NYU Stern MBA Essay: Change: _________ it (350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)

In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:
Change: Dare it.
Change: Dream it.
Change: Drive it.
Change: Empower it.
Change: Manifest it.
Change: [Any word of your choice.]

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Background Information: An Asian American who grew up in a black neighborhood narrates the loss of her friends' parents from lifestyle-related illnesses.  The bankruptcy that followed from the high cost of medical care forced many to foster homes and eventually to the streets.

Teenage homelessness was rampant in her neighborhood.

The after-school music program saved her life.

The non-profit she founded to address healthcare and homelessness among teenagers in her neighborhood is the manifest it narrative. 

Theme: Homelessness

Theme (Explained): Homelessness in the US, among veterans and drug addicts, is a popular theme in MBA essays. But the reasons for homelessness among teenagers are varied. For the essay, parents' health is quoted as the reason for the trend.
In addition to the homelessness theme, the essay also captures 'stress eating' – a primary cause of obesity that triggers lifestyle-related illness. 

Profile: Consultant

Industry: Non-Profit

MBA Essay Strategy: By highlighting the causes of homelessness and music as a pathway to manifest a better future, the applicant shares her gratitude for escaping the downfall many in her neighborhood experienced. In addition to highlighting her community engagement that increased the budget allocated for teenage homelessness, I have also strategically included a milestone to demonstrate her skills as a musician. 

Opener: The opening line builds intrigue and pivots into the age when the applicant's interest in the Cello began.

Sample NYU Stern Change Essay: Manifest It (Addressing Homelessness Among Teenagers in Baltimore)(346 Words)
 

As a 4-year-old, my eyes were glued to the TV. 

When the cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed, I would ignore the gunshots in my neighborhood.

As a single mother, my mom saved up for 6 months and finally afforded us a Cello. Enrolling me in <_y>- a free after-school music program and listening to <_z>  - the founder and the Orchestra Director ..

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