Personal Statement Questions
1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time?
In 2014 I volunteered to coach a girls youth basketball team for Mcdermont Field House. I didn’t have any coaching experience but I understood how to play the game, as I used my leadership skills that I’ve gained during my own practice to guide myself through the season. I was stoked for the opportunity to be able to lead and teach my skills and knowledge to kids with the same passion as me. I was eager to expand their abilities, and make them a tough and talented team. Throughout the season, I grew a strong bond with each and every one of the girls. As a coach, I learned how to communicate better, and motivate my players to do their absolute best without worrying about what others think. I truly believe a good coach will always build self-esteem rather than undermine it. I noticed progress from my players not only as an individual, but as a team at every game. Knowing that these girls were improving and sincerely looked up to me motivated me to want become better as a student athlete and their coach. However, there was nothing better than knowing that these girls happiness, likelihood to succeed, and continue to grow as a unique and talented athlete hinged off my own abilities as a leader. I showed them I was committed to them, by never missing practice, constantly motivating them and reminding them that we weren’t just a team but family and in order to become successful we must work together and motivate each other to do our absolute best and never give up. Overall this was a great opportunity to be able to take my knowledge and experience to the next level and teach it to these young girls who truly value the game of basketball.
2. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
At the age of 16, my Dad decided to move out of state and left my older sister with power of attorney. I’ve never felt so lost and depressed ever in my life, until that day. I was so confused and didn’t understand why he would even consider moving. Growing up we were always a family of 3, my Dad, sister and I. My Mom was never apart of my life, although the 3 times we were able to be with her things didn’t turn out so well. At that point, I knew that my Dad was all I wanted and needed in my life as for my sister. February 22, 2016 was the last time I saw my Dad and till this day I still question why he left. Although, the situation I’m currently in has definitely helped me mature and become more independent. Over the past months, I’ve pushed myself to do good in school in order to have a bright future. Even though, one of the most important people in my life is no longer with me, I know I still have my sister who motivates me every single day to do my absolute best in accomplishing my goals. I will only continue to move forward and accomplish my goals that will benefit my future. I’ve learned to always be grateful for what you have and never take anything for granted, because anything can happen in a short matter of time when you least expect it.
3. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.
My favorite academic subject would be English. Growing up, English wasn’t my best subject and I would constantly struggle to try and finish all my assignments by their due dates. I would always complain how boring this subject was and had very little interest in trying to improve my academic skills towards this class. However, when I transferred schools the second semester of my junior year to Roosevelt High School in Fresno, CA, I improved majorly and was very proud of my accomplishments. As soon as I started class, a couple of writing tasks were being assigned to us. The topics were actually based off students interests, which actually motivated me to want search online and learn more about them. Also, my English teacher Mrs. Gonzalez was very friendly and had tons of energy which really affected the way she taught and surprisingly everyone in my class would always be on task. From that point on, I would always look forward for her class and I would enjoy doing my work. She would have us write every single day, and I would be one of the first to finish my assignment. Growing up I would also struggle trying to put my thoughts into words, but now it’s become so much easier and I will continue to make improvements. Surprisingly, I’m able to say that I truly enjoy writing and I even have a journal at home that I write in almost every other day. Now that I transferred back to LHS, English is still my favorite subject and I’m glad to have Mr. Gonzalez as my teacher. He also teaches very well and motivates us to do our best. My ups and downs throughout high school has made me to want to become a teacher myself, because I know what it’s like to struggle in school and I’d like to avoid this situation in the future for any students who doubt or believe a subject is not important due to slack of effort.
4. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
As a student at LHS, I’ve tried my best to make this high school a better place. For instance, I’ve been apart of several clubs and tried being a leader so I can have the opportunity to make a difference in the best way possible. I’ve set examples for other students to follow, by treating everyone with respect “treat others the way you want to be treated” cleaned up after myself or any trash roaming around the campus, simply following directions, and finishing all classroom assignments by their due dates. In my FBLA club, I’ve set an example for others by becoming a competitive student. A competitive student can often inspire others to also become competitive and inspire others to want to do their absolute best to win. In addition, if I see a student being left out I introduce myself. As for bullying, if I see a student using foul language towards another student I make sure to tell them how uncomfortable they can make them feel and it’s not okay. Overall, I will continue to set good examples on how a mature high school student should behave, and be the best role model I can be for the underclassmen.
In 2014 I volunteered to coach a girls youth basketball team for Mcdermont Field House. I didn’t have any coaching experience but I understood how to play the game, as I used my leadership skills that I’ve gained during my own practice to guide myself through the season. I was stoked for the opportunity to be able to lead and teach my skills and knowledge to kids with the same passion as me. I was eager to expand their abilities, and make them a tough and talented team. Throughout the season, I grew a strong bond with each and every one of the girls. As a coach, I learned how to communicate better, and motivate my players to do their absolute best without worrying about what others think. I truly believe a good coach will always build self-esteem rather than undermine it. I noticed progress from my players not only as an individual, but as a team at every game. Knowing that these girls were improving and sincerely looked up to me motivated me to want become better as a student athlete and their coach. However, there was nothing better than knowing that these girls happiness, likelihood to succeed, and continue to grow as a unique and talented athlete hinged off my own abilities as a leader. I showed them I was committed to them, by never missing practice, constantly motivating them and reminding them that we weren’t just a team but family and in order to become successful we must work together and motivate each other to do our absolute best and never give up. Overall this was a great opportunity to be able to take my knowledge and experience to the next level and teach it to these young girls who truly value the game of basketball.
2. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
At the age of 16, my Dad decided to move out of state and left my older sister with power of attorney. I’ve never felt so lost and depressed ever in my life, until that day. I was so confused and didn’t understand why he would even consider moving. Growing up we were always a family of 3, my Dad, sister and I. My Mom was never apart of my life, although the 3 times we were able to be with her things didn’t turn out so well. At that point, I knew that my Dad was all I wanted and needed in my life as for my sister. February 22, 2016 was the last time I saw my Dad and till this day I still question why he left. Although, the situation I’m currently in has definitely helped me mature and become more independent. Over the past months, I’ve pushed myself to do good in school in order to have a bright future. Even though, one of the most important people in my life is no longer with me, I know I still have my sister who motivates me every single day to do my absolute best in accomplishing my goals. I will only continue to move forward and accomplish my goals that will benefit my future. I’ve learned to always be grateful for what you have and never take anything for granted, because anything can happen in a short matter of time when you least expect it.
3. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.
My favorite academic subject would be English. Growing up, English wasn’t my best subject and I would constantly struggle to try and finish all my assignments by their due dates. I would always complain how boring this subject was and had very little interest in trying to improve my academic skills towards this class. However, when I transferred schools the second semester of my junior year to Roosevelt High School in Fresno, CA, I improved majorly and was very proud of my accomplishments. As soon as I started class, a couple of writing tasks were being assigned to us. The topics were actually based off students interests, which actually motivated me to want search online and learn more about them. Also, my English teacher Mrs. Gonzalez was very friendly and had tons of energy which really affected the way she taught and surprisingly everyone in my class would always be on task. From that point on, I would always look forward for her class and I would enjoy doing my work. She would have us write every single day, and I would be one of the first to finish my assignment. Growing up I would also struggle trying to put my thoughts into words, but now it’s become so much easier and I will continue to make improvements. Surprisingly, I’m able to say that I truly enjoy writing and I even have a journal at home that I write in almost every other day. Now that I transferred back to LHS, English is still my favorite subject and I’m glad to have Mr. Gonzalez as my teacher. He also teaches very well and motivates us to do our best. My ups and downs throughout high school has made me to want to become a teacher myself, because I know what it’s like to struggle in school and I’d like to avoid this situation in the future for any students who doubt or believe a subject is not important due to slack of effort.
4. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
As a student at LHS, I’ve tried my best to make this high school a better place. For instance, I’ve been apart of several clubs and tried being a leader so I can have the opportunity to make a difference in the best way possible. I’ve set examples for other students to follow, by treating everyone with respect “treat others the way you want to be treated” cleaned up after myself or any trash roaming around the campus, simply following directions, and finishing all classroom assignments by their due dates. In my FBLA club, I’ve set an example for others by becoming a competitive student. A competitive student can often inspire others to also become competitive and inspire others to want to do their absolute best to win. In addition, if I see a student being left out I introduce myself. As for bullying, if I see a student using foul language towards another student I make sure to tell them how uncomfortable they can make them feel and it’s not okay. Overall, I will continue to set good examples on how a mature high school student should behave, and be the best role model I can be for the underclassmen.
Art Projects |
In the last couple of years I have made great strides in improving my art skills. The following pictures are a small window into my creative world. They are the art pieces that I am most proud of. Art has always been my least favorite subject because I struggled with following the art procedures but I've learned to never give up in order to improve and I will continue to make improvements.
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