Foster school personal statement
Describe any personal or economic hardships or barriers you have had to overcome and explain how
they affected your education. Be specific about when you encounter these hardships and how long they
lasted.
In the context of your life experience, describe your understanding of cultural differences, how this
awareness was acquired, and how it affected you.
The situation between Taiwan and China has always been awkward. Taiwan was one of the first
democracy countries in Asia. In our history textbook, were told to hate the Chinese government due to the
fact that they took over the mainland from Taiwan with the help from other communist countries. Not long
ago before I come to the US, I have been brainwashed with all the comments about how bad the Chinese
are and how their government is injustice. I thought we could help the Chinese citizens by nagging all the
notorious deeds that their government has done. Not long ago, I was criticizing about the how the
Chinese government bashing on Taiwan for its survival on the International community. A close friend of
mine, from China, was angry at my criticism on China. I quickly took back my words and rethink what I
have said. I have to admit that I have gone mad and did not fairly judge the issue on both sides. It was
then that I realized every citizen would love the country which bear and raise them up. I loved my country
and so I protected it by criticizing the opposing side. But instead of criticize boldly, I should be directed to
the problem of an issue and figure out a way to solve it without hurting other people’s feeling. From this
experience, I have learned to accept the difference between cultures and acknowledge the invisible love
deep inside of every citizen toward their country.
Write about any experience you have had that demonstrate your leadership skills. Examples could be
taken from: employment, community service, student organizations, or similar situations. Be specific
about when you had these experiences wand how long they lasted.
Last summer quarter, I applied an on-campus job in the International Programs office called the Student
Ambassador. After a four week try-out, I have finally been chosen to become one of the four
ambassadors in about fifty applicants. The task for this job is to act as a bridge between the international
students and the office, and help out on all the miscellaneous works that needed to be done for the
coordinators. One of the most significant tasks that we have handle almost perfectly was the fall 2010
orientation, which consist of about one hundred and fifty students. We arranged many of the preparation
for the new students such as the packets and some of the presentations. We also trained and lead a
group of volunteers called the North Stars, who devote their vacation to the new students. During this
event, many of us got to know these new students very well and befriended with them. From time to time,
we will hold events for the office on special occasions and many of them often showed up.
How has the educational background of your parents/ legal guardians influenced your own education,
especially your decision to go to college? What kind of support did you receive in making and pursuing
the decision to go to college? Please tell us if you are among the first generation in your family to go to
college.