Information Technology (IT) Varies

¶ … Sparked by my being the eldest girl in the family, my personality developed to become strong, colorful, and well-formed. From as early as I can remember, I felt a keen sense of responsibility, partly fueled by the expectations placed on my by my relatives, parents, and siblings. Automatically placed in a position of leadership since my early childhood, I continue to display initiative, decisiveness, and optimism in all my relationships. My unique personality particularly emerges within the arena of human relationships, especially friendships and family ties.

My Korean heritage also has a great impact on my identity, fostering my appreciation for and curiosity about the world around me. I am inquisitive and interested in expanding my horizons. Because I have a tightly knit family with close ties to our traditions, I enjoy being helpful and nurturing to others. My parents don't speak fluent English, and I have always been willing and able to assist them with the cultural barriers they encounter.

However, I have lived alone for the past three years, which has brought my organizational skills to the fore. I am geared for success and set high standards and goals for myself. However ambitious I may be, I am also cooperative and considerate of others. My main weakness might be time management. Although I am extremely punctual, I seem to always be busy. I would like to free up some free time in my schedule for other activities.

For example, for a long time I have wanted to take some computer courses and receive a certificate for Microsoft Word or Excel, but I haven't made the time yet. Academics are my first priority, and I am constantly pressuring myself to do well in school. Of course, my perfectionism can go overboard, as I need to create more leisure time. I like to swim, play tennis, and draw, but for now I only do those things in my imagination.

I am well-organized in some areas of my life, but I need to apply this tendency to my personal life and make more time for things other than classes. I have often felt an acute sense of pressure to succeed and expect a lot of myself. I think I need to find a happy medium between ambition and relaxation. However, I do tend to enjoy challenges and usually rise to the occasion.

My self-confidence, enthusiasm, and cheerful resolve rub off on others; I would definitely describe myself as possessing a strong character and a good friend. I resist holding grudges because I am not nearly as hard on others as I am on myself. Most people notice that I exhibit good judgment, and I also do not shy away from making decisions. I don't fear failure because I am constantly trying to succeed with enthusiasm. This is also a product of my healthy sense of self-esteem.

My ability to blend a strong independent streak with an enjoyment of other people is one my strongest qualities. A constant endeavor to better myself is a main hallmark of my personality. Furthermore, my diligence and tenacity in all activities is noticeable to anyone who knows me. I don't like to give up; once I start a project I must forge forth and finish it. I also believe that my punctuality and determination to be on time is a strong quality of mine.

My tendency to pay attention to details and to be organized is evident in little things, like the way I organize my books by their height. A withdrew from the summer semester at Florida State University, resulting in a WD on my transcript. It was my first encounter with college, and my first time away from home. Until that point, I lived a sheltered life: my parents would not allow me to come home after dark.

I lived at home until that summer, so I took advantage of my first taste of freedom. Enamored by images of college life I had seen in movies, I dove right in and had fun. I met new people, expanded my horizons, and relished a new life. However, this soon took its toll on my schoolwork. Only when it was too late did I finally realize that I was acting like an unruly little girl, oblivious to the future.

I tried to repair the damage I had done in that GEA 1000 class, but it was too late: I missed two exams. Embarrassed and disappointed, I understood that I failed to act responsibly. My parents reminded me to be a good role model to my younger siblings. This experience clarified my path and helped me recognize my true goals and ambitions. Luckily, none of my close family members has ever been severely ill.

I know it would be devastating and difficult for me if I should find myself in the position to care for one of my parents. However, my care giving qualities came to the fore when I accompanied my friend to the hospital for an abortion. The trauma of having an abortion was overwhelming to her; she felt an acute sense of humiliation and guilt. I was one of the only people she could confide in and one.