636-word version:
“Magic!” Paltry, petty, and even corny though it may sound, performing magic in front of complete strangers has been a significant motivator in my life since my home away from home endeavors in New Zealand to the United States, for performing it has provided me with the courage to conquer my most dreaded anxiety, shyness, and animate my social skills, which I was nearly destitute of...

813-word version:
“Magic!” Paltry, petty, and even corny though it may sound, performing magic in front of complete strangers has been a significant motivator in my life since my home away from home endeavors in New Zealand to the United States, for performing it has provided me with the courage to conquer my most dreaded anxiety, shyness, and animate my social skills, which I was nearly destitute of...