Napal 1

Maxine Napal
Personal Statement
Mr. Landon
English 4 ERWC
10/15/18
Personal Statements
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.
During the summer before junior year I got my first job. I considered several other
options before I decided it’d be best to spend my summer with the youth of my community. I
decided to be a recreation leader at a summer camp for the City of Newark. I was very nervous
but I was excited to have a leadership role and be able to be a mentor.
A huge aspect of the job is being able to teach a lesson through the resolution of a
conflict. By working in a very diverse neighborhood, I met children and families from all walks
of life. Some kids were very cooperative while some tended to be problematic. One in particular
stood out to me. He was at first, seen as problematic, but as the summer progressed I really got to
know him. He was usually the root of conflicts between kids and at times it was very frustrating,
it got to a point where I just wanted to block him out. But I needed to figure out a way to help
him because I knew he was a good kid deep down inside. I knew it had to be me to do so, I was
his group leader after all and it was essential that I step up and be one of the few positive
influences in his life. Instead of just scolding him and sending him to time out when he did
something wrong, I thought it’d be best to try and talk to him to understand why he was acting
out. It wasn’t the easiest thing to act as a mentor to him but I discovered that all he needed was
someone to listen to him. So rather than try to ignore him, I did all that I could to include him
and make him feel welcomed. I encouraged the other kids and even staff members to take the
extra step to help him. By the end of the summer, I saw a transformation in him, he was far more
happier and got along well with everyone. I felt a sense of accomplishment in what I was able to
do in this leadership role. At the beginning of summer, I didn’t really think about the effect I
could have on others when I step up and be a leader. I see this experience as the first time I
understood the impact one can make by simply being a mentor.

2. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity

or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Ever since I was younger I’ve always had mixed feelings toward math. It was always the
hardest subject or class for me and at times it was very defeating. But I also really liked it
because when I was able to succeed in math, I felt really good about myself. I liked I was able to
work hard and be able to complete something challenging. Once I reached junior high, I started
off in an accelerated math class. Right away it was difficult but I appreciated the challenge, I
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knew I was set on a path that meant math would only get harder. So I knew it was critical that I
continue to work hard in order to keep improving. Four years later, I was in Pre Calculus during
my junior year. I understood that it was a very rigorous course but I was ready to put in the
effort. After the first month or so, I had already felt defeated. Even after studying, I failed my
first test and I was frustrated. I went in during my teacher’s tutorial and did as much as I could to
become better at math. There were a lot of times where I bombed tests that I thought I was ready
for but there were also times where I got good test scored. Those moments when I received my
tests with a high score written on the top were memorable. I couldn’t help but smile when seeing
my hard work produce results. I used that triumph to drive myself to do my best.
By the end of the year, I had a C and I wanted a B, in order to obtain one I had to ace the
final. Initially, I wanted to give up. I was already discouraged since I knew the final would be
very difficult and it was ambitious of myself to ace it. But thanks to the encouragement from my
teacher, I found it in me to persevere. Even though I felt hopeless, I studied hard and decided I
needed to believe in myself and believe in the hard work paying off. I wasn’t able to ace the test,
but I did do substantially better on the final compared to the one earlier in the year. Even though
I didn’t ace the test, I was still proud of myself for doing everything I was able to and not letting
my defeats get in the way from trying my best.

3. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have
furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
For the longest time, I’ve always been fascinated by history. I remember how I excited I
was to learn about the pyramids in sixth grade and the medieval times in seventh grade. So once
I reached high school, I decided to take AP World History during my sophomore year. The class
captured my interest and I really enjoyed learning about cultural interaction and how there’s so
much that’s happened before me. My favorite part of the subject was learning about the people
that were living during those times, their lives were so different from ours yet there were ways I
could relate to them. Then during my junior year I chose to take AP Art History, I wasn’t that
interested in art but I knew a huge aspect of that class discussed the social and cultural
interactions between diverse groups of people.
Even though it was an immense class, I truly was appreciative of what it made me realize.
I learned that I was absorbed by the way humans could come together to create brilliant things.
So during my senior year, I knew I wanted to learn why people were the way they were, what
kinds of things made us do what we do, I took psychology. So far, I have already learned so
much and a lot of my questions have been answered. But I don’t think this class alone will
answer them, which is why I’m hoping to major in sociology so that I could really get my
questions answered.
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4. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
I have a lot of pride in my community and the wonderful people in it. My family and I
moved here from the Philippines when I was about one years old, so when we first moved we
didn’t really know anyone. But right away my family were welcomed and felt at home because
of the kind people we’ve met. When I was little my mother always took me to the events put on
by the city and volunteers and I remember how much fun I’d have. So as I got older I knew I
wanted to give back to my community because of the generosity I’ve known since I was young.
My favorite volunteer experience was when I set up and served food at the Come-Unity
Christmas Dinner. It’s a big party for the people in my community that need extra help during
the holiday season. I was excited to be able to give back and see how your kindness can bring joy
to others. While serving food I remember the gratitude and appreciation the families showed and
that inspired me to continue to do more for my community.
One way I’ve made my school a better place is when I volunteered and spent time with
the special ed classes. The students are some of the nicest and most friendly people I’ve met.
Everytime I see them in the halls around school they instantly greet me with a huge smile on
their faces and it makes my day. By being in leadership, I made sure to make our school
inclusive and make sure the special ed kids feel welcomed and loved. For example, during spirit
week, we had a lip sync battle and they were able to perform. All of us in the audience were
cheering and we were so proud of how well they did in front of the whole school. It was simple
moments like that which drives me to make my community a better place.