SmH
Nov 8, 2009
Undergraduate / My mother escaping communism has shaped my aspirations; UC personal statement 1 [10]
Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Art is strange.
It has no boundaries. It does not require written words, or speech, or the ability to hear. And despite this, it has the power to inform us, inspire us and enlighten us. Art is the medium in which people communicate through sight and imagery, and it is for these reasons I fell in love with it. Art lessons, picture books, even the innumerous nonsensical doodles on my papers fueled my curiosity about the methods in which people could express themselves. A visual imagery course in high school and trips to museums and art exhibits only solidified the conviction I had for my love of art. Naturally, its rich culture was inherent. I want to know about its origin, its artists and its content. I want to study Art History, because art is universal. This type of expression holds infinite freedom and connects people in a way that is so different from anything else. Majoring in, studying about and gaining a Bachelor's Degree in Art History would be personally rewarding and my degree would enable me to apply for law school in the near future.
Yes, I'm your average girl from Tustin- a city with a crime rate percentage that is less than half my age, and I am the oldest of three children of a family of five. Just keep in mind that these four other people have helped me realize my not-so-average aspirations.
My mom emigrated from Vietnam to the United States when she was twelve to escape the onslaught of communists in her homeland, and the stories she has told me about growing up with her sister and divorced parents in a strange country are reminders of the obstacles she had to overcome. Despite them, she put herself through college and is now a successful businesswoman in her own right. My father, on the other hand, was born and raised with his three brothers in California by my grandparents -both teachers. My Dad's family never had much money, but his parents taught him the importance of a good education.
If I could describe my job as an older sister in one word it would be "challenge." Over the years I have been the scapegoat, the enemy and the snitch more times than I can remember, but then again, I have also been the confidant, the best friend and of course, the role model. My little brother and sister probably do not even realize the impact they have had on me. It is natural for them to look up to me to lead by example, but in truth, I look up to them. They do not have nearly as much life experience as I do, but like my parents, I have watched them grow up and slowly begin to make their way in the world.
My family inspires me. Over the course of my life, the knowledge, the strong work ethic, the values and the determination my family has instilled in me will be applied towards my study of Art History, regardless of my acceptance. I want to prove to myself and to my family, and to you, that I can be successful at something I am truly passionate about.
My aspirations are equivalent to my acceptance at this school- difficult to gain, but something worth pursuing; your college will be my proving ground, my crucible.
Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
Art is strange.
It has no boundaries. It does not require written words, or speech, or the ability to hear. And despite this, it has the power to inform us, inspire us and enlighten us. Art is the medium in which people communicate through sight and imagery, and it is for these reasons I fell in love with it. Art lessons, picture books, even the innumerous nonsensical doodles on my papers fueled my curiosity about the methods in which people could express themselves. A visual imagery course in high school and trips to museums and art exhibits only solidified the conviction I had for my love of art. Naturally, its rich culture was inherent. I want to know about its origin, its artists and its content. I want to study Art History, because art is universal. This type of expression holds infinite freedom and connects people in a way that is so different from anything else. Majoring in, studying about and gaining a Bachelor's Degree in Art History would be personally rewarding and my degree would enable me to apply for law school in the near future.
Yes, I'm your average girl from Tustin- a city with a crime rate percentage that is less than half my age, and I am the oldest of three children of a family of five. Just keep in mind that these four other people have helped me realize my not-so-average aspirations.
My mom emigrated from Vietnam to the United States when she was twelve to escape the onslaught of communists in her homeland, and the stories she has told me about growing up with her sister and divorced parents in a strange country are reminders of the obstacles she had to overcome. Despite them, she put herself through college and is now a successful businesswoman in her own right. My father, on the other hand, was born and raised with his three brothers in California by my grandparents -both teachers. My Dad's family never had much money, but his parents taught him the importance of a good education.
If I could describe my job as an older sister in one word it would be "challenge." Over the years I have been the scapegoat, the enemy and the snitch more times than I can remember, but then again, I have also been the confidant, the best friend and of course, the role model. My little brother and sister probably do not even realize the impact they have had on me. It is natural for them to look up to me to lead by example, but in truth, I look up to them. They do not have nearly as much life experience as I do, but like my parents, I have watched them grow up and slowly begin to make their way in the world.
My family inspires me. Over the course of my life, the knowledge, the strong work ethic, the values and the determination my family has instilled in me will be applied towards my study of Art History, regardless of my acceptance. I want to prove to myself and to my family, and to you, that I can be successful at something I am truly passionate about.
My aspirations are equivalent to my acceptance at this school- difficult to gain, but something worth pursuing; your college will be my proving ground, my crucible.