Undergraduate / 'Two older brothers transformed my life' - UC Personal Statement (#2 [2]

THE PROMPT:Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

It was August 21, 2011, precisely 5:19 pm. My hands were sweaty as I tightly grasped my mom's hand in my left and my grandma's hand in my right. Numerous thoughts were racing through my head. Tension contaminated the air, as my mom dialed the digits of the phone number. Each ring of the phone call rang slowly, extended and unending. The room felt uncomfortably silent and the world seemed to be muted. My heart was thumping louder, faster, and harder, for I knew I had to hope for the best but also prepare for the worst. In moments we were greeted by a male's deep, short, and monotone voice: "Hello?" A quick second of uneasy glances were exchanged. Could this be the voice of my mom's son, whom she lost twenty years ago? Her face was a strange mixture of excitement and concern. She hesitated to respond, as her voice slightly cracked when she replied: "Hi, is this Daniel?", immediately she continued, "This is your mom."

Unexpected news flashes on television all the time, leaving thousands and millions of people in awe. Similarity, learning that I had two older brothers, technically half brothers, left me in utter shock for days. Adjusting to a life with two older brothers in the span of three months, after seventeen years of living as an only child, was definitely not an easy task nor an ordinary experience anyone could complain about.

However, I believe people grow through experiences, and experiences are what builds character in an individual. How the individual responds to certain obstacles, determines if he or she will mature or immature. I accomplished something more greater than being a little sister. It would be the accomplishment of satisfaction in truly understanding the value of sacrifice and willpower.

I willingly shared my belongings. I willingly shared my time. I also willingly shared my mom's love. But when I had to begin to sacrfice my belongings, sacrifice my time, and sacrifice my mom's love for these two "blood-related-brothers", it was hard.

***This is all I have.. is it okay so far?

Undergraduate / UC PROMPT #1 Educator's Heart [4]

My first grade student, tightly wrapped her arms around my right leg and squeezed it until she lost her energy, then dropped her arms and grabbed my hand. "You're my favoritest teacher in the whole wide world" is what Deborah claimed as she looked up and smiled at me while her eyes glistened with happiness. My heart melted away at the sincerity of her words. My fourth grade student at church, Reina, handed me a hand knitted necklace, she made herself, made of white yarn, on Thanksgiving Sunday and wished me a "Happy happy happy Thanksgiving", then reminded me to keep it for as long as I live. With a heart filled with gratitude, I happily obliged.

I gradually discovered my passion after deciding to write in an application to serve in the Upper Elementary Department at my church, Sarang Community Church. I was junior in high school, inelligble to be a leader, nonetheless a role model, but definitely had a heart to be loving and caring teacher towards kids. Little did I know that teaching required more than just "love and care". First day with a group of eight fourth grade boys led by a first time Bible Study teacher was not a pretty sight. But time after time, as I anticipated each Sunday with more preperation I finally got in the hang of it.

From creating calenders, to homework assignments, buying folders and providing materials, each moment spent with my students couldn't be more enjoyable. Of course, there are days where kids are cranky and stubborn and do not want to do what they are told, but those type of days have become my challenges. The spilled soda, crumbs all over the floor, and even blood from a small accident, each contributed to the reason I want to pursue my dream in education.

To be frank, I didn't believe teaching would be my passion. I prayed for a career different from my mom's. I dreaded seeing my mom work night after night, grading endless amounts of paper. The horror of dealing with naughty high school kids and going through the trouble of calling parents seemed nothing but a burden. It never occured to me why she still loved her job. It was until I became a teacher myself through the opportunity of serving at church. It was then I realized that it wasn't about the papers you had to grade, or the students you had to scold but the holistic view of being a positive influence to your students.

It was the rewarding feeling of finally hearing the voice of the shyest girl in your class, finally speak loud and clear. It was the overjoy of happiness to see that your students understood your teachings by displaying through their actions of sharing and sacrificing their own wants for others. It was the satisfaction of realizing at the end of the day, your students are not just growing academically but growing into a mature and better person.

I have a deep desire to pursue my education career in college. My passion has yet to grow and there is nothing to stop me from continuing to strive on. I am but a young educator, but an educator that truly understands that the way to teaching is through the hearts of students.