If variety is the spice of life, I aim to follow this saying in mine. I am involved in a range of activities in my life, including academically intense courses at school, several ultimate frisbee teams, church, Girl Scouts, and volunteer activities. I enjoy being active in my school and community. My academic goals also reflect my penchant for variety. I plan to go to a college that can provide me with an education in liberal arts and sciences. In my life, the experiences I have been involved in have helped me become well rounded.
I have been a camp counselor for middle school students and third and fourth grade camp. Working with the kids provided an opportunity to develop my leadership skills. Often, I had to apply problem solving skills as situations developed. Problems such as lost socks may seem trivial, but if a plan to deal with the lost socks does not come about, a crisis may be imminent. Flexibility and patience were important in order to make the week go well. Additionally, working with the other camp staff required communication and teamwork to make the program successful.
At school, I am in International High School. This program offers a global perspective on classes such as literature, history, economics, and philosophy. It also provides a connection to the global community. Through International High School, I have been encouraged to take advanced courses in science and math and music classes. This all leads to a well-balanced education.
Last summer, I took part in the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, a national conference for high school students through the Presbyterian Church (USA). To be accepted as part of the delegation from my presbytery, I had to apply and demonstrate my level on my involvement in my church. At the conference, I interacted with people from across the country and around the world. The opportunity was an eye opening in that I learned about the differences in culture around the United States and in other countries. I made friends with people from different background, which helps be to be more sensitive to the varying points of view and opinions in our world.
In my life, I have had a variety of experiences that have contributed to being
well rounded. I hope that future experiences will continue to provide a myriad
of options that help me develop who I am.
My Goals:
I want to run my own business someday. After high school graduation, I will
take all of my required classes at the community college. After finishing at
the community college, I will apply to a business program at a university in
Oregon. I know that running a business is very complex and my academic studies
will help prepare me. I also know that I need to keep working to gain “hands-on”
experience, so I will get a part-time job as an office clerk. Combining work
and school may lead to a tough schedule, but I will be ready to start a business
by the time I am 25!
My Skills:
I have many of the skills listed in the Career-Related Learning Standards. I
definitely have had many experiences that show my perseverance and responsibility.
I won the Mayor’s Achievement Award for volunteer work done at the peer
counseling center and for our “Helping our Grandparents” program
as well.
My teamwork and communication skills also improved during the science experiment
we did last semester. We worked in teams of three and each of us had to negotiate
“our role” in the experiment. I also improved my problem-solving
ability because the experiment didn’t work the first two times!
I have many skills in using computers, but I plan to learn more about technologies
appropriate for the workplace while in college. In addition, I know I need to
improve my writing skills. I plan to take extra tutorials while I am in college
to improve this.
I am very excited about my future and the many opportunities it holds for me!