Why do you want to study geography?

It was Monday, the first day of a long week. And you heard Daniel complaining about geography. You bet he heard another housemate asking him if he didn't get tired of looking at maps. Not that you were insensitive, but it reminded you of your first year. (The students at the English Department were misunderstood, as students from other departments have an impression that literature was a walk in the park compared to math. It took a year before they figured out that procrastination would make you a legend.) Your curiosity was piqued, though. Why would the likes of Dan studied geography?

You learned the answers during a party the following weekend. While the rest were about to get drunk, you were at the other end (of the room) with Daniel and Sean. You were not thinking of passing out. (Reading Week would conclude in a few days. You couldn't afford to let go of another day without opening a book.) Sean was curious as well. Daniel didn't hesitate to talk about his application. You didn't give him a chance before. (Both of you have eclectic taste in music. You rather talk about recording albums.) These are the things that an admissions tutor would see in the application form:

Your travel experience would be a factor. You were green with envy when Daniel recounted the first time he set foot in the Far East. He confessed that the temples in Huế didn't interest him, but the images of palatial mausoleums and imposing walls came back when he composed his personal statement. He recalled the gentle locals, who were willing to get out of their way for him (and his family). He believed that empathy was one of the reasons that earned him a place in the Geography Department. You figured out that social awareness would be a good topic for an essay.

Geopolitics could affect anyone. The conversation took a turn when Daniel recalled teenage boys in the Khmer temples, begging tourists for a dollar or two. Sean, who planned to volunteer after the term, thought the Syrian refugees would attract more attention. A heated argument followed. (There were many cans of empty beers in front of you.) You reminded them that the night was young, but you figured out what Dan wanted to say. Geography students weren't restricted to maps.

It will be better not to try too hard. Daniel didn't tell his admissions tutor that he would solve the refugee crisis, but he believed that his studies could make him more aware of the situation. There was more to geography than learning the capitals of the world, but a knowledge of tourist destinations would be a must. You were about to ask Dan if he thought of becoming a tour guide when you heard a commotion. There was a spectacular display of fireworks. Everyone wanted to take a look.