ESSAY 3：Reflect a risk you have taken and introduce us your thoughts.

Recalling back on my brief life, though there was nothing great, one thing was positive that at a very early age I started thinking independently and making my own decisions.

During the middle school days I made a critical decision that was to influence my whole life. At that time I was studying in the best middle school in ShenYang-----the middle school division of the Northeast YuChai School. At the graduation, owing to my excellent scores, I was guaranteed education in one of the 2 best high schools exempt from entrance examination: one famous for its science education with a proud history of 52 years; the other the newly established Northwest YuChai Foreign Languages School that laid much emphasis on foreign language education.

It was extremely difficult for a middle school student to make a choice as big as that. The former meant a first rate university in China in future and a promising prospect in a society where science and technology are getting more and more attention while the latter, on the other hand, was a choice after my own heart.

After long and careful consideration, I decided resolutely on the latter. At that time, my decision was backed by two factors. Because of my strong interests in foreign language and culture, the latter undoubtedly will better suit my personality in the first place. Secondly, it was true that science and technology talents were vital to the society, but comprehensively developed personnel who were not only versed in scientific knowledge but also the master of several foreign languages will play an even more important role in the future construction of the Chinese society. It will especially the case in the 21 century after China joined WTO when international exchange of commerce, science and technology and culture was on the rise and more and more such comprehensive personnel were needed.

I remained firm in my choice though at the time it was made, I was almost suffocated by suspicions and pressures from various sources. Today when I am successfully completing my high school education, I am happy to find my decision justified. The outstanding achievements I acquired in the school, may it be academic or comprehensive, are prideful evidence of that justification.

Today with that same resolution, I appeal to Stanford University, a school I have long since yearned for. On the one hand, my proved capacity equips me with confidence. On the other, it is the vitality and the first class education in Stanford University, with its legendary figures such as the Chinese descendant Jerry Yang who established Yahoo, and the female commercial leader as well as its alumna Cardeton Fiorina, that call on me to continue my education there.