What I said to BYU in 246 words

If I could meet the admissions committee, I would ask them to consider who I really am, far beyond what’s reflected in my grades, ACT score, or extra-curricular achievements.  While I’ve had some successes in those areas, what really defines me means far more.  I am defined by my genuine desire to, forever and always, change the world around me.  As a student at Timpview, I created timpviewnews.com and changed the journalism program; I’ve asked everyone to “See Timpview Differently,” and they have.  I am defined by my choice to pay for college with my own money, not money from a trust fund.  I am defined by my choice to sacrifice time with friends to spend time with my little brother.  I am defined by the fact that my grades, while not perfect, are honest.  I am defined by the way I care for the people around me.  In truth, I am defined by my love of writing.  And I am defined by how I am responding to my trials.  I would encourage the admissions committee to consider who I’ve become since losing my parents and siblings: a person committed to fulfilling my potential, just the kind of student I think BYU is looking for.  I would encourage BYU to take a look at some things I have done, beyond my application.  Look at timpviewnews.com, look at my blog (zopenshaw.blogspot.com), and consider me, Zane Openshaw, for what I am really defined by.