Optional EssayMIT Sloan ‘16

Laura Castellanos Gómez

To guide my actions through

strong values and ethics

To guide my actions through strong

values and ethics

To make the most out of my time in life

To enrich my life through other cultures

To always be grateful

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What inspires me?

My path to happiness consists of four main principles…

Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16

My strongest motivation is the people I care about, who inspire me to be a better human being

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Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16

My family

My fiancé

My friends

My Coworkers

Inculcate me solid values since childhood, such as integrity, enthusiasm and gratitude

They have impacted me by…

I have impacted them by…

Showing me how, when working as a team, goals that seemed unattainable can be achieved

Demonstrating them how to be brave, have courage, and never give up

Demonstrating what loyalty is, by always being at my side, no matter what

Instructing me on the value of creativity and fresh ideas when looking for answers

Teaching them to never settle and always pursue their dreams

Showing them how to always be honest, even if the true can hurt

Proving them the importance of having a positive and cheerful attitude, even on the worst circumstances

Bungee Jumping In Acapulco, Mexico

Tree Climbing in Puerto Vallarta,

Mexico

Sky Diving in Cuautla, Mexico

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Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16

By overcoming my fears…

I constantly push myself to try new things and to live everyday as if it were the last one

“Elephant owner for a day” in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Diving in Cozumel, Mexico

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Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16

Keeping in touch with nature…

I constantly push myself to try new things and to live everyday as if it were the last one

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Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16

And having fun along the way…

Hawaiian Dance Presentation

Salsa Dancing Lessons

I constantly push myself to try new things and to live everyday as if it were the last one

My growing curiosity for different cultures has helped me achieve personal growth

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Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16

Had 2 international experiences

Visited 19 countries

Studied 4 foreign languages

English – During 12 years of academic education

French - Intensive course during my 6-month stay in Canada

German – Private lessons for a year and group lessons during my 6-month stay in Germany

Portuguese – Group lessons for a year

Montreal, Canada (2005) - Intermediate French Program

Nuremberg, Germany (2009) - Study Abroad Program

Both for business…

and pleasure….

Panama Channel, Panama

Koh Samui, Thailand

I never forget how fortunate I am, and I constantly try to give something in return

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Orphan children and young adults

The Tarahumara community

Mexican children

Families in disadvantage

Unicef benefactor since 2011, specifically to help a project that consists on providing birth certificates to rural children so to ensure their citizen and legal identity

Volunteered for helping on the construction of four houses in a semi-urban area of Mexico, for families with very low economic resources

Volunteered in a program to alphabetize Tarahumara people in Norogachi Chihuahua, by teaching classes and elaborating didactic material

Organized a food, clothes and hygienic products drive for each of the 25 people living on the Casa San Francisco orphanage

Laura Castellanos Gómez Optional Essay, MIT Sloan ‘16