UChicago Supplemental Essay Example - 1

We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents:

Caught Purple-Handed: A Journey of Growth Through Community Gardening

Growing up in a small town where everyone knew each other, I was no stranger to the phrase "caught red-handed." It usually meant someone was caught doing something they shouldn't have, like stealing cookies from the jar or sneaking out past curfew. But for me, the phrase took on a new meaning, and a new color: "caught purple-handed."

In my junior year of high school, I decided to start a community garden project. It was ambitious, especially for someone who had never gardened before. But I was determined to bring fresh produce to our food desert and teach others about sustainable living. The problem? I had no idea what I was doing.

One Saturday, I found myself elbow-deep in soil, trying to plant rows of seedlings. My hands were stained a deep purple from the beet juice I had used to mark the rows. That's when Mrs. Thompson, my neighbor, caught me struggling. She laughed, not because I was doing anything wrong, but because I was so clearly out of my element.

"Caught purple-handed, eh?" she chuckled, helping me straighten out the seedlings.

From that moment, "caught purple-handed" became our inside joke. It wasn't about being caught doing something bad; it was about being caught trying something new, something challenging, and being willing to get a little messy in the process.

That summer, as the garden grew, so did I. I learned how to nurture plants from seed to harvest, but more importantly, I learned how to nurture my own growth. I wasn't afraid to ask for help, to make mistakes, and to keep going even when things got tough. By the end of the season, our community had fresh vegetables, and I had a newfound confidence in my ability to tackle big projects.

Now, whenever I face a new challenge, I think of that purple-stained hand and smile. Being "caught purple-handed" reminds me that growth often comes from stepping outside my comfort zone, getting a little dirty, and embracing the learning process.

In college, I hope to continue this journey of growth and discovery. Whether it's in the classroom, on a research project, or in a new community, I want to keep pushing myself to try new things, to learn, and to grow. And if I get a little "caught purple-handed" along the way, I know I'm on the right track.