BYU Scholarship Essays
1. Please describe any experience you have had living outside the United States for more than 2 years.
For the past 17 months I have been living in Mexico City (CDMX) serving my full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For me, this has been a life changing experience. My time here in Mexico City has exposed me to a culture, people, and place that I would not have known otherwise.
I started off my mission in Iztapalapa, one of the most dangerous alcaldias (districts) of the city, which was actually a perfect jumping off point as it has many similar aspects to New York City, where I spent a lot of time growing up. I learned how to navigate the tiangies (street markets) and the abarrotes (small convenience stores). Additionally, I was exposed to much of the unique food here in CDMX.
My second area, Milpa Alta, is the least populated and most rural alcaldia. Milpa Alta is the south eastern part of the city in the mountains that define the Valle of Mexico, so everything is either uphill or down and very centered on farming. At times it seems that every single inch is covered in fields of nopales (cactus, a food staple). It is also full of stray dogs. My companion and I became friends with many of the dogs, some often following us to the church when given the opportunity. From what I hear, they are still friends with the missionaries to this day.
One of the great things I learned in Milpa Alta was to live like the locals. Unlike larger areas, there are no chain enterprises; no Walmart, 7eleven, or Little Caesars, only the town markets, tiangies, and abarrotes. I learned to choose between a small selection. I was also exposed to much more of Mexican culture, especially that of pueblitos (small towns) which are more Catholic and traditional. I distinctly remember the experience I had on my second day there. I was looking out our apartment window at the volcano Iztaccíhuatl and felt a desire to never leave and stay in that area my entire mission. I stand by that sentiment and would have no problems going back if the opportunity presented itself.
One of the best parts of being in Mexico is getting to know the people. I have grown to love all those I have taught and served with. Some of the best friends I have made on the mission are native Mexicans. I have spent most of my mission speaking exclusively Spanish and have grown to love the language.
I am currently serving in Alcaldia Tlalpan and I can say, as I would in every other area: I love Mexico City!
2. Please write a biographical sketch about yourself. Limit your response to 3000 characters.
My name is Kimball Robert Neilson. I stand at six foot three and about 200 pounds. I was born in Los Angeles two days after Christmas, the second of four children. Shortly after, my family moved to New York where we have lived ever since. I guess you could say I’m a true New Yorker. I played football in high school, sang in choir, and I love biology and most sciences. I am an all-around kind of guy and can get along well with just about anyone. After graduating high school, I attended a year at BYU, Provo before starting my mission in Mexico City. I will complete my mission in June 2023 and look forward to continuing my education as a Cougar.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved animals. My first word was “neigh,” as I played with a toy horse, and my family could share endless stories about my wildlife fascination. As a child, my favorite books were about animals and my favorite shows were animal documentaries. I was greatly blessed to grow up so close to the ocean, with many nearby aquariums, and of course the Bronx and Central Park Zoos and the Natural History Museum in NYC. If there was ever a day off school and my parents asked “What do you want to do?” my answer was unequivocally, “Let's go to the Zoo!”
I’ve gotten older, but my love for and study of animals hasn’t decreased at all. For example, at the start of my mission, Covid restrictions required that my entire MTC experience be at home so I spent every P-day at one of the nearby zoos, aquariums or museums before I left for Mexico City. And when the opportunity arose to go to the Biodiversity Museum of the National Autonomous University of Mexico on a mission P-day, I jumped at the opportunity and loved the experience.
I’m lucky to have grown up in an incredibly diverse community in New York and to have traveled a bit to other countries. I love trying new things, connecting with people, and learning what makes them tick. You could say I'm a “local flavor enthusiast.” If there is something unusual on the menu, I will try it. If others have a unique set of skills they can teach me, I want to learn. I have an adventurous spirit that carries over into all I do, including academics. I’m currently a Biology major, and I’m fascinated by most sciences and look forward to continuing my studies, learning all I can about the world and living creatures around us.
3. Please describe your educational, professional, and other goals. Describe how BYU will help you achieve them. Limit your response to 3000 characters.
I am currently a Biology major and look forward to continuing in that focus. However, in recent years, I’ve taken an interest in paleontology, which BYU has a class and museum dedicated to. It seems like a perfect combination of geology, geography, and biology, all areas of study that I love, and I hope to delve a bit more into this idea upon my return.
The emphasis in “general education” at BYU is also something that I greatly appreciate. I find that taking a wide variety of classes and being asked to dip here and there into fields I wouldn’t normally choose broadens my horizons, allowing me to see the world in a more holistic way. “General” allows you to have a broad view and I have learned in science that can be of great help when going deeper. What does not seem related at first glance is sometimes the key to solving a problem!
In addition to my area of study, I will continue to work hard to perform well in my classes, get good grades, and try to be a support and positive influence to those around me. I have always strived for excellence; just “getting by” isn't how I like to do things. While at BYU, I will do my best to achieve my full potential.
I will also continue to strengthen and deepen my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, preparing me for a lifetime of service as a priesthood holder, a husband, and a father in His church. BYU´s aim “to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life” is one of the biggest reasons I decided to attend. It is the only university (outside other CES schools) where my spiritual development is as important as my intellectual growth. BYU is a university where I will “seek knowledge by study AND faith.”
4.Please list and/or describe your participation and leadership during the last three years in extracurricular activities, including performance groups, athletics, cultural and civic clubs, and church and community service. Limit your response to 3000 characters.
I began my first year at BYU in September 2020, in the midst of the Covid epidemic. Unfortunately, the vast majority of clubs, sports and extracurricular opportunities that year were shut down. However, I have participated and served where I could. Here is a list of things I have been fortunate to do:
FHE coordinator during my first year at BYU,
District Leader: the part about this assignment that I loved was helping other missionaries with problems or difficulties they had. I always love helping and fixing things.
Mission Music Council member: I was chosen as a member of the first music council in my mission. I served on the council for around 6 months. We were in charge of playing and coordinating all music for the mission´s zone conferences, special conferences, and the weekly mission Zoom Meeting.
Trainer in the mission
