Williamson student writes about pizza, gets into Yale University
Melanie Balakit
When it comes to writing personal essays, Ravenwood High School graduate Carolina Williams has one piece of advice: Don't be afraid to take risks.
Williams wrote a short essay on what she loves to do in her application to Yale University.
Her first thought? Ordering pizza from Papa John's.
"Honestly, I thought I should go with the first thing that popped in my head," Williams said. "It was completely genuine."
Williams got in.
A Yale admissions officer wrote a friendly note: "As a fellow lover of pizza, I laughed out loud (then ordered pizza) after reading your application."
Among the essay highlights: "Accepting those warm cardboard boxes at my front door is second nature to me, but I will always love ordering pizza because of the way eight slices of something so ordinary are able to evoke feelings of independence, consolation and joy."
To celebrate the acceptance, Williams put on a Yale T-shirt and ordered a cheese pizza -- from where else -- Papa John's.
Williams will study business
The essay was just part of why Williams got into Yale.
Williams maintained a high GPA while taking rigorous courses, ranking in the top 10 of Ravenwood's graduating class.
She was also active in her church, volunteered for the Brentwood library and participated in English Honors Society, National Honors Society, Model UN and Youth in Government.
She'll be the first in her family to go to college.
Despite the acceptance to the prestigious Ivy League school, she'll be going to Auburn University to pursue business, because she felt that it was a better fit and liked the scholarships.
She plans to major in business and minor in economics, and aspires to be the CEO of a company.
Reach Melanie Balakit at mbalakit@tennessean.com.
Carolina Williams' tips for essay writing
- Showcase yourself as a unique individual.
- Don't be afraid to take risks.
- Give yourself enough time to rewrite your essay.