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.
a. An example of my leadership experience was throughout my years of being in a
community service club called KIWINS. During my junior year I was president
and I did my duties as president and provided community service opportunities
for my club. But, I also provided leadership opportunities to my members as well.
Members would have chances to lead service events, take officer or board
positions and gain experience in public speaking. Ive even encouraged one of
my friends to run for an executive district board position with me as her running
mate and we developed our speaking skills so that we would be prepared to
speak in front of over 300 people multiple times. It was nerve wracking but
exhilarating at the same time. She even had a panic attack moments before we
had to go up. But, we took a deep breath and spoke about our passion for
KIWINS and why she deserved the District Bulletin Editor position. Beyond that it
was also my job as president to help my officers find and encourage new
members to take their positions as many of them were graduating and the
needed successors. Now, during my senior year I have become a Lieutenant
Governor for my division so I represent multiple clubs. My primary job has been
to guide the new officers and teaching them how to lead their clubs. Im even in
charge of opening brand new clubs in schools without an existing KIWINS or Key
Club and provide service and leadership opportunities to other communities
beyond my own. The experiences Ive gained throughout my terms in various
positions has honed my leadership, problem solving and speaking skills.
2.
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity
or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
a. An educational barrier that Ive faced was when I realized that my high school
didnt offer Calculus BC, because it was too new to have more advanced classes.
This was detrimental to my plans because I intend to take on an Aerospace
Engineering major, and I would need Calculus BC in order to be competitive
enough to be accepted into a college that would allow me to pursue that. So,
instead of letting my school hold me back, I talked to my counselor and started
taking my math courses at Merced Junior College. I sacrificed time after school
and added to the work load brought by my AP classes at the time, but was able
to take Calculus BC and even finished it a year earlier than I would have in high
school.
3. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to
the University of California?
a. What sets me apart from other candidates is my dedication. I never commit to
anything unless Im willing to commit myself fully. This is why I only joined a few
organizations. But, in all of the organizations I am in, I stay until the organization ends
or if they begin to conflict with my academics. For example, I used to be section
leader in my high school marching band. I have been in band since my fifth grade in
elementary and I was very dedicated. The only thing that could have separated me
from it was when during my junior year, my AP classes conflicted with the periods my
music classes were in and I was not able to participate in band anymore. In another
example I got involved in a community service club known as KIWINS. Ive been in
this club since freshman year and earned the most improved member award my first
year for my dedication. My junior year I became president and even got my club the
club of the year award. After I graduate I intend to join the collegiate branch known as
Circle K so I can continue my dedication and service. I always stay until the end, or
until I can no longer continue.
4. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and
demonstrated that talent over time?
a. My greatest skill has always been speaking. Growing up I had a hard time saying
words right for example Ns and Ls particularly gave me a hard time. But, in my head
I had perfect pronunciation. This slight lisp lasted longer than I had wanted and even
after I had overcome it, I was told I spoke with an accent despite english being my
first language. Due to this I became very shy when it came to speaking and
conservative with my voice. Id seldom speak, but when I did somehow my intended
audience always listened. It wasnt until I was at a leadership camp during my junior
year known as RYLA sponsored by the Rotary club. I had been asked to speak about
how we felt about an inspirational speaker who had spoken to us. I was actually
chosen because in my group no one else wanted to. But, when I went on to the stage
my words simply flowed. I spoke about my reflection on the speech and how I am
going to take that determination and use it to fuel my goal to colonize mars. Everyone
in the room was so inspired by my goals and I felt that I really inspired them to reach
for their dreams once again.