EPTA few years back I was applying for a scholarship at the college I was about to transfer to. After submitting my written application, I got called for the interview session. My job was to convince the person in charge that I was worthy of it.
So I came to the hall where my fate was to be decided, and entered the cubicle when my turn was up. A young lady was waiting inside, only a few years older than me. Seeing that she had a rather friendly smile I relaxed a bit.
After asking me some questions about myself and my family background, she leveled a very direct statement at me:
"Your results are not bad, but not that great also. In view of that, why should we give you this scholarship?"
Suddenly a flash of inspiration hit me. I took a deep breath, then told her:
"My lady, your point about my results are absolutely correct. I wish I had done better as well. However, I would like to elaborate on something. May I proceed?"
She nodded assent.
"The ancient Greeks felt that education should be all-encompassing, including not only the instilling of knowledge and the refinement of intellect, but also athletics to train the physique and social activities to shape one into a citizen who can relate to others and be a pillar of our society."
She kept nodding, so I went on.
"Although my grades may not be at the very top, and I swear to make sure that from today onwards they are, I believe I can contribute to the college in other aspects. In my old college (I was a transfer student), I used to organize various activities (here I elaborated a bit more), which I viewed as an integral part of college life for all of us. If you would consider accepting me into the college with this scholarship, I'm sure I could do the same thing here for my fellow students. In line with what the Ancient Greeks expected from their best and brightest, of course."
One week later I received a letter saying I had got the full scholarship. Ancient Greeks FTW!
I didn't actually say "my lady", reason being that I said the entire thing in Chinese, as it was a Chinese newspaper which was awarding the scholarship. However I've tried to capture the essence of my speech to her here, it was actually even more melodramatic in the original, and quite abit longer too, haha.
