Personal statement writing guide

¶ … motivation is excellent in several areas of my life, including learning. The two areas where my motivation for learning is the strongest, are architecture and economy, with architecture being my first choice for a possible major. The reason for this is that my father is an architect. I admire him and his work greatly; our house in China was designed by him. It was also from him that I learned my first lessons in architecture. When I was a child, he used to teach me to make models of houses with sea sand on the beach. This, among many other fond memories, is the one that I find most inspiring in my aspirations to follow in my father's footsteps. For me it would constitute a way to honor what he has given me in my life personally, and also the legacy he is leaving for the world.

I am also interested in economics, although to a lesser degree. I am a member of the DECA (an association of marketing students). Belonging to this association has taught me a lot through my connection with professional economists. This association has also raised my interest in the subject matter of economics and marketing itself. Together with my experience as a teller for Omni Bank therefore, I also gained practical economic experience by entering the stock market.

Question #2

Originating from China and living in the United States has taught me a lot about different cultures and how to interact with other people. My membership in Phi Theta Kappa, one of the most prestigious college societies, allowed me to connect not only with Western culture, but with a large diversity of other cultures as well. Furthermore, as a secondary of the Asian Student Association, I was able to develop my leadership skills along serving the community. For these opportunities I am deeply grateful, as it has helped me connect with my own culture as well as others in a very meaningful way. Specifically, the Association involved itself with projects such as service to the homeless, building projects in association with the Salvation Army, cleaning beaches and canyons, walking projects for AIDS fund raisers, collecting books for needing children and raising funds for the hurricane casualties. Being involved in these activities gives me the feeling of fulfillment gained from giving back to the community that has given so much to me. I have been given the opportunity of freedom, and the opportunity to reach my professional goals. These arise from my desire to serve others with the best of my talents. It is then this drive towards improving both myself and the community around me that I will bring to the University of California.

Question #3

I immigrated to the United States from China four years ago, in 2001. My mother came with me, and we lived with my stepfather. During this year, I entered an American High School at junior level, and I graduated in 2003 with a 3.3 GPA. Things so far were going well and we were building our American dream. After graduation, I took a full-time job at a factory, working the night shift from 7 pm to 4 am. During this time I also went to school at Ohlone college. Here I took 11 units during the fall semester and 12 during spring. It was therefore quite challenging to fit everything into my schedule.

It was however also during this time that I began to experience considerable problems at home. My mother and stepfather had developed relationship problems and were practically at war every day. College life also seemed strange to me, which may be the result of long hours at work and study, together with the instability in my home environment. My stepfather was increasingly mean, expecting my mother and I to work while he was not willing to do anything for us. His only interests were staying home and drinking beer. He also did not approve of me going to college. He felt that this was a waste of time, which I could have used to make more money. Of course this had a very detrimental effect on my studies. I received four W's during my second semester, along with a couple of F's. It was a very bleak time for me, but it motivated me to make a change for my future.

I decided not to stand for this kind of treatment or life any more. With $2,000 borrowed from my mother, I made my escape. I left the Bay Area of Northern California, and moved to Los Angeles during the summer of 2004. Here I started a new life by renting a room and finding a job as a server. This time nothing would hold me back.

In the fall I then enrolled into the Mt. San Antonio College. While I was working part time at my server job and taking 16 units at college, I barely got by with the money from my Financial Aid. This only motivated me further. I received A grades in four of my five classes. In the spring semester of 2005 I then took 23 units at college while working as a bank teller. During this time I also received A grades for most of my classes. By the summer of 2005 I had reached the maximum amount of classes that I could take at Mt. San Antonio College and it was once again time for change.