Georgetown University Essay: Fictional Character

Georgetown University was one of my choices to pursue my Masters in Management. One of the four essays required creativity, and I enjoyed writing it.

Essay Prompt

Our goal at Georgetown McDonough is to craft a diverse class with people who have had varying personal and professional life experiences. As such, we want to give our applicants the opportunity to select one essay (from a list of three) that allows them the ability to highlight best their experiences, characteristics, and values that showcase the value proposition that they can bring to the McDonough community (700 words).

My choice: Essay Option 3 – Fictional character.

The Essay

If I were to pick one fictional character to relate with, it would be Johns Isaac, portrayed by Dulquer Salmaan in the 2013 Malayalam comedy movie ABCD: American Born Confused Desi. The movie is of the ‘world cinema’ genre, set in the USA and India. Johns is a spoilt and spendthrift son of Indian-American businessman Dr. Isaac John, and the latter has to visit the cops for the multiple pranks the former commits. Trying to teach his son a lesson on being disciplined financially, he tricks Johns and his cousin Korah into staying in India and doing college studies there. The entire movie is a compilation of hilarious events that occur to Johns and Korah as they adjust to life in Kerala by living on just five thousand Indian rupees per month, a stark contrast to the lofty twenty thousand USD they used to spend in the States in the same span.

Although a comedy flick, the movie teaches you that money management is crucial, whether rich or poor. Though I wouldn’t relate to the affluent US lifestyle of Johns, how he adjusts to life in Kerala would probably be a precursor to my future study and adapting to life in the States. Having a sidekick like Korah in real life is a blessing in disguise, as there’s one more person to be part of all the action in a new environment. In my life, too, I have a friend like that, although I’m not sure if he would approve of the sidekick role. The initial days in Kerala come as a rude shock to the duo, as John’s dad withdraws his son’s credit card and arranges for them a below-poverty-line settlement. Mending a torn shoe, using public transport, and sharing food were all unimaginable tasks, yet they did all these and more to curb their spending habits.

The news of the wealthy American duo trying to experience life in Kerala spread like wildfire as both cooked up stories to portray themselves as activists trying to figure out the life of the poor. Social media attention grew, and both Johns and Korah were nominated for the ‘Youth Icon’ award, having prize money of one lakh Indian rupees. Desperate to get the amount for a return ticket to the US, the two try out their hands in political activism and get caught in between the two rivaling parties of Kerala politics. Things go out of hand when the duo goes into hiding, fearing the wrath of the police and political leaders. The people agitate against the government, thinking that the American men are in police custody, and demand their release. Against the backdrop of the unstable political situation, and according to the law of the land wherein international citizens are not allowed to participate in internal political matters, the Kerala government deports the duo back to the US. While Johns and Korah didn’t pass out of university, they gained enough experience with the harsh life in India.

Johns’ and Korah’s illegal involvement in politics reminds me to abide by the purpose of one’s life and destination. I would take home the lesson to avoid involving myself politically while doing good for the Georgetown community and excelling academically. Johns is fun-loving and energetic, but I connect with the character most with his remarkable adaptability to an alien lifestyle. While I’m yet to gain international experience, I will adjust to even the most demanding situations with relative ease, as evidenced by my time in a boarding school for entrance coaching classes in Grades XI and XII. The poor food on some days made me stick to water for lunch, yet I could focus on my studies and ace the entrance exams.

The movie also provides a strong message on the parent-son relationship. Although a spoilt brat, Johns is receptive to his dad’s advice even if he doesn’t abide by them entirely. He attends calls from his home and lets them know he is okay. When Johns and Korah go missing, the worried emotions of the parents while staying far apart is heart-touching. The movie is one of my all-time favorites, and I would watch it on repeat for Johns Isaac.