1-APS.

After reading the APU2030 Vision and Admissions Policy, explain in detail what
you aim to learn within your college of choice (APS: College of Asia Pacific Studies),
and how it relates to your future goals. (Maximum 200 words)

Understanding the future goals which APU is aiming towards, I am willing to learn and dig
deep into the knowledge that APU provides and take full advantage of the opportunities.

During my time as a Teaching Assistant at an English centre, I had a chance to interact and
get along with people from different countries like Canada, Russia, Turkey, France, and
others. I spotted that despite having different beliefs and perspectives, they all found a
common voice and worked together harmoniously. Additionally, I had a chance to learn more
about their cultures and countries through the little stories they told me sometimes. On my
behalf, the culture and history of other nations and ethnicities have always appeared
intriguing and absorbing. Therefore, by enrolling in APS, I am willing to immerse myself in a
multicultural community and understand the conflicts within humanity as well as the
complexities of the political, economic and social issues of different nations. Besides the
fulfilled perspective and the promising vision I could gain, I may also have the ability to
bring actual changes to my town, country and our relations with other nations thanks to the
broad knowledge and essential skills which I may acquire during APS enrolment.

2. Select one topic that is most relevant to what you aim to learn within your preferred
college of choice and your future goals as you have stated in the question above. Please
state your opinion on this topic. Even if you have multiple topics of interest, please make
sure to choose only one topic. (Topic examples: world economy, business strategy,
international relations, cross-cultural understanding, social issues in your country,
sustainable development goals, etc.) (Maximum 200 words)

Gender misrepresentation in the media has always been a topic of concern in many Asian
countries, and this reality is even more apparent in Vietnam. Due to years of patriarchal
dominance, the Vietnamese understanding of gender equality has been significantly affected.
The stereotypes being built in people's minds over the years severely impact how media
portrays different genders.

For instance, male characters are often depicted as less likely to express emotions,
particularly those considered feminine, such as empathy or grief. Meanwhile, the media often
portrays women as weaker individuals who are not suited for leadership or ambition. Even
the feminist movement existing all over the media these days tries to propagate misleading
information. Some feminist activists degrade men's figures and spread toxic femininity in
society.

Societal norms and perceptions are often strongly affected by the media. The power of media
is so significant that it can reinforce or break existing stereotypes, particularly in this
problem. To remedy the issue, the changes must come from the smallest details in media
publications.
In conclusion, media is a very powerful tool in terms of shaping human insight into a field of
knowledge. Appropriately taking full advantage of this tool can bring us to a new era of
gender equality.

3. Describe a personal challenge you faced or a situation that you found to be

I experienced a special, long-standing and tough situation for many years.

Since sixth grade, my living environment changed, and I had to share a cramped apartment
room with my two sisters. It was a very heavy situation for a teenager during her puberty-
having no privacy or space for her interests and intentions. Since my parents also started to
work more than they used to, they became bad-tempered all the time. Traumas within the
family arose, which worsened my mental health. Every time my frequent mental breakdown
occurred, I was sunken into negative thoughts, bad intentions and existential crisis. Living
became a distressing and overwhelming burden.

My parents were unaware of my situation and professional therapy was not affordable for an
independent child. I started to develop my coping mechanism by going out and exercising
daily. I found out how beautiful and calming music was, and I used music to distract myself
from negative thoughts.

I forced myself to study days and nights, as I hoped academic success would rescue me. The
day I was announced that I successfully got into the high school that I had always dreamed
of, I found back a will to live. I realized every bad situation will eventually come to an end.
Though back in the day I thought I would forever be on that sinking ship, I looked at that tiny
light at the end of the tunnel and never stopped trying. Therefore, anytime anything bad
happens, I always keep myself resilient and slowly deal with the situation.

4. Explain about an interest you have pursued outside your academic classes (either
independently or through a student organization, volunteering, part-time work, sport,
playing a musical instrument, etc). What knowledge or skills did you gain as a result?
(Maximum 200 words)

Baking was one of the most enjoyable activities I have ever experienced.

From the early years of my life, baking and cooking shows on television planted a seed of
interest in me and the sprout began to grow. Back in the day, I had nothing but a rice cooker,
a microwave and some basic ingredients. Most of my very first sweet delights were failures.
But I was so stubborn that I kept trying and experimenting.

For me, baking is artistic yet includes a lot of science. After years of practising, I eventually
understood the art of baking and its underlying secret. Hence, I was always confident to try
new, challenging types of desserts. The experiences I had even helped me to create brand-
new recipes myself which are unlike any other on the market.
Baking is also incredibly miraculous. It's a process of transforming simple and basic
ingredients into charming treats. A perfect sweet delight is all about the freshness of the
ingredients, the skills of combining them and their beauty when coming out of the oven. It
requires precision and accuracy but also creativity and a touch of magic. That magic comes
from the passion and love of the bakers, and their joy in spreading that spirit to their loved
ones.

Sweets cheer people up, therefore bakers are the joy bringers. Those special treats bring
people closer together and create a strong sense of community and togetherness.