how will you change the world college essay

If I Could Change the World Essay: Examples & Writing Guide

To write an engaging “If I Could Change the World” essay, you have to get a few crucial elements:

• What? How? Whom? When? Where?
• The essay structure that determines where each answer should be;
• Some tips that can make your writing unique and original.

Let us help you a bit and give recommendations for “If I Could Change the World” essays with examples. And bookmark our writing company website for excellent academic assistance and study advice.

• 🗯 What Would You Change?
• 💁‍♂️ How Would You Do It?

👉 Whom Would Your Changes Affect?

⏱️ when would you change the world, 🌎 where would you make changes, 📦 out-of-the-box thinking, 🤔 deep understanding, 🧠 an intelligible structure, 🗣️ excellent language.

• 📝 Essay Example

✏️ Change the World Essay FAQ

🔗 references, 💡 if i could change the world essay: essential questions.

What do you think about the world we are all living in? The vast majority of people love their lives, being human, and living on the Earth. They may have no time to think about the world around them or notice that this world requires changes.

And do you have time to notice this? Do you believe that our world is no longer the best and safest place to live in? If you do and have some suggestions on how our world can be changed, you can write a good “If I Could Change the World” essay.

Start crafting your paper by considering these questions:

Answering them will boost your imagination and help with outlining your essay. Besides, you may find something new about yourself and your mind.

🗯 If You Could Change the World, What Would You Change?

What do I want to change in the world? Start this essay with those particular things that you believe require fixing. We are sure you will not have difficulties with this point because the problems we face these days seem endless.

We’ve gotten used to having such problems, and many people are sure that nothing can ever change. But what if millions of people became more conscious and decided to make even a minor effort to solve just one problem? In that case, we would already live in a better place.

For example:

Why not mention global warming or air pollution? There are plenty of problems common to humanity that require our intervention, so essay writing about global issues is also a great opportunity to narrow down your topic.

Use your imagination and describe your great ideas in your essay about changing the world for better. You could build up a fantastic paper—or maybe even change the world.

💁‍♂️ How Would You Change the World?

What ways do you think would be the most effective to make necessary changes? Whose help might you need? You have to speculate, “How can I change the world?” for the essay.

You’ll have to use your imagination here again:

• Delve deeper into the topic. List the ways, methods, or strategies you’d utilize to help the world we live in.
• Make a list of these people or organizations.
• Explain how they could contribute to achieving your aim.

For instance, you could consider involving global charities or celebrities to assist you on your path to a better world.

Would your changes influence society in the world? Or some particular groups of people would need them more than all the others?

This is another exciting idea that you could develop in your essay. Give insight into whose lives your actions would change. For example, you could think of improving the lives of poor, hungry children in Africa or helping animals suffering from global warming.

Do you think that the problems you are talking about require immediate solutions? There are issues worldwide that can’t wait any longer and need to be changed urgently.

Why not discuss them?

Here’s an idea: Bring up a topic related to a pressing global health issue. For example, focus your main point on incurable diseases or infectious diseases that annually kill more than 17 million people .

In what part of the world would you change something?

It’s essential to touch on the location of your global changes. Are you audacious enough to implement your great ideas worldwide? Or would you be better off starting in a small area and eventually growing it into something on a larger scale?

Consider these ideas as well, and don’t forget to mention the location in your paper.

You can also read our article on world peace to learn more about current problems and issues that require changes.

✒️ If I Could Change the World Essay: Writing Guide

What are the criteria that guide your professor when evaluating your “If I Could Change the World” essay? Are there any one-size-fits-all characteristics you can safely incorporate to end up with a breathtaking paper?

There are! And knowing them will help you write more convincing essays that earn better grades.

Representing your original thinking as an author doesn’t mean that you have to invent something new or discover some unknown theory. Not to discourage you, but chances of doing that are pretty small.

Try writing a “changing the world” essay different from other students’ papers because of its original approach . You could look at things from an unusual angle or come up with a new hypothesis. Even the purpose of your writing can differ if you add creativity.

Your “If I Could Change the World” essay topic is a platform for unlimited imagination and original thinking. Go ahead and make the most of it!

A perfect essay about the world’s problems—just like any other essay—shows in-depth knowledge. Demonstrate the comprehension of all the facts, concepts, and issues you’re talking about. You also need to clearly understand why these ideas matter, both to you and your reader.

To end up with a fantastic “changing the world” essay, you should do the following:

• Craft and polish a persuasive thesis, stating your position clearly.
• Find credible sources to add quotes and value to your writing.
• Use engaging, relevant facts for your arguments and central hypothesis.
• Consider and analyze different viewpoints.
• Summarize and synthesize data from various sources.
• Double-check information that you’re uncertain about.
• Write a reference list at the bottom of your essay.

Don’t forget to analyze and consider all points of view and include quotations from reputable sources.

The first and foremost thing to bear in mind when outlining your essay is that it should answer the following three questions:

Also, a high-quality essay contains all of the necessary parts of an academic paper:

• Introduction : Starts with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Directs the reader, identifies the focus, and provides the context of the issue. Most importantly, it includes a thesis statement. If you struggle with this part, try to make use of a thesis statement generator .
• Main body : Provides the argumentation for your thesis and supporting details. Includes quotes and other data that you’ve gathered. Every paragraph starts with a topic sentence and ends with a concluding one, tying the text together.
• Conclusion : Restates and develops the thesis and summarizes the arguments. Gives the last impression on the reader, leaving the final thoughts in the concluding sentences. May include a call for action.

Your “If I Could Change the World” essay should have a consistent discussion and a balanced argument. Relevant facts and data should support all the points. The conclusion weighs your evidence and provides your final opinion about the paper’s central idea.

Your discussion should be smooth and effortless so that your readers feel like they are in safe hands. The sentences should be flowing naturally and logically from one to the other. The reader should understand everything from the first read. Do not deviate from your topic, or else the focus of your essay will be lost.

You should strive for flawless grammar, spelling, and punctuation, without mistakes or typos. To ensure its flawlessness, proofread your paper or ask someone to do it for you.

If I Could Change the World: Essay Topics

• Can one person change the world?
• What can we do to eliminate the global violence?
• How I would change animal rights and welfare laws .
• Helping homeless people is a critical task for humanity.
• Becoming a social service assistant is the best way to change the world.
• Creativity can change the world and make it a better place to live in.  
• If I could change the world, I would destroy nuclear weapons.
• Can courage change the world when the cost is so great?
• We need to stop climate change to save the world.
• What I can do to save the world from global warming.
• The things I would do to eliminate gaming addiction from the world.
• I would save the Earth from destruction by making hanges in an energy crisis.
• Why we should pay more attention to the overpopulation problem .
• Fighting inflation and unemployment is a way to change the world.
• What I can do today to help integration of children with special needs.
• Elimination of smoking will change the population’s health for the better.
• If we want to save the Earth, we should reduce air polution.
• The best career choice to change the world.
• If I could change the world, I would improve the humanity and nature relationship.
• The most important thing I would change about this world is the disease prevention level.
• Combat the growing trend of obesity to improve health in the community.
• Should we ban consumable plastics to save oceans wildlife?
• Using electric vehicles instead of gas cars will improve people’s life quality.
• Removing domestic violence and abuse is the thing I would do to change the world.
• What I would change to create an ideal society.  
• Becoming a teacher is my way of improving schooling for young learners.  
• How I would change the economic situation in modern Latin America.
• My plans on banning experiments on animals.  
• Preparing effective tools to change the children’s world.
• We need to change the system to remove health disparities.  
• What I would do to change the situation with alcohol abuse in the world.
• Racism is the global issue that requires an immediate change.
• The things that can be done to change the level of substance abuse among adolescents.
• If I could change the world, I would remove gender inequality from it.
• The solution to social problems within educational institutions is the change we should make in this world.
• What changes can we make to overcome the world poverty?
• Why it’s important to resolve the global water crisis.  
• The solution of immigrant problems is a step towards a better society.
• How eliminating corruption will make this world better.
• What can I do to help resolve the problems of older adults ?
• Lowering crime rates will change the world.
• How I would change the situation with indigenous Australians.
• Preventing and curing breast cancer is one of the greatest concerns in modern society.
• What can we do to prevent disease outbreaks?
• Why the problem of school violence requires our immediate attention.
• How I would change the food distribution to combat the issue of world hunger.  
• Why we should promote renewable energy sources.
• Terrorism is the most urgent problem in modern society.
• What would I do to change the situation with school bullying?  
• What should we change in the world to resolve the problems of LGBT people?

📝 If I Could Change the World: Essay Example

In this section, you’ll find an essay example on the topic. The downloadable PDF version is under the preview. Hope it will inspire you to write your own If I Could Change the World essay!

If I Could Change the World: Pros and Cons (Essay Example)

The idea of having a tremendous influence on the course of the world history is rather tempting since it implies huge power and the availability of any resource possible. Thus, the possibility of changing the world might be perceived solely as a positive concept at first. However, without the ability to encompass and understand the global implications of the changes that I would make, I would take the actions that would most likely result in the suffering of multiple people, which is why the described scenario is highly undesirable.

Now that you know a little more, it’s easy to come up with even more “If I Could Change the World” essay topics. Just think about them carefully or surf the web for some inspiration.

Thank you for reading till the end! Leave your comment in the section below. Share the article with friends who also have to write an “If I Could Change the World” essay.

Further reading:

• World Peace Essay in Simple English: How-to + Topic Ideas

It is a paper that deals with a controversial question “Can we change the world” (or similar). There are many ways to develop this topic: from telling about a person, invention, or idea of speaking about skills for changing the world.

To be concise within such a broad topic might be a challenge. One strategy might be to think about who or what in human history has changed something in society a lot. It might be an invention, a politician, a scientist, etc. Then, focus just on that subject.

There many ways to change something, both negatively and positively. If we do not care about ecology, we ruin the world’s biosphere. If we do our best to stay eco-friendly, we make it a better place. We can also change the world with the help of education, science, medicine, etc.

If you do not like the topic you are given, there are always ways to divert from it. Meanwhile, you will formally keep it the same. You can, for example, start by introducing a correlated idea. Then, write about that idea and its connection to the topic.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Making The World a Better Place — If You Could Change the World, What Would You Do

If You Could Change The World, What Would You Do

• Categories: Making The World a Better Place

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

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How to Write the University of Pittsburgh Essays 2023-2024

The University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt, is a public research university just a few miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. With a campus encompassing 132 acres, Pitt enrolls almost 20,000 undergraduates, and is composed of 17 different undergraduate and graduate schools. 

Pitt is moderately selective and is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the country. The most popular departments at Pitt are business, engineering, health, and the social sciences. 

There are no optional supplements applicable to all applicants, other than the main personal statement on the Common App , Coalition Application , or Pitt Application. Honors applicants must write a separate essay, however, and international applicants are asked to answer another prompt in lieu of the personal statement.

In this post, we’ll break down how to write these essays to improve your chances of acceptance.

Read this Pitt essay example to inspire your own writing.

Pitt Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants, if you have written a common application personal essay you are not expected to also submit a personal statement below. we will receive your common app personal essay if completed., submission of either the optional personal statement or common app personal essay is required for scholarship review, if applying without sat or act scores, and may increase the likelihood that you are considered for guaranteed admission programs or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances..

The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your application. (750 words)

International Applicants

Describe an experience where you had to adapt to a new environment (i.e. a different culture, situation, or way of thinking). (1500 characters recommended)

Honors Applicants

Please select one of these questions. (200-300 words recommended).

• Option 1 : What is something you would like to see change in the world? Explain why.
• Option 2: If you had 10 minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your TED Talk be about?
• Option 3: What does it mean to be “educated”?

The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your application. (750 words).

This personal statement is optional for those submitting the Common App Essay. While we typically encourage you to write all optional essays to demonstrate your interest, this is an exception since this prompt is presented as an alternative to another essay. If you aren’t submitting the Common App, however, then you should complete this personal statement. 

The goal of the personal statement is to share a story about what makes you unique. As we mention in our guide to the Common App Essays, a good personal statement should answer these four core questions:

• “Who Am I?”
• “Why Am I Here?”
• “What is Unique About Me?”
• “What Matters to Me?”

This essay should tell a story and use a narrative/creative writing format rather than your standard academic essay format. We recommend reading our Common App Essay guide for more advice on crafting a great personal statement.

Finally, keep in mind that while you have up to 750 words, you don’t need to use the full word count. While we typically recommend maximizing your allotted space, this essay is presented as an alternative to the Common App essay, which only goes up to 650 words. An essay of 550-650 words should be the sweet spot for saying what you want without dragging it on. 

Describe an experience where you had to adapt to a new environment (i.e. a different culture, situation, or way of thinking). (1500 characters recommended, about 200-400 words)

Being an international student is a unique experience, and Pitt wants to know that you are prepared for the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and environment. 

For this prompt, you will want to share a story that illustrates your adaptability, awareness, and open-mindedness. Hone in on one experience and take a deep dive into your thoughts and emotions as you were going through this transition.

Try to steer clear of cliche storylines; many students will generally discuss how it was difficult at first to study abroad, move to a different location, or overcome homesickness at an overnight program. Instead, focus on a specific aspect of the experience you choose to write about. For instance, a student who loved their study abroad experience would tell an anecdote about how they got lost in a foreign city and had to piece together their knowledge of the language to talk to taxi drivers and random strangers. Describing a specific moment like this will showcase your mentality and emotions in the moment where you were adapting to a new environment, which is what admissions officers want to learn from this essay.

Don’t feel obligated to write about experiences that are obviously relevant to being an international student. The prompt also mentions new “situations” or “ways of thinking.” You could also write about joining a new club, trying a new sport, or learning about a different way to approach a problem. The key is to pick a topic that will allow you to be reflective and illustrative of how you will adapt as an international student on Pitt’s campus.

As you decide on a topic and write your essay, ask yourself:

• Which experience best allowed me to demonstrate my adaptability and openness?
• What did I learn from this experience?
• What were my thoughts and emotions as I was going through this experience?
• How will this experience help me thrive as an international student?

Your essay should answer all of these questions, while still being exciting and engaging. For example, you might want to write about how you switched from a public to a private school. Don’t give an overview of your experience. Instead, tell the story of your first homecoming game where you were surrounded by students with pride for their school. Even though it was a new environment you were still getting acquainted with, seeing the school spirit and cheering on your team helped you feel like you belong at your new school. Despite the fear you might have felt the first few weeks of school, you decided that if you could cheer alongside your peers, you could talk to them in class as well. You now know that despite the challenges that might arise the first few weeks of college, when you’re standing in the stadium cheering on the Panthers you will feel the same sense of camaraderie and you will be able to connect with your peers.  

Honors Applicants, Option 1

What is something you would like to see change in the world explain why. (200-300 words).

There’s so many ways you can go about this essay, and the key is to begin by brainstorming what it is you’re passionate about, and why you’re passionate about it. Pitt Honors College is specifically looking for students who “want to advance research, better the community, and leave a global footprint.” They’re asking you to think big, and think altruistically—so don’t be afraid to write about lofty dreams. Just be sincere and specific. 

It would be even better if you have past experiences working towards implementing changes, which would give you more credibility and grounding. Even if it’s as small as being a member of a community service club, or volunteering, you could use these experiences as a jumping off point for your future goals. Also, if there’s a personal reason why you’ve chosen your topic, you should definitely talk about it, as it could lead to strong anecdotes that would make your essay come alive. 

At the end of the essay, you could even go into how you see Pitt Honors College fitting into your trajectory towards changing this proposed problem. You could talk about a Pitt Honors first year seminar, like “Power and Resistance,” mention how you would love to engage in meaningful conversations by living in Honors housing, and list an honors pod you would want to join—like the community engagement pod or the health sciences pod. 

Here are some examples to think about:

• Maybe you want to study education, and in particular, you want to make a dent in reforming public education. You can acknowledge that this is a huge, structural problem probably unsolvable by a single person, but that you nevertheless want to give it your best try. You want to start by participating in Pitt’s Combined Accelerated Studies in Education, granting you a bachelor’s and a master’s in five years. You could discuss how you want to start as a student teacher, then manage your own classroom to learn how best to help children learn. Maybe after a while, you can go into education policy, and specifically work on creating less segregated public schools, and bringing more funding into underserved areas. 
• Maybe your intended major is computer science, and the problem you’d like to address is a lack of rural connectivity to the internet, even in America. You want to take the normal slate of computer science classes, but also many classes in public policy, to know how the government plays a role in broadband access. After graduating, you’d want to both work as a programmer, but also advocate on behalf of rural communities, especially through granting local and state funding to develop better internet service in rural areas.
• Maybe you are really interested in racial justice since you have grown up feeling the effects of systemic racism and discrimination. You want to provide justice to Black Americans by becoming a death row lawyer and working with people who have been wrongly convicted. You plan to take law classes at Pitt that will teach you more about the complex workings of the justice system and how to perfect your public speaking skills. On campus, you want to join the Prisoner Legal Support Project to work with other like-minded students who care about these issues. After graduation, you plan to go to Louisiana, the state with the highest incarceration rate, to get some experience working with lawyers and inmates before law school.

Honors Applicants, Option 2

If you had 10 minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your ted talk be about (200-300 words).

This creative prompt from Pitt asks you to brainstorm about a topic that deeply interests you. Ideally, you should choose a timely topic that relates to your ongoing academic or extracurricular interests.

Additionally, because TED talks are meant to bring value to a broader audience, the topic should be influential for many people to hear. For example, you may want to avoid talking about building an interplanetary defense system to protect against asteroids from hitting Earth because it’s not a hugely current societal problem.

Before you begin writing, familiarize yourself with the format of a TED talk. Watch a few of the most popular ones , or search for some that align with your interests. If you’re having trouble thinking of a topic, ask yourself:

• What are the important lessons you’ve learned?
• What are you good at?
• What are you passionate about?
• What is an unusual experience you’ve had?
• What do you want to teach others?
• What can you talk about for a full 10 minutes?

A good TED talk will most likely be a strong response to more than one of these questions. For example, maybe you’re passionate about backyard gardening, and even started a local neighborhood gardening group. You might give a TED talk called “Your Friendly Neighborhood Gardner: A Lesson In Crop Rotation,” where you discuss your experience and how others can coordinate gardening groups and share ground with neighbors to make the most of their harvests. Or, maybe you love chemistry and cooking, and want to teach others how to use science to improve their dishes. Your speech might be called “Molecules and Meatballs: The Chemistry Behind Our Food.”

Make sure to include a few key details when putting together this essay about a TED talk. Include the following: 1) a catchy title that captures the reader and summarizes what you will talk about; 2) the message you want to get across to your audience and why it is meaningful to you; and 3) what the overall impact your talk could have on the community at large. By including all three of these key ideas you will better express your thoughts, interests and dreams to the admissions readers who are eagerly looking forward to reading your essay.

As long as you pick a topic you’re genuinely excited about, and frame it in a way that makes it applicable to others, your TED talk should be strong. Definitely have some fun with this one!

Honors Applicants, Option 3

What does it mean to be “educated” (200-300 words).

This prompt essentially has two parts: one, establishing what being educated means to you, and two, linking that definition to your life experiences.

For the first part, reflect on the times you’ve genuinely enjoyed learning, which could be in or outside the classroom.

For example, you could discuss how education to you means broadening your horizons beyond the classroom by attending independent film screenings or local art exhibits in your town. You could define education as exploring new ideas by connecting to those with different opinions and points of view. Education could mean learning new languages in order to be able to learn about new cultures and belief systems. Whatever position you decide to take, be sure to explicitly address what being educated means to you in your introduction.

As you begin to build on your essay beyond the introduction, think about what moments in your own life have provided you with experiences that have “educated” you in the way that you define it. Perhaps you define “education” as learning new languages in order to be able to learn about new cultures and belief systems. To better explain this definition, use the rest of the essay to write about the time when you traveled internationally to South America and lived in Brazil and it was only after learning some broken Portuguese that you fully embraced the culture there. You learned to speak with the locals, were taught how to Samba, danced to unique music like Pagode and Bossa Nova and tried all the delicious local street food delicacies.

Once again, this is a very open-ended prompt so feel free to make it your own and provide your own voice and background to make your definition of “education” unique to you.

Where to Get Your University of Pittsburgh Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Pitt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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University of Pittsburgh 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide 

University of pittsburgh 2023-24 application essay question explanations.

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200-300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball

Hello, future University of Pittsburgh grads. (We’re speaking it into existence!) The prompt below is only for applicants who wish to apply to Pitt Honors. Let’s dive in!

In lieu of an essay or personal statement, we ask interested applicants to answer a short answer question. The Admissions Committee reviews responses for quality rather than length. However, the most effective responses typically range from 200-300 words per question. Responses that are longer or shorter are acceptable. The question is required for Pitt Honors consideration.

Please select one of these questions., what is something you would like to see change in the world explain why..

The Admissions Committee wants to accept ambitious students who want to change the world for the better. So, if you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Take some time to brainstorm and write down anything that comes to mind. Maybe, if you had the power, you would make sure that no one in your city went to bed hungry. Why is this particular issue important to you? What steps would you take to enact this change? If, after reading this prompt, you immediately thought of something on the sillier side (flying cars! superpowers! robot dogs!), don’t be afraid to explore that topic and why it matters, too. As long as you are giving admissions better insight into who you are and what makes you tick, you’re on the right track. Let your imagination run wild and show the University of Pittsburgh admissions committee that you aren’t afraid to dream big.

If you had 10 minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your TED Talk be about?

We at CEA love this question because it’s a unique way of asking applicants the following questions: What do you care about and why? What’s important to you? What information do you wish other people had access to? Start by making a list of topics you could discuss or read about for hours. Maybe you’d like to use your TED Talk platform to speak about media literacy and how we can and should consider what we see online through the lens of the powers that dictate how and when we receive information. Perhaps you’d want to discuss AI art, plagiarism, and how it threatens human artists’ livelihoods. What keeps you up at night? What kind of positive effect do you want to have on the world? These are the questions you should be asking yourself when brainstorming for this prompt. Bonus points if you can speak to how a Pittsburgh education will prepare you to address this issue head-on in the future! 

What does it mean to be “educated”?

Since this question is for those applying to the honors college, we can assume that most applicants answering it are high-achievers in the traditional sense. But we all know that’s not the only type of education out there. Pitt is looking for a deeply considered, creatively written essay , so as we here at CEA so often recommend, grab a sheet of paper and start brainstorming! Which words, feelings, or characteristics do you associate with the word “educated?” Are there any people you can think of—people in your life, thought leaders, or even fictional characters—who don’t have a formal education but whom you would consider to be highly educated? What different kinds of education can you think of? In what ways are they different and in what ways are they fundamentally the same? Bonus points if you can describe how a Pitt degree would educate you in more than one way! 

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If I Could Change the World: Essay Outline & Guideline

There are a few crucial elements involved in this essay writing. The How? What? When? Whom? and Where? These are the questions that define this essay. The structure of the paper determines the perfect place for the answers to each of the above. If you have good tips provided by IBuyEssay professionals, you can write an original and unique essay.

Argumentative essay outline: important questions

What are your thoughts on the world we live in? Many people cherish their lives, earthly living things, and being human. A good number of the world population may lack time to think and focus on the world surrounding them. They may not notice that the world needs changes.

Does time allow you to realize this? Do you have a feeling or a belief that the world around you aren’t safe as before? When you have a couple of suggestions on how to change the earth, then you can write the essay “If I could change the world.”

If I Could Change the World: essay ideas

Begin writing your essay by addressing specific things that you believe require changes. You won’t encounter problems on these points since they are the problems that we face every day.

These problems have been here with us for a long until some people assume they can’t change anymore. What if all the people in the world gained consciousness and agreed to address one problem? In such a case, the world will be an excellent place to live.

An excellent of a problem to address is air pollution or global warming. Many issues exist that affect humanity and need your intervention. Writing an essay on change the world is an excellent chance to narrow down your essay topic. Imagine and describe the significant points in the paper on making the world a better place. You will build a perfect essay on change the world.

What will you do to change the world?

What is the most appropriate way to bring the changes? Whom will you seek for help? In this section, imagination is vital. Go deep into your topic and list the methods, ways, and strategies you will use to assist the world. To change the world, you need good resources. Think of the perfect person that will be of importance. Have a list of organizations and people and explain how they will boost your goal. You can involve some global celebrities and charities that will offer support.

Who will feel the impact of the changes?

Will your changes influence the whole society? Will some people need the changes more than others? It’s a good idea to include in your essay. Give clear indications of who will enjoy your actions. You can think of improving the lives of hungry African children. You can aim at helping animals facing global warming or improving the conditions of the poor.

When will you bring the changes?

Do your problems need immediate action? Discuss the worldwide issues that need urgent changes and can’t wait any longer. You can build a topic that relates to pressing global health problems. Then focus on incurable diseases.

Where will you make the changes?

Which area of the world will you change anything? It’s essential to have a specific location for global change. Will you target the whole world? Or will you begin from a particular area and expand later? When considering these ideas, don’t fail to mention your location in the paper.

Things to remember in your essay writing

• Think outside the box

Representing original content doesn’t mean inventing or discovering something new. Instead, you can use other students’ essays to get points to develop your hypothesis.

• Deep understanding

Have an in-depth understanding of the world’s problems. Prove your ability in concepts, issues, and facts you are addressing. Understand why they matter to you and the reader.

• Develop an intelligible structure

Your essay should address issues like What? How? And Why? Also, have an introduction, main body, and a conclusion in your work. Finally, your summary should have a balanced argument.

• Excellent language

Develop an effortless and smooth discussion for your readers to feel safe in your hands. Use natural flowing sentences, and the reader should grasp everything discussed. Check grammar, punctuation, typos, and spelling.

These are the significant facts to consider when writing how can I change the world essay. Derive the world problems and use this guideline to develop a perfect paper.

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Essays & Short Answers

Summer/Fall 2025 Essay

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Please keep your essay between 500–650 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essays

All freshman Spring 2025 applicants must submit Topic A in ApplyTexas.

Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essay Topic

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Submitting Your Essay

You can submit your essays:

• In conjunction with your application.
• Using the Document Upload System in MyStatus.

*Students do not need to submit other Common App essays. We’ll only review what is required.

Short Answers

Submit the required short answers to prompts in your admission application. Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words per prompt, typically the length of one paragraph.

Summer/Fall 2025 Prompts

• Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
• Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why? ( Guidance for student s: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)

Optional Short Answer

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

Spring 2025 Prompts

• Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.
• The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Submitting Your Short Answers

You can submit your short answers with either your Common App or Apply Texas application. Short answer responses must be completed in order to submit your application.

Transfer applicants must submit one essay responding to Topic A. Applicants to the School of Architecture are required to upload Topic D in addition to Topic A. 

Essay Topics

Topic a (required).

The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school/college or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey.

Topic D (School of Architecture majors only)

Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study, describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

Submitting Your Essay(s)

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Good How Would I Change The World Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Environmental Issues , Media , Development , Environment , Life , Belief , Emotions , World

Published: 03/08/2020

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Every day we hear the stories like how this world is ruining due to poverty, violence, hunger, pollution, global warming, etc. We see people’s sufferings, and it seems like there is no strategy to fix these problems. This world is ours, and the problems here are also our problems so I think everyone should contribute to making this world a better place. But the question here is what will be mine contribution to this change or how would I change the world. So, I have some simple ways and by following them, I can make a positive change. The first step that I would take is to change my perception about the world. We all are surrounded by negative thoughts and feelings. Moreover, media have portrayed an ugly image of the world where there is evil and no good. Therefore, I will change this perception and stop indulging myself in the ugliness that media tries to throw at me. Rather, I will try to inspire myself from the beauty, compassion and goodness of the world. I will also adopt a positive approach and inspire others by my positivity. It is rightly said that to change the world you have to change yourself. When I change my way of thinking then it will change my feelings and my actions too. I start seeing the world with different thoughts and feelings then ultimately I will be able to take those actions that could not be taken before. As a result, the world around me will change. Another way by which I would change the world is helping the people in need. I would do some volunteer works like cleaning parks, feeding hungry, helping orphans and organizing local charity events. There are plenty of charity works that anyone can do by donating less time. I know little efforts can change people’s life dramatically so I will help people as much as I can. Moreover, I would inspire others and encourage them to help the needy. The world can also be changed by speaking up against injustices, inequalities and illegal practices. If I find any issue that concern me, I will sign petitions or write letters to the members of the parliament to show my concern. On the other hand, if there is anyone who treats someone badly then I will not stay quiet. Because staying quiet means, you are encouraging people who are bad. No matter injustice is done by a person, a company or a government. I will speak against injustice to bring change. In addition, the world is facing serious problems like pollution and global warming. These problems are detrimental for the world and mankind. I will stop polluting the environment and try to be as ecofriendly as possible. I will keep my environment clean and plant a garden in my house. I will save the environment by saving energy, saving water and recycle. These small steps can contribute a lot to save the environment and change the world. Persistency and belief are crucial in bringing any change. I would change the world with my persistence and the belief that I can make a difference. Gandhi said that be persistent in your life. Because when you are going to change something, people will first ignore you, and then laugh at you, will fight with you and finally you will win (Edberg, 2014). So, constant efforts and belief is necessary to change the world.

Works cited

Edberg, Henrik, 2014. Gandhi’s Top Ten Fundamentals to Change the World. The Positivity Blog. 2010. Web. 4 October. 2014. http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2008/05/09/gandhis-top-10-fundamentals-for-changing-the-world/

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University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the UT Austin essay prompts? With tips from a Harvard graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the UT Austin essay requirements will give you the tools to write UT Austin essays sure to stand out in admissions.

If you need help responding to the UT Austin essay prompts, click  here  to create your free CollegeAdvisor.com account or  schedule a free advising consultation  with an Admissions Expert by calling (844) 343-6272.

UT Austin  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• UT Austin has an acceptance rate of 32% —  U.S. News  ranks UT Austin as a most selective school.
• We recommend answering all of the UT Austin essay prompts authentically and thoroughly in order to maximize your admissions odds.

Does the University of Texas at Austin have essays?

Yes. All applicants to UT Austin must complete several UT essay prompts. You can access the UT Austin essay prompts through  ApplyTexas  or the  Coalition App . You can also review the full list of application requirements—including the UT essay prompts—on the UT Austin  website .

Keep in mind that UT Austin does  not  use the  Common App . All UT Austin application materials must be submitted through ApplyTexas or through the Coalition App. This includes your responses to the UT Austin essay prompts.

How many essays does the University of Texas at Austin require?

All fall 2021 applicants must complete five UT Austin essay prompts—one long-form essay of 500-700 words and four short answer questions of 250-300 words each.

Since UT Austin does not accept the Common Application, there’s no need to worry about the Common App personal statement. The Coalition App also has a personal statement—UT Austin applicants are not required to complete this, however.

So what does this mean? In the absence of a Common App/Coalition App personal statement, you’ll want to think about your long-form UT Austin supplemental essay the same way you’d think about your  Common App essay . In other words, your first UT Austin supplemental essay should give the admissions team a unique window into who you are and what matters to you.

We’ll discuss how to use the UT Austin essay requirements to your advantage throughout this guide.

How important are the University of Texas at Austin essays?

The UT Austin essay prompts are incredibly important in the admissions process. While UT considers a variety of factors when reviewing applications, your UT essays allow your readers to understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Think of the UT Austin essay requirements as a tool to help the admissions team understand who you are in your own words.

Strong UT Austin essays can make or break your applications. This means it’s important to draft, proofread, and edit your UT essays as much as possible before you press submit. Don’t underestimate the UT Austin essay prompts!

How do I write a University of Texas at Austin essay?

The UT Austin essay prompts are intended to help the admissions team learn more about you. At their core, your UT Austin supplemental essays should help UT admissions understand who you are.

To make your UT essays stand out, you’ll want to be as authentic as possible. Use the UT essay prompts to tell your story and help the admissions team understand why they should admit you.

Now, let’s discuss the UT Austin essay requirements!

UT Austin Essay Prompts: Long-form Essay (Required)

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (500-700 words)

The long-form UT essay prompt is entirely open-ended—and that’s the point! Let’s break down this first UT Austin supplemental essay.

The first of the UT essay prompts asks you to discuss “unique opportunities or challenges” that you’ve experienced throughout high school. With 700 words, this UT essay gives you plenty of space to tell a detailed story about how your identity has developed. Maybe you’ve struggled with dyslexia while pursuing an interest in poetry; maybe you’ve had to support yourself and your family by working a job throughout high school. Whatever topic you choose for the first of the UT Austin essay prompts, make sure it has “shaped who you are today.”

If you’re struggling to find a topic for this UT Austin essay, start with a timed  brainstorming  session. Set a timer for ten minutes. Then, write down every significant experience from high school that comes to mind. These experiences can be related to academic coursework, extracurricular activities, or personal experiences. Don’t hold yourself back—a strong topic for this UT Austin supplemental essay could come from anywhere.

Choosing an experience

Once you have this list, look for any experiences that have particularly defined who you are and how you operate in the world. Think about this list in the context of your overall application. What story can you tell in your UT essay that would complement the other aspects of your application, including your academic interests and extracurricular activities? For example, has a health challenge led to a desire to pursue a career in medicine? Or, did you have the opportunity to attend a famous art installation and it led to you pursuing art-centric extracurriculars during high school?

If you’re stuck between ideas, try a few timed freewrites for this first of the UT essay prompts. If you can’t stop writing about a certain topic, chances are that it would make a good UT Austin essay! Additionally, while this prompt does allow you to discuss multiple experiences, you’ll have the most luck if you stick to one topic.

Drafting your essay

Once you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to start drafting. Since you have up to 700 words in this UT Austin essay, you have plenty of space to tell your story in detail. Like your Common App Personal Statement, you might choose to begin your first UT essay with an engaging anecdote to help draw your reader in. Then, explain your chosen experience or challenge. Discuss how this experience made you who you are, using as many specific details as possible. Finally, end your UT Austin supplemental essay with a glance into the future as you consider how this experience will inform your growth in college.

While you’ll want to provide enough context to help your reader understand your topic, you should spend most of your first UT essay talking about how this experience has informed your identity and worldview. What lessons did you take from this experience? In what ways did it shift your perspective? How have you grown as a result of this experience? How will this experience continue to influence you?

Telling your story

Keep in mind that this UT Austin essay prompts you to “tell  your  story.” This means that, fundamentally, your first UT Austin essay should be about you. While this might seem obvious, it can be easy to lose sight of this requirement. For instance, if you choose to describe a volunteering project, you might accidentally spend most of your essay describing the people you helped rather than your own experience. Similarly, if you write about an extracurricular club, you might spend more time detailing how that club runs rather than explaining your connection to it.

Remember, your reader should come away from your UT Austin supplemental essay with a solid sense of who you are and how you relate to the world around you. If your essay fulfills these two requirements, you’re on the right track. This same advice applies to many of the UT essay prompts!

UT Austin Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your response to the first of the UT essay prompts describe one experience or challenge that has made you who you are?
• Do you engage your reader with specific anecdotes and vivid language?
• Do you avoid clichés or topics that might not be appropriate for a college essay?
• Is your essay about you?
• Does your essay teach your reader something new about you that isn’t obvious from the rest of your application?

How do you answer the UT Austin short answers?

As you may have noticed from the UT Austin essay requirements, all students applying in fall 2021 must respond to four short-answer UT Austin essay prompts. While each response is limited to 250-300 words, you should still spend time brainstorming and drafting your short answer UT essays.

In this section, we’ll break down each of the short-answer UT Austin essay prompts. Let’s get started!

Short Answer UT Austin Essay Prompts: Question 1 (Required)

Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? (250-300 words)

The first of the short-answer UT Austin essay prompts asks you to explain your academic interests in more detail. On your UT Austin application, you will identify your intended major; while this intended major is non-binding, you should still think carefully about which major you choose. The major you describe will influence how your readers approach your application, providing greater context for your academic achievements and overall candidate profile. For more advice on choosing a major for your college applications, check out our  article .

Make sure the major you choose to discuss genuinely intrigues you. Don’t say you want to study applied math just to seem intelligent. Remember, the best answers to the UT essay prompts will be the most genuine! If you’re undecided, that’s okay—just choose a major that aligns with your interests. The UT Austin essay requirements aren’t intended to force you to choose a field of study before you’re ready—they’re just meant to help you discuss your academic interests in more detail.

Keep it concise

With only 250-300 words in this UT Austin essay, you shouldn’t waste your time on elaborate anecdotes. While you can (and should!) include strong details to help your responses to the UT essay prompts stand out, you should spend most of your UT essay directly discussing your chosen major. Break down why it matters to you and how you hope to engage with it at UT Austin.

Cut to the chase with a description of what you want to study and why it appeals to you. Be as specific and personal as possible. Avoid general statements like “I just want to study geology because it interests me”; instead, talk about  why  it interests you. Maybe you visited the Grand Canyon as a kid and have been fascinated by rock formations ever since. Whatever you discuss, be sure to tie it back to your identity.

• Do you identify a major that genuinely interests you?
• Does your chosen major support your  application narrative ?
• Do you cite the specific reasons why this major appeals to you?
• Does your UT essay illustrate your intellect?

Short Answer UT Austin Essay Prompts: Question 2 (Required)

Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. (250-300 words)

The second of the short answer UT Austin essay prompts addresses your relationship to your community. Through this UT Austin supplemental essay, the admissions team hopes to understand how you will make an impact on their campus.

Overall, the UT Austin essay requirements should help you show the admissions team how your experiences will inform who you will be at UT. This essay is no exception. This UT essay prompt asks you to address how your “experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities” will help you positively influence the UT community. Note that UT asks you to provide specific details about how your background impacts your role as a community member. That is, they want you to state, in precise terms, how your experiences will help you contribute to UT.

Try brainstorming

You might start this UT Austin supplemental essay with a brainstorming session. Make two lists: one that describes formative experiences, perspectives, talents, and leadership roles, and one that describes your key values and character traits. Once you have these lists, look at how they overlap. For instance, maybe you stated on your values list that you care about showing compassion to others and noted on your experience list that you spend every weekend taking care of your younger brother. Intersections like this will form a strong foundation for your UT essay.

You only have 250-300 words, so once again, you should be relatively brief. Don’t tell longwinded stories; instead, focus on specific experiences you’ve had and how they’ll help you impact your future community at UT. Once you’ve written your first draft, be sure to revise. Every word of your UT essay should make a difference!

• Do you describe particular experiences, perspectives, talents, or leadership roles you’ve had?
• Does your UT essay clarify the specific ways you’ll impact the UT community?
• Does your essay complement the other elements of your application?

Short Answer UT Austin Essay Prompts: Question 3 (Required)

The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate. (250-300 words)

In looking at the UT Austin essay requirements, you might have noticed that there’s no conventional “Why UT” essay. However, while it may not seem like it, this is essentially a “Why UT” essay. If you’ve spent time on the UT website, you’ve probably noticed their tagline: “What starts here changes the world.” So, how will you change the world with the skills you develop at UT?

This UT Austin supplemental essay asks for two things. First, it asks you to paint a picture of what your time at UT might look like. Then, it asks you to describe how your experiences will help you change the world after you leave UT.

For inspiration, check out the UT website or their  YouTube channel . You might also look through UT’s list of  student organizations  for a bit more inspiration. Think about the kind of person you would be at UT. What would you study? Which clubs would you join? How would you spend your time? Be as specific as possible—your UT Austin supplemental essay should show that you’ve done your research.

Then, transition to your postgraduate plans. How would the UT experience you envision help you impact the broader world? What skills would UT give you that would help you in your chosen career, both in the practical and the personal sense?

• Does your UT essay specify why UT—and only UT—will help you meet your future goals?
• Do you state specific reasons why UT will prepare you for your future career?
• Does your UT Austin supplemental essay describe how UT will help you positively influence the world after you graduate?

Short Answer UT Austin Essay Prompts: Question 4 (Required)

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance, including the possible effects of COVID-19. (250-300 words)

According to the UT Austin website, this UT Austin supplemental essay question is required for all students applying in fall 2021, though it will become optional for students who submit their applications in the spring. Double-check your Coalition App or ApplyTexas requirements before drafting your response. Still, it’s in your best interest to think about how you might respond to the last of the UT Austin essay prompts.

Is there any context that your readers should understand in order to best evaluate your application? For example, maybe you had a bad bout with COVID just before taking the SAT, or had to care for a sick family member during exam season. You might even use this space to talk about how virtual learning impacted your education over the last year and a half.

While many students will use this space to discuss the impact of COVID-19, that’s not the only way you can approach this UT Austin essay prompt. This UT essay question gives you the space to discuss any other “events or special circumstances” that have complicated your high school experience. Additionally, while you should proofread your work carefully, you can approach this UT essay with less artistry than the rest of the UT Austin essay requirements. Above all, make sure that your essay communicates how your education was disrupted so that UT admissions can evaluate your application fairly.

• Do you describe how your education was disrupted, either by COVID-19 or by other factors?
• Does your UT Austin essay provide specific details?
• Is your essay free from any grammatical or spelling errors?

UT Austin Essay Requirements: Final Thoughts

While the UT Austin essay requirements might seem overwhelming, don’t be discouraged. If you start your UT Austin essays early and give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm and draft, you should be in great shape. Don’t be intimidated by the UT Austin essay requirements—instead, use them to your advantage. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UT Austin was written by Abbie Sage, Harvard ‘21. Want more help responding to the UT essay prompts? Click  here  to create your free CollegeAdvisor.com account or  schedule a free advising assessment  with an Admissions Expert by calling (844) 343-6272.

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8 Ways You Can Change the World as a College Student ...

Being a college student, you may think there aren’t many ways you can change the world. But actually, being a college student gives you tons of power to impact the world around you. From traveling around the world to sitting in your dorm, there are a variety of ways students can change the world.

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Join a Cause

With the tons of clubs, organizations, and other ways to get involved, the ways you can change the world as a college student are endless. From environmental causes to poverty to animal rights, there is most likely a club on your campus dedicated to changing the world around you.

Start an Organization

Are you passionate about a cause but cannot find a way to get involved? Start your own organization. Colleges make it so easy to start a club, all you need are a few other passionate students and you are ready to make a difference in the world. You can easily make a big impact on campus.

Social Media

What better way to reach hundreds of people at one time than with social media? Social media has been instrumental in starting revolutions and bringing together hundreds of people to support one cause. You can connect with other people who are dedicated to changing the world and share your causes with your followers. Social media connects you with people all around the world, so it is a great place to start.

Get Involved in Politics

While human rights, the environment, and animal rights are all great causes to support, getting involved in politics is one of the best ways to change the world as a college student. You can find a politician whose ideas align with yours and support them, or take a big leap and work in politics. You will be part of the process that makes laws and regulates almost every aspect of our lives, so it is a great place to get involved if you want to change the world.

Engaging in political activities can range from volunteering for campaigns to registering voters or even running for a student government position. These are critical steps in shaping the policies that affect our communities. Participation in politics during your college years also helps in building a network of like-minded individuals devoted to social change. It's a powerful platform to amplify your voice and learn about the intricacies of governance. Remember, every big political movement started with a group of passionate people who decided to step up. Your action could very well be the catalyst for meaningful change.

Take a Trip

There is an abundance of trips you can take around the world to do volunteer work in other countries. From simply rebuilding houses to teaching English to children, there are tons of things you can do to make a difference in the lives of others. And the best part is that you get to make a difference around the world and not just in your own backyard.

Talk to a Professor

You would be surprised how influential your professors can be. They tend to have a strong background in their field and love to have students reach out to them. If there is a cause you support, such as ending hunger or improving healthcare, your teachers would be more than willing to put you in contact with the right people to help you on your way to changing the world for the better.

Host a Protest

When enough students get together, people will listen. I remember during ‘Occupy Wall Street,’ students took it upon themselves to host their own Occupy movement to show their support. And trust me, people noticed. If there is something you are truly passionate about and that needs to be changed ASAP, find other like-minded students and rally together. Inform the local news stations and watch your story reach hundreds or thousands of people.

Raise Money

If there is one simple way to support the causes you love, it is with a donation. We all know college kids aren’t rolling in dough, but fundraising on a college campus can be easy. At my school, we have a thing called “canning,” where we stand on street corners with cans asking people to donate their spare change. You would be amazed at how fast it adds up. Asking people to donate such a small amount will encourage more donations and before you know it, you will have enough to support any cause you want.

It is so hard for people to take college students seriously, but when we put our minds to it, we can accomplish a lot. If there is something you are passionate about, why wait till graduation to do something about it? Now is as good a time as any to start changing the world, What did you think of these ways you can change the world as a college student? What are some other ways to have an impact on the world around you? Do you think college students should start changing the world now or wait until they have graduated?

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College Essay: Adapting to Change

I am wrapped warmly in my thin, soft, rainbow blanket looking up at my mother and father in a blurry haze. For the next 15 years, that rainbow blanket would be an object of comfort, home and family. When I was young, I never wanted to grow up and become an adult because reality was endless and full of possibilities. I was too afraid to leave the warmth of my home and step into the real world with aspirations of my own. But, the year 2019-20 has shifted my entire view, and I had to adapt to the changes that occurred when growing up.  

The elders always ask me, “Thaum koj loj los koj yuav dhau los ua kws kho mob, puas yog?” This translates to, “When you are older you’re going to become a doctor, right?” 

“Yes,” I quickly reply without thinking, because it is such a common question. For 15 years, I’ve set strict rules to achieve my goals. I had my whole life planned out–until I went to high school.  

Transitioning to high school was a steep, icy hill. There were many obstacles I had to face that reflected my determination. For nine years, I had spent my entire life with the same adults, peers and school, but it was time to step out of my comfort zone.   

“YOU GOT INTO THE MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY!!” my mom screamed joyfully, as if she was the one  who had been accepted. However, I was nervous about attending the No. 1 public charter school in Minnesota.  

Regardless, I wanted to play for the volleyball team. I had practiced for weeks to improve my serve. It was toward the end of August and humid outside. My knees were shaking, and my stomach was quivering with fear. My head was dizzy and my throat was dry. As I walked into the building, I felt a rush of cool air overwhelm me. It smelled like new wood; everything was polished. I peeked into the gym and saw girls that were more than 5 feet tall. After half of the tryout, I made new friends. I was excited to play volleyball with them, and I soon got over the feeling of being an outsider. Since the student body population was small, I connected with teachers and students. I even joined clubs. I finally belonged.  

Then March 13, 2020, hit and altered my sense of belonging at school. I was finally happy and comfortable with the high standards of Math and Science Academy, but COVID-19 drastically impacted everyone; it was time to adapt.

I learn online curriculum, practice social distancing and participate in extracurricular activities online. As the oldest of six, I am responsible for myself and the care of the family.  I tend to my 1-year-old sister, Scarlett, and help watch my siblings. I give my rainbow blanket to Scarlett when she’s fussy. Now, my rainbow blanket is part of my family’s memories. I learn to appreciate and grow as a learner and daughter. I understand my parents, grandparents and siblings better than ever before. I know that my passion for helping people and seeing families united and joyful is my vocation. I want to become  a cardiothoracic surgeon to help families through hard times and give them the hope to continue on. We can only adapt to change.  

“Even if the desert becomes cracked, no matter who shakes this world, don’t let go of the hand you’re holding.” This quote is from someone who reminds me to continue making new memories while holding the past, much like my rainbow blanket. This blanket reminds me that when I pursue higher education and start a family, I will always have the strength of my memories that tie me back to who I am.

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How exactly does one “change the world for the better”?

Hi there! I’m a currently a junior and though I haven’t started doing college apps, I’m afraid of tackling questions that are meant to showcase an applicant’s proclivity for innovation.

Questions like “If you create or develop something that could improve your community, what would it be and why?” have always stumped me. I’m worried of getting questions like these on essay questions or during an interview, because at my mental capacity, I wouldn’t be able to give a coherent answer.

Truth be told, I suspect that it likely means that I’m likely not fit for those kinds of college programs, but regardless I’d like to be prepared.

So with that being said, how does one tackle these “innovation” questions? And what kind of aspirations allowed you to give a clear answer?

Good luck for everyone applying btw! Hoping for the best for all of you!

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4 steps to cope with climate change in the college years, college students can make a difference in a warming world..

Posted July 7, 2024 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

• College students are impacted by the increase in natural disasters fueled by climate change.
• Increasing heat in general has negative mental health impacts.
• A family's loss of home due to a natural disaster can negatively impact a student's academic performance.

Lonnie, a college sophomore, was bereft when she first came to my office. Her parents’ Florida home had been destroyed by winds from a Category 5 hurricane. Fortunately, they had evacuated, but they were in severe financial and emotional distress. Lonnie was already living with the memory of evacuating her home in Texas while in high school due to a tropical storm, only to return to find the home destroyed by floods. With her family facing this second catastrophe, Lonnie hesitated to turn to them when she was struggling.

Lonnie was very much alone emotionally and financially. The financial assistance her parents had been providing before the storm now stopped. She told me she had experienced minor episodes of down mood and anxiety during high school, which had subsided when she went to college. But with this recent loss, she was overwhelmed. She was sad and anxious much of the time, and most nights she had trouble falling asleep. She had tried therapy but did not find it helpful. I prescribed a medication that would treat both her depression and anxiety, and her symptoms lessened in a month.

Lonnie rose to the challenge of remaining in school in remarkable ways. She worked several hours a week to pay for school and majored in urban planning. Her goal was to help cities mitigate and survive increasing heat and floods. She had very little time for a social life but did not complain. She eventually tapered off her medication once her symptoms were remitted for an extended period. She did well in school and found a great job when she graduated.

The Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters

As a college psychiatrist for over 30 years, I have seen increasing numbers of students impacted by weather disasters related to climate change . And not all young adults are as resilient as Lonnie. A February NPR report described students leaving college after their families faced financial pain from losing their homes to storms or fires. A study found students whose families resided in zip codes where natural disasters took place ended up with lower GPAs and greater college debt than their peers. The rates of these natural disasters are only rising.

The summer of 2024 is beginning with extreme heat in the Northeast and fires in the West. ER visits in the northeast and mid-Atlantic for weather-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion have increased. Heat-related deaths are on the rise. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the period from January through May 2024 was at its warmest since records were kept starting 175 years ago. A UN report highlights the increase in natural disasters such as floods, storms, and wildfires from 2000-2019, largely fueled by climate change.

There are concerning mental health effects associated with increasing heat in our climate. A large study of the United States and Mexico showed increased rates of suicide and more depressive language in social media posts during warmer months. It is predicted by 2050 there will be an additional 40,000 suicides due to the warming climate. Other studies have documented increases in anxiety and irritability with increasing temperatures. One source of irritability could be sleep difficulties in a too-warm environment.

More often, I am hearing college students describe general anxiety about climate change, wondering what weather disasters they may face. I validate these concerns and we explore ways they can take action to cope.

Steps College Students Can Take to Cope With Climate Change

• Stay safe during periods of increased heat . Check both temperature and humidity, as humidity will always make you feel warmer. Carry water with you. Stay hydrated. Walk in the shade.
• Be aware that many psychiatric medications as well as other medications make it harder to regulate your temperature when it is hot out . Ask your doctor how your medication impacts heat regulation. You may need to be especially careful during warm days.
• Seek help for mental health issues related to climate change or natural disasters . Talk with a therapist about how your life is impacted. See a psychiatric provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD .
• Take positive action . Many students take steps to address climate change. They major in environmental sciences to better understand our climate so they can make a difference. Students choose careers focused on mitigating the effects of climate change, becoming urban planners who work on making their communities safer in storms and engineers who retrofit buildings to make them more energy efficient. They are joining political groups and even running for office to have their voices heard.

I recently watched the 2023 series Extrapolations on Apple TV+ for a fictional glimpse of our future in 2037 and beyond in a world of warming temperatures and sea level rise. The characters are both physically and psychologically damaged by the increasing heat, flooding, and fires they face. At the same time, they discover new ways to cope and collaborate. It is heartening for me to see the young adults I know taking action to address these global concerns.

©2024 Marcia Morris, all rights reserved. Details have been altered to protect patient privacy.

Marcia Morris, M.D. , is the author of The Campus Cure: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health and Wellness for College Students . She is a psychiatrist at the University of Florida.

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ChatGPT: Disruptive or Constructive?

Thursday, Jul 18, 2024 • Jeremiah Valentine : [email protected]

What is Chat GPT?

ChatGPT is a popular emerging technology using Artificial Intelligence. GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which describes an AI program that looks for patterns in language and data learning to predict the next word in a sentence or the next paragraph in an essay. The website has a friendly interface that allows users to interact with AI in a n efficient conversational tone . ChatGPT provides another opportunity for students, instructors, researchers, workers, and others to find practical solutions to everyday and complicated problems.

At the root of this conversation is Artificial Intelligence. I plan to explore applicable uses of AI and ChatGPT in the classroom , entrepreneurial potential uses, and applications in industry .

Everyday Uses of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Artificial I ntelligence varies based on the user and their end goal. While many individuals will use certain programs or websites to meet specific objectives , many companies and apps have begun to utilize this emerging technology to better meet their customer's needs.

Duolingo is a popular foreign language learning application that I use to supplement my Spanish studies . The app uses Artificial Intelligence to assess users' knowledge and understanding as they interact with the program , thus streamlining users learning outcomes.

As another example, Khan Academy is a free online resource that helps teachers and students learn any level of math or other grade school topics for free. They have created Khanmigo , using AI. The model acts as a tutor that helps work through a problem while not directly providing the answer. It can assist in writing an essay or solving a complex math problem step by step.

These everyday applications continue a trend of companies implementing this new technolog y into students and teachers' lives . . This new AI technology also allows business professionals to enhance aspects of their processes.

Entrepreneurs, A.I. and the Advantages

While AI already provides companies and organizations with new ways to interact with and better support their customers, AI could also provide emerging industries and entrepreneurs with new paths to business success. 

According to Entrpreneur.com, most businesses currently use AI for customer service purposes , however , AI could also help entrepreneurs create effective spreadsheets cataloging useful data with accuracy that can be incredibly specific or broad. Specifically with customer service, AI can quickly find what a customer needs and solve their problems efficiently. It could also analyze how effective marketing campaigns are influencing customers’ purchases.

As I researched for more information about this topic, I found an article in The Journal of Business Venturing Insights published in March 2023, sharing different techniques business students can use ChatGPT as an asset to generate entrepreneurial business pitches. The article titled “ The Artificially Intelligent Entrepreneur” written by Cole Short, an Assistant Professor of Strategy at Pepperdine University, and Jeremy C. Short, a UTA alumni and Professor at the University of North Texas at Denton, showcased different elevator pitch scenarios.

Students and entrepreneurs study CEOs who have impacted an industry dynamically; the CEO's mentality is an asset . I had the opportunity to question Dr. Jeremy Short on how he arrived at the initial question of using AI as a CEO archetype business consultant. An archetype is a symbol, term, or pattern of behavior which others have replicated or emulated.

He responded, “ We used this existing framework and selected a CEO from each archetype and used ChatGPT to create elevator pitches, social media pitches, and crowdfunding pitches. The strength of ChatGPT is based largely on the creativity of the prompt, which is where we aim as authors.”

CEO Archetypes and Prompt Engineering

ChatGPT allows the user to understand the archetypes of successful CEOs and collaborate with entrepreneurial styles. These archetypes are accessible options to consult with AI. Let ’ s break down different CEO archetypes students used during this study:

Creator CEOs are typically serial entrepreneurs and serve during the growth stages of developing new businesses. These individuals are risk takers recognizing opportunities that others don ’ t see. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter is the creator archetype.

Transformer CEOs are created by climbing the ladder of a successful business and adding new ideas . They have a firm understanding of the company's culture and work to dramatically change the company, separating it from missteps in the past. Indra Nooyi CEO of PepsiCo is the transformer archetype.

Savior CEOs rescue businesses on the verge of failure with disciplined actions, unique experience and insights they forge a successful path forward for declining businesses. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD is the savior archetype.

ChatGPT was prompted to write an elevator pitch in the style of the previously listed CEOs. 

The response for Elon Musk included language about “ building” a product with “ cutting-edge technology.” 

Indra Nooyi ’s response included phrases like “ the world is changing” and making “ a positive impact in the world.” 

Lisa Su's response produced a pitch speaking about being “ accountable, tough and disciplined” with an emphasis on “ a strong focus on efficiency and performance.”

However, I believe these positions can help entrepreneurs develop their own successful business practices; creating a product your former employer could use to gain an advantage over the competition is disruptive. B uying a company on the brink of bankruptcy that has been mismanaged is a scenario entrepreneurs have explored and practiced .

Prompt engineering is the description of a task AI can accomplish , with instructions embedded in the input. Using prompt engineering, users can fine-tune their input to achieve a desired output incorporating a task description to guide the AI model. 

Conversation around ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

I asked Dr. Short about how students could use this technology as an asset that guides their learning and, additionally, how instructors can use this as well. He spoke about an assignment he is currently using in his classes. “ Chat GPT might be valuable in helping create a recipe for material that students can then refine. For example, in my social entrepreneurship class students create crowdfunding campaigns for either DonorsChoose , a platform that caters to public school teachers or GoFundMe , a service which allows a variety of project types to a larger userbase . I plan on students using ChatGPT to create a ‘rough draft’ to show me so I can see how they refine their responses for their particular campaigns this upcoming fall.” Th is approach allows students to take advantage of popular technology in a constructive way.

The journal article provided some notable conclusions about ChatGPT , i ncluding “ quality control is essential when using automated tools; a hallmark of success for large language models is their vast associative memory, this strength can also be a weakness. Specifically, models such as OpenAI’s GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 are capable of confidently generating “ hallucinated” output that appears correct but, it is incorrect or completely fabricated. ChatGPT serves as an emerging tool that can efficiently and flexibly produce a range of narrative content for entrepreneurs and serve to inspire future research at the intersection of entrepreneurship and AI.” ChatGPT ’s limitations and potential applications are continually being explored.

Industry Application

After researching various applications of AI, I spoke with Dr. George Benson, Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Management at The University of Texas at Arlington, about AI and ChatGPT from an industry perspective. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence with Human Resource Management .

Dr. Benson told me that Artificial Intelligence is being invested heavily by human resource departments who are looking to automate hiring practices. Specifically, he mentioned “ HR is using this as a market opportunity. AI is a useful tool to sift through potential applicants by scanning their resumes for qualifications and experiences. Allowing professionals to hire applicants faster.”

This application allows the technology to handle low-level tasks, but the results generated are being handed to a human to review and act on. He spoke about the potential of A.I. “ There are a lot of unknowns, but the technology is new and getting better.” Looking towards the future, technology is already being applied in different ways . These applications are being explored in the classrooms of UTA as well.

Exploration of AI at UTA

The College of Business conduct ed a survey to understand the faculty’s attitude towards A I in the classroom. It was a part of the “Teaching with Chat GPT” workshop on Friday February 9 th , which focus ed on how to integrate Chat GPT and other AI platforms into teaching . 

Dr. Kevin Carr, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at UTA, was a part of the workshop ; he currently teaches Advanced Business Communication . I talked to him about the purpose of the workshop and what he hopes to gain from the group's sessions. 

Dr. Carr explained "The point of the workshop is designed to give faculty ideas for instruction and to develop classroom activities to work with students . Our goal for th e workshop is to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a teaching tool for faculty, including showing what AI can do potentially in the classroom. We are going to be very open to faculty’s direction, in terms of ongoing discu ssions and meetings.”

Personal Take

Artificial Intelligence or Chat GPT , in my view, is another useful tool in the toolbox of technology. It will take the air out of certain industries, and it will change jobs, yet every major technological advancement has the potential to do so. The automobile was considered radical, the use of plastic, computers in the workplace, and alternative energy have been impactful on society. 

Alternative energy was headlined as the end of oil use. The automobile changed the way cities were formed and led to the creation of a national highway system. Society has always found a way to adapt and overcome major technological innovations, artificial intelligence is not any different.

AI is the technology of tomorrow. It reminds me of something Dr. George Benson said , “ It's cool software that is a sophisticated search engine.” Google, one of the most popular search engines, reshaped the internet, as you search for resources, it is a natural starting point. AI and ChatGPT are an evolution, for students it is a tremendous resource consulting a CEO archetype, creating business pitches, and most importantly shaping the future .

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What was the best team in NHL history without a single Hall of Fame player?

Today’s time-waster is a simple one: What’s the best team in history that didn’t have a single Hall of Fame player on the roster?

A few of you have sent in variations of the question over the years, and it’s a good one. Nice and easy. I’m not even sure we need the traditional bullet-point ground rules.

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We’ll do this by decade, more or less, going back to the first expansion. For more recent teams, we’ll obviously have to use some judgment and common sense over who might make the Hall someday. The 2017-18 Capitals don’t have a single Hall of Famer right now, but I have a feeling that Ovechkin guy might get in eventually, so we won’t count them. That challenge will get easier as we work back, but never completely go away, since the committee sometimes drops a decades-old selection on us, seemingly out of nowhere. But we’ll do our best, and maybe check in with old pal Paul Pidutti and his Adjusted Hockey model for a sanity check when we need it.

With that in mind, let’s give this a shot. We’ll start in the 2010s and work our way back.

Most of the great teams of this decade are from the Penguins , Lightning and Capitals, which all have guys I’d consider eventual slam dunks. The Kings have Drew Doughty and the Bruins have Patrice Bergeron, so they don’t work. The 2010-11 Canucks were dominant, but they had the Sedins and Roberto Luongo. And there are some great teams from the Rangers and Ducks and Sharks that get eliminated by Martin St. Louis and Teemu Selanne and Joe Thornton.

This won’t be easy. Which of course is the whole point.

A few teams do jump out as candidates. The obvious one is the 2018-19 Blues , who weren’t exactly a great team during the season but did win the Stanley Cup. At first glance, they seemed like an ideal team for this sort of exercise, one that was more than the sum of its parts and wasn’t driven by a legendary superstar. I don’t think Ryan O’Reilly is on a HHOF track, Vladimir Tarasenko would need a hell of a finishing kick to even get in the conversation and younger guys like Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou aren’t on pace yet.

The one name here that could derail us is Alex Pietrangelo . He doesn’t have a Norris, but he’s a three-time all-star with two Cups, and his similarity list is filled with guys like Scott Niedermayer, Doug Wilson and Larry Murphy. I checked Adjusted Hockey, where they use a point system with a standard HHOF cutoff for defensemen of 269. Pietrangelo scores … 269 on the nose. Great. No clarity there, but the implication is that he’s on pace to at least be a strong candidate, so let’s keep looking.

Two other teams stick out as possibilities. The first is the 2015-16 Stars, who hit the 50-win mark while winning the Central. Their top scorers were Jamie Benn , Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza, and while Benn still has a shot at the HHOF, he would feel like an underdog at this point. The other is the 2016-17 Wild, who had 49 wins and 106 points under Bruce Boudreau. They’ve got a couple of maybes in Eric Staal and Ryan Suter , but I don’t think either guy is going to make it.

All in all, I think the Blues have to be the pick for the decade, unless Pietrangelo ruins it. Let’s see what we can find by going back a bit further.

This decade’s top seasons are dominated by teams like Detroit and San Jose, who don’t help us. But as it turns out, we don’t have to go very far down the list to get to a team that definitely does.

That would be the 2006-07 Sabres , who won 53 games on their way to 113 points and the franchise’s only Presidents’ Trophy. They went to the conference final before losing to Ottawa, but none of the skaters stand out as Hall candidates. The best of the group were co-captains Chris Drury and Danny Briere, who famously both left as UFAs that summer. Neither is getting in, and neither are Thomas Vanek or Brian Campbell. The one guy who could derail us is Ryan Miller , who was eligible for the first time this year and didn’t make the cut. The Hall is weird about goalies, and Miller has a case that slots in behind Curtis Joseph but alongside names like Pekka Rinne and Tuukka Rask . I think he probably falls short, but we may not know for a while.

We get a near-miss from those 2007 Senators, who beat the Sabres and went to the final with a collection of good-but-not-legendary guys that included 2022 inductee Daniel Alfredsson. The 2006 Hurricanes you’re probably thinking about had Mark Recchi.

The Sabres are the pick here, but if I need a Miller-related backup then I’ll take the 2009-10 Coyotes, who somehow won 50 games with a roster where Shane Doan is the best candidate by a mile. Honestly, the next-best option might be 40-year-old Mathieu Schneider, whose Coyotes career lasted eight games. That team was as rag-tag as they come. Would it shock you to learn that head coach Dave Tippett won the Jack Adams that year?

Children, be warned — we’re about to reach back into a time in NHL history when there were no points for losing. Will we be able to find any good teams at all without a contrived standings page to boost them up? Let’s find out …

Huh. Maybe this was a bad idea.

The difficulty sure seems to ramp up once we get to the 1990s, and while I didn’t really think this through initially, it makes sense. Today’s NHL is a young man’s league, but back then it wasn’t unusual for star players to still be considered in their prime well into their 30s. If you were a decent team, you probably had a few guys like that; if you didn’t, you tried to get them. And since they were still productive, they naturally filtered towards the contenders, a sort of hockey circle of life that’s making our job a lot tougher on today’s question.

How tough? The best team I could find in terms of points had just 92. Back then, a 92-point season was pretty good, roughly the equivalent of a low 100-point season today. This particular team at least backed up their regular season with a strong playoff, going all the way to the final. I’m guessing a few of you just figured out who it is.

Yes, it’s our old pals the 1995-96 Florida Panthers , the team we’ve singled out as being personally responsible for the Dead Cap era that ruined hockey. Not only did they not have a Hall of Famer on the roster, there’s nobody who’s even remotely close. Unless the committee absolutely loses their mind on 300-win goalies and eventually inducts John Vanbiesbrouck, this pick is as safe as they come.

By the way, honorable mention goes to the 1993-94 Capitals, just because it feels like we have to have some ’90s Caps representation here. Before Ovechkin came along, there was a time when you could count on the Capitals to have Mike Ridley as their leading scorer, a trio of 30-year-old goalies, all the goals coming from their defensemen and Craig Berube involved in a lot of fights either for or against them. They’d have 88 points and finish third in the Patrick before losing in the second round. We used to be a society.

If the ’90s were tough, I can only imagine what we’re up against next.

The Islanders and Oilers dominate the decade, and obviously don’t help us. Neither do the Flames, Bruins or Habs. I got briefly excited at the mid- and late ’80s Flyers , but Mark Howe ruins that. And so we start scrolling.

We have a near-miss on a legitimately great team in the 1980-81 Blues, who had 107 points, but borderline HHOFer Bernie Federko puts a stop to that. There are some very good early ’80s North Stars teams that get taken out by Dino Ciccarelli. And as much as I’d love to use the 86-87 Whalers, that was before they gave away Ron Francis.

In the end, the only 90-plus point teams I can find are the 1981-82 and 1983-84 Rangers. They had 92 and 93 points, respectively, and the 1982 team even won a round. Both were eliminated by the Islanders dynasty, but the 1982 team took them to six games, and the 1984 squad even pushed them to the brink of elimination in Round 1, something only one other team did during the Isles’ 19-series win streak. Those Rangers teams actually had a lot of turnover between them, but were led by hard-nosed defenseman Barry Beck and had fun players like Ron Duguay and Anders Hedberg. No Hall of Famers, though — Vanbiesbrouck shows up again, but we’re otherwise safe on these picks. We’ll go with the 1981-82 team, which at least won a round, and did have a 103-point scorer in Mike Rogers.

One last decade (and change) to go before we call it a day.

There’s no point even trying this for a six-team league, so this is as far back as we’ll go. I’m assuming we’ll end up with an expansion team here, but let’s see.

We come close with the 1974-75 Kings, who somehow managed 105 points despite not having any skater crack 80 points in an era where everyone did. Unfortunately for us, Rogie Vachon’s surprise election after three decades of eligibility scuttles that.

Those late ’60s expansion teams aren’t as much help as I’d hoped, because most of them were terrible and the Blues had Glenn Hall. Some of the 1970s additions do offer up options, like the 1974-75 Canucks, who won the Smythe Division with André Boudrias leading the charge. The Atlanta Flames show up in 1978-79, winning 41 games with 100-point seasons from the dynamic duo of Bob MacMillan and Guy Chouinard. And the 1974-75 Penguins are fun, posting 89 points while being led by Ron Schock and Syl Apps, but not that Syl Apps.

But I think our winner here is the 1979-80 North Stars, and no I don’t want to have a philosophical argument about whether they’re a ’70s or ’80s team right now. They went 36-28-16 while finishing fourth in goals scored and sixth in fewest goals allowed. Their offensive leaders were Al MacAdam and Steve Payne, their goalie was Gilles Meloche and their best defenseman was Craig Hartsburg. They made the playoffs, swept the Leafs in the preliminary round, and then wrote their names in the history books by being the team to end the Canadiens’ dynasty, becoming the first team in five years to beat Montreal in the playoffs with a seven-game upset.

Maybe 88 points isn’t a lot, but slaying a giant is worth a few bonus marks. The North Stars are our team

And the winner is …

That’s as far as we’re going to need to go, and of the teams we’ve found, I think the 2006-07 Sabres are the safest bet. The Blues won the Cup, yes, but I think it’s probably too early to feel safe on ruling out Pietrangelo. Meanwhile, that Sabres team was scary good, a very legitimate Cup contender that absolutely could have won it all if things had broken a bit differently in the postseason. I’m a little nervous about an eventual Miller induction ruining this for us, but hopefully if that happens he’ll do the right thing and decline to help us out.

Now it’s your turn. If you’ve got a team you think I missed, let me hear it. I’m also open to nominations for current or recent teams that you think might make the list someday.

(And yes, I know you folks well enough to guess that now you want to know the worst team with the most Hall of Famers. We’ll get to that one someday.)

(Photo of Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko: Brian Babineau / NHLI via Getty Images)

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Sean McIndoe has been a senior NHL writer with The Athletic since 2018. He launched Down Goes Brown in 2008 and has been writing about hockey ever since, with stops including Grantland, Sportsnet and Vice Sports. His book, "The Down Goes Brown History of the NHL," is available in book stores now. Follow Sean on Twitter @ DownGoesBrown