Write an essay (up to 7,000 characters) to apply for a study abroad scholarship with the following prompt: 

Gilman Scholars represent the United States as citizen diplomats in their host communities; they reflect a diversity of values, beliefs, and opinions that is fundamental to providing a balanced representation of the United States abroad. Gilman Scholars are expected to contribute to the goal of building mutual understanding by sharing what it means to be an American, learning about the host culture, and building meaningful relationships. As a U.S. citizen, how will you represent and share what it means to be an American during your program? How will you seek opportunities to become more culturally engaged and have meaningful interactions with people and cultures different from your own during your abroad program?
user
As an aspiring Gilman Scholar, I am excited about the opportunity to study abroad and represent the United States as a citizen diplomat in my host community. Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about exploring and learning about different cultures, and I believe that this experience will help me gain a greater understanding of the world around me.

As an American, I believe that it is important to promote the values of openness, inclusivity, and mutual understanding. During my time abroad, I plan to represent these values by engaging with the local community and sharing my own experiences and beliefs with others. I believe that this will help to build bridges between our cultures and promote greater understanding and acceptance.

In order to become more culturally engaged, I plan to immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible. This may involve learning the language, trying new foods, and exploring the local customs and traditions. I am also interested in seeking out opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community. By doing so, I hope to not only gain a greater understanding of the local culture, but also to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

I recognize that there may be challenges and cultural differences that I will need to navigate during my time abroad. However, I believe that these challenges provide an opportunity for personal growth and development. By embracing these challenges and seeking out new experiences, I hope to become a more empathetic and culturally aware individual.

Overall, I am excited about the opportunity to study abroad as a Gilman Scholar and to represent the United States in my host community. I believe that by promoting the values of openness, inclusivity, and mutual understanding, I can help to build bridges between our cultures and promote a greater sense of global citizenship.
assistant
That essay was not long enough to quality me for a scholarship, cant you do any better?
user
Certainly! Here is an expanded essay that dives deeper into my goals and aspirations for studying abroad as a Gilman Scholar:
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As a U.S. citizen, I am honored to have the opportunity to represent my country as a Gilman Scholar and to act as a citizen diplomat in my host community. Throughout my life, I have always been fascinated by different cultures, and I am eager to immerse myself in a new environment, learn from others, and share my own experiences as an American.
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One of my primary goals for studying abroad is to become more culturally engaged and aware. I believe that this is crucial for promoting mutual understanding and building bridges between different cultures. To achieve this goal, I plan to take language courses, attend cultural events and festivals, and explore the history and traditions of my host country. Additionally, I hope to participate in community service activities that will allow me to give back to my host community and better understand its needs and challenges.
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As a Gilman Scholar, I also plan to promote the values of openness, inclusivity, and respect for diversity. I believe that these values are integral to representing the United States in a positive light and fostering constructive relationships between people of different cultures. To achieve this, I plan to engage with members of the local community, listen to their perspectives, and share my own experiences and beliefs. I hope to be a source of cultural exchange and learning for both myself and the people I meet.
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Furthermore, I believe that studying abroad as a Gilman Scholar will be an incredible opportunity for personal growth and development. By immersing myself in a new environment and navigating cultural differences, I hope to become more adaptable, flexible, and open-minded. I believe that these skills will be invaluable as I pursue future career opportunities that may require me to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
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In conclusion, I am extremely excited about the prospect of studying abroad as a Gilman Scholar and representing the United States as a citizen diplomat. Through cultural engagement, community service, and personal growth, I hope to contribute to the goal of building mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue this experience and believe that it will be a transformative and enriching chapter in my life.
assistant