaction that I should engage people a lot more because I no longer have an unlimited?? amount of time to do it. Doing this will make it harder to leave, but I think it’s best for me to seize the day instead of waiting for things to happen. I’m glad that I’m reacting in this way because the whole idea of totally rearranging my life is to feel a sense of slight urgency, rather than just coasting along like I have been for the past several years…dave

Below is a copy of the letter I wrote to get accepted to the University of Auckland. I wrote it a while ago, but I still thought people might be interested in seeing it.

Passion is what drives us and passion is why we accomplish the unthinkable. I am passionate about attending the University of Auckland because I will be empowered to become a better individual and to reach my career goal. Simply stated, my goal is to experience the challenges, risks, and fulfillment of altering conventional wisdom through new ideas in business and other areas. The University of Auckland will enable me to do this by providing the best educational experience possible.

Because I always strive to start new things and change old things, I intend to pursue the business path of entrepreneurship in my career. I’ve already tasted the fruits of entrepreneurship through several ideas, some successful and some not, and I’m very eager to continue despite the inherent risks involved. Although I love entrepreneurship, I will be successful in any environment where my creativity and intelligence are trusted, even if that means working for someone else.

Another avenue I may eventually pursue is politics, either in US or elsewhere. I’m fascinated by the political world even though I find many common political practices distasteful. I always find myself thinking, “There’s got to be a better way.”?? Despite dramatic differences in the philosophies of capitalism and democracy, I believe the skills needed to be successful in both fields are very similar.

I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad. I haven’t spent enough time out of the US to truly experience new cultures and lifestyles, which is something I crave to do. Also, by exposing myself to an unfamiliar environment, I know I will be able to seize many unforeseen opportunities.

I didn’t hesitate in choosing New Zealand as the country that I want to study in. Your country’s quality education, natural beauty, and most importantly, warm and kind people are very alluring to me as a potential student and resident. After spending three weeks backpacking through the North and South Islands in 2001, I am quite eager to return to friends made there and further embrace New Zealand’s way of life.

I want to obtain the BCom undergraduate degree from the University of Auckland Business School for several reasons. As part of New Zealand’s largest university located in the country’s largest city and economic hub, I feel the school can offer the best mix of opportunities for my life, both in and out of school. In addition to a quality course structure, entrepreneurial initiatives such as the ICEHOUSE, spark*, and courses such as Vision to Business are opportunities that I would take full advantage of, and I know I couldn’t do this at any other school.

The course structures offered at the University of Auckland are more targeted and relevant to my career goal than the courses I have taken at university in the United States. I’m convinced that by taking courses such as Entrepreneurship and New Ventures, where I can actually study the exact thing I want to do in my career, I will gain a unique educational experience that will benefit me for years to come.

Because I’ve visited the University’s campus, I know it’s a diverse environment where I can interact and exchange ideas with the people of New Zealand and other countries in a way that is not possible in the United States. With a world-class education and a rich cultural environment, I am absolutely convinced that the University of Auckland is right for me.

Ever since I first talked to someone in New Zealand a few years ago, I have been completely fascinated by its appeal. I have done nothing but profit from my time invested in exploring the people, places, and organisations of your beautiful country. I hope you will allow me to take the next step in my engagement with New Zealand by accepting me as a student to the University of Auckland.