PersonalInsightQuestions

2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and
innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
One of my creative sides is writing. Writing is something where I can express myself and show my true
colors. Everyone writes and thinks differently therefore every writing out there isnt the same. I love to
being creative when I write because then I can make new ideas, stories, and use my imagination. My
creative writing came when I was in my childhood, reading books, rewriting them, and even making my
own endings for the stories I read, write stories for my classes (not really good ones), and even I would
tell my friends stories. My teachers would sometimes read my stories out loud to the class and give me
compliments for my plot and creative imagination.. Writing became a hobby and my first love. I dont
think I could imagine myself not writing for years to come. I may not be the best writer out there, but I
love do it. I used to make stories and post it online for people to read and I even make stories for my
friends just for fun. I am currently doing yearbook for my school where I write captions on certain
photos that we agree on and write articles on school events.. I think that its fun because I can use my
own creativity to write the perfect caption and article.. Although writing is not for everyone, you just
have to work hard.. Im very introverted so its very hard for me to open up to others, but with writing, I
can show my true value in many ways and express myself in descriptive words. I think those are the
hardest part, but when I have with writing what I want, I will get the result that I want. Yearbook is
really fun for me because I can show my creative side of writing. Writing used to be a past time for me,
where I daydream in school and write about what I see and and think (its really bad). I used to take a
writing class when I was in my grade school and it was a nice a experience because I was able to learn
how to revise, write with more descriptives adjectives, and use correct grammar.

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to
overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Upward Bound was a program that helped me significantly in school. My grades werent very good
when I started out, but as I was able to improve it. The program are for students whose family are
financially disabled and help them quality for UCs. I learned many things there and Im was glad I got to
experience it. I was in Upward Bound for 2 years.. I learned to overcome my fears of interacting with
people, of making new friends, and overcoming my fear of public speaking. I was a shy kid and I wasnt
very open to people. It also motivated me to get better grades because of monthly grade checks.. They
helped me open up to new people and get more exposure. I took AP classes like AP Biology and AP
Chemistry. Im not the smartest student, but the tutors motivated me challenge myself in the subjects I
love most. Since I have improved a lot in my grades, I was able to challenge myself and work harder.
During my time in Upward Bound, I learned how to improve my writing, to work harder on most of my
subjects, and to not procrastinate.. Procrastination is one of my biggest weakness. Once I get home, I
usually would skip on doing homework and engage myself in writing other stuff and or reading a book.
But ever since I went tutoring, I started to do more of my homework and thats how my grades
drastically improved. They prepared us for the SATS and made us take retake classes if we fail them. I
remember retaking AP Bio since I failed the first semester and through the summer course, I earned an A.
It helped increase my GPA and Im thankful I was able to retake it. The whole program was to help us
qualify for a UC school and help us in many subjects that we struggle in. I struggled a lot in math and
science, but the tutors there were always open to listen my questions and help me. I was able to pass my
CAHSEE test with the help of a tutor in math. Math wasnt my strongest subject, but I worked hard and
passed. Being in the program have helped my work ethic in my classes and improved my communication
with others. Lastly, Upward Bound will always a program Im thankful for. We went on so many field
trips to colleges like the Cal States and the UCS. It was a great experience.

6. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.
Science overall is a subject that helped me develop my own way of thinking and analyzing the
fundamental of life and everything about it. Chemistry, Biology, and Physics are different from each
other, but they have the same aspects and purposes. I have learned so many things in these classes, such
as who I am as presenter, a thinker, and a scientist. The subjects were great and enjoyable; I think I found
what Im really good at. Although I am taking Physics this year, I think it will become one of my favorite
subjects. Many of the sciences have shown me many ways to look at life and I see myself always looking
at life from a different perspective. Along with my brother, who is currently majoring in Physics, we
have the same mindset and we both really like all types of science, but we lean more towards Physics
related subjects. I would also like to learn astronomy/ physics and take those classes in the future.. I took
Life science and Physical science prior to high school and I enjoyed it a lot. The subjects have really
enthralled me and that was how I was able to have a different outlook on life. Like being in laboratory
and study the suns, stars, and galaxies. I sometimes imagine myself being like one of the stars in the
galaxy. Is it bad to dream like that? In Physical Science, I learned some of the aspects of the galaxies and
the life beyond the earth, more the what the sun is made out of, and Newtons Law of Motion. Like I really
think thats cool. I would love to do anything for NASA or work with astronomers, maybe even fly to the
moon one day (its just a dream really). I visited the Griffith Observatory back in my elementary school
days and I still remember those days. I can remember listening to the presenter talk about the stars and
what was in in the our galaxy. How you not be interested in the stars and the moon? I think astronomy
and the base of physics is something that stands out the most from the other subjects out there.

8. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University
of California?
I am very dedicated, persistent, and considerate. I am dedicated because if I want something, then I will
take the chance and do what I want to do. If something is very hard and difficult, I tend to have a hard
time, but when I have people beside me, I know that I can make it through. I always focus on that one
goal I really want. Being persistent is something I value in my personality traits. Not everyone is
persistent and when I think of being persistent, I always ask myself what will make me happy. When I
look at others, I always tell myself that theres a reason for what they do and what makes them happy.
One quality that people tend to drift by is consideration. I look out for others but then it can be taken for
granted. I want to make people happy, but in return, Im the one whos never as happy as they are. This is
one of my good traits because I can be there when my friends need it the most. I value a lot of things
such as my friends and my family. Without some of my friends there for me, I wouldnt be who I am
today. There are certain friends that makes a difference and its really rare to find ones that will be there
through the tough times. For my family, I love them and although Im not the happiest kid, they are
people who will stand by me when the I need them to be. They are my life and my future. I am
passionate about helping others and making a difference in someones life. I want to make people happy
even if I wont be getting anything back. Like if thats what makes me the most happy, then I will do just
that. I cherish my favourite necklace because its one of my most meaning gifts that I have received from
a friend years ago. That friend have helped me through a difficult time and gave me many great advices.
I cherish the item because it means that I should be strong and follow through with her advices. Im
thankful for the gift she gave me and I hope I am able be make it through those hard times again. I also
cherish my accolades because it means that have done something good for myself and that just makes
me proud. Like we should all cherish something in our life.