If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
It's hard to pick only one thing, at least for me. My very first thought was either to end poverty or end violence. But, after thinking a bit, I've changed my mind. I think it would have to be to educate everyone, because I believe that if everyone were more educated, solutions to problems such as poverty and violence can also be solved. I know where I am, everyone goes to school and at the very least, can read and write. But in other countries this may not always be the case. The way I see it, if people are educated, they can find good jobs, which hopefully helps the poverty situation. More educated people in the world means more discoveries, cures for more diseases, etc. Also, I think more educated people means more people can participate in politics, more people can vote and make a difference in the world. I also think that more people in politics can help the relationship between the different countries.
What makes a person respectable?
For the purpose of simplicity, I'm going to use "him" instead of "him/her" in the answer to this question. Anyway, onto the actual answer. I think the most important thing is that he respects himself as well as the people around him. However, it's not just that. He would also have to be kind-hearted and modest, because people who think about other people deserve to be respected. Finally, he would also have to be honest and trustworthy. Obviously, no one can respect someone who lies all the time. He would also have to be optimistic and encouraging. Someone who looks down upon and puts down other people is not going to be respected.
What do you look for in a friend?
I look for someone I know I can trust with my secrets, someone who will always be there to listen when I need it. I like people who are outgoing and sure of themselves, even if I'm not sometimes. I like people who are independent and think for themselves and don't follow the crowd. Also, I can't stand people who make rude comments about other people, or people who become someone they're not in an effort to impress someone.
What are your hobbies?
I absolutely love web design and making graphics. I started almost two years ago, but I still have a long way to go in terms of improving. I also like swimming and running, because they're fun and I like that I can practice them on my own and not have to depend on someone to be there and practice with me. I love reading books as well, especially the Harry Potter ones (although, I'm guessing that should be fairly obvious). I mostly like reading fiction because to me, it's an escape from the real world, and sometimes I just really need one. I also like watching TV and movies, for the same reason I like reading (fiction) books.
Have or would you give time and money to a charity?
I have volunteered at many places by helping serve food to the less fortunate, doing a walk to raise money for research, etc. I do plan on doing more community service in the future. I don't have money, because I don't have an income. But if I did, I most definitely would give money to charity, because I love knowing that I made a difference in someone else's life.
What is the one thing you would most like to accomplish?
I would like to make something of my life and live with as few regrets as possible. I would like to be someone successful. I want to make a difference in people's lives. I want people to remember me years, decades maybe, after I die. I want to help other people and know that I was appreciated. I just want to make a mark on the world, so that I know my life meant something. I also want to have as much fun as I can. I want to go to college and make a lot of friends. I hope that's not considered more than one thing, but it all fits under "living with no regrets".
Who is your role model?
My role model would have to be my mom. She's always there to give me advice when I need it, especially when there's something going on between my friends and me. I want to be like her when I grow up because she's smart, hard-working, and independent. She seems to be good at everything she does. She wouldn't do something just because everyone else is doing it.
What trait most annoys you about other people?
I hate it when people take other people or things for granted. You can never predict the future. I've heard too many stories of people who don't realize how much something means to them until they lose it, or people who don't tell the people around them how much they are appreciated, because you never know what will happen tomorrow.
What do you want to do for a living?
Honestly, I don't know yet. I've thought a lot about it the past year, and I have to say right now at my age, I don't know at all. I just know I want to do something that makes a big difference in other people's lives, maybe finding the cure to a disease or helping to treat diseases. I want to do something I'm good at and enjoy.
If your friend was attacked (by a person, animal, or (in the magic world) beast), what would you do?
I would definitely do my best to help them out. I love all my friends, and I know I would feel terribly guilty if something happened to them and there was something I could have done to prevent it, but I didn't. I know if the situation were reversed, that's what I would want them to do. I honestly don't know though, if this is what the question is implying, if I would sacrifice my life to save my friend. I hate sounding selfish or self-centered, but to be honest, I don't know. It would probably be a split second decision on my part, whether or not I would sacrifice my own life to save his or hers.
Would you ever use an Unforgivable Curse for any reason?
No, I would never use an Unforgivable Curse. I don't think it's right. I wouldn't want to live my life knowing I did something so horrible to someone, even if it is someone horrible. My conscience is unbelievably good at making me feel guilty every time I do something wrong. I think there's most definitely a reason that the curses have been deemed "unforgivable".
What do you think are your top five abilities or qualities?
Intelligent - Most of my friends consider me "smart". I love learning new things and I am quick to catch onto new things or patterns.
My sense of humor - I love cracking jokes and laughing with my friends. I can laugh at myself when I deserve it.
Ambitious - When I set my goal on getting something, I usually end up getting it. I always work hard and try my best if I really want something. One of my most favorite quotes is "if there's a will, there's a way".
The fact that I analyze things a lot - I tend to think over things many times before I make a decision because I don't want to make the wrong one. I like hearing "both sides of the story" before I develop an opinion about something.
Easy to get along with - I get along with everyone pretty well. I don't like starting fights. I may not be super outgoing, but I'm friendly and polite. When someone annoys me, I usually keep it to myself because I don't like getting people mad.
What do you think are your top five weaknesses or worst qualities?
Stubborn - If I've set my mind on something, it's not easy to convince me to do something else instead.
Procrastinator - I procrastinate /so/ much. I always leave things until the last minute.
Selfish, sometimes - I admit sometimes I think of myself first and foremost. It's not great, but it does happen.
Perfectionist - This is probably what annoys my RL friends the most about me. I complain about my grades a lot, even though they're not bad. I actually wasn't sure if this was considered a bad quality or a good quality, but I decided to list it under bad, because I can be a little obsessive sometimes. I'm bothered even if the tiniest thing is wrong, and I nitpick a lot.
Impatient - I don't like waiting for things to happen. I can't sit still if nothing exciting is happening.
Define in your own words the following key traits:
Courage: standing up for someone or something because you love it or believe in it so much, despite the fact that you might be risking something.
Loyalty: never betraying someone or something, no matter what happens.
Intelligence: being quick to catch on to new concepts or ideas; mature
Ambition: wanting to be the best that you can be at something and not letting anything or anyone stand in your way.
Name: Jennifer
Age: 14, almost, but not quite, 15
What house do you think DOESN'T fit you? (This question is optional for those who feel they just DO NOT fit in a house. Please explain WHY.)
Where did you find out about us? an interest search for "sorting hat".
Thank you for reading my application. :)