LEDA Personal Statement

Leading a meaningful life meant breaking away from the fear of criticism or rejection; conforming to society limits Illgunas’ definition of life. Illgunas’ suburban upbringing makes the danger of social conformity clear to him. Surrendering to society would consequently cause him to completely lose himself. After graduating from high school, Illgunas and his classmates follow the conventional path towards a higher education. Illgunas explains, “My high school class and I moved like a school of fish: we graduates were capable of going off on our own, in whatever direction we chose, but something demanded we all swim as one…” (6-7). Parallel to the claim Illgunas makes, graduates that do not attend college are stigmatized. Society has created a paradigm: after graduating high school, students should attend a traditional four year university, and then enter the “career world.” In Illgunas’ perspective, people in

Mark Caine once stated, "the first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself." Growing up in the Bronx, New York, this quote greatly applies to how the environment in which I grew up in shaped my

I felt my heart racing, heard my name being called, and suddenly, anxiety turned into elation. Within moments, I was walking across the international stage in Orlando in front of 16,000 people. I had won 5th at DECA Internationals!

My parents are my heroes, and they inspire me everyday. Migrating to the US a year before I was born, they traded a comfortable life in Vietnam to work long hours at low wages in America in order to give their children unimaginable opportunities. Growing up, I was

I would like to apply for a 2016 summer internship in the accounting department at the Tennessee Valley Authority Corporate Headquarters in Knoxville. After doing research online and with my career counselor, Robin Lay, at Tusculum College I have decided that the Tennessee Valley Authority would be a stupendous place

A fire rose within to burn social economic barriers that imprisoned me from achieving an education. As a member of a low-income household, I continually witnessed my parents struggling to pay for utilities, rent, and groceries. Although we received government assistance, it never seemed to be enough. My father worked

For many years my mother and I relocated as many as three times a year and we depended on government assistance to keep us afloat. Upon moving to North Carolina and gaining financial stability I made it a personal goal to serve others just like me. The truth about where I came from is an essential key to determine where I will go, and so I share my story with everyone.During my junior year of high school I was inducted into the National Honor Society. During the induction I lit the candle symbolizing leadership. Unbeknownst to me I was creating my destiny and months later I became the President of my school’s chapter. Being a teenager there are but so many things I can do and I struggled to understand the fact that I cannot do everything-- not yet. I sought inspiration to handle my cognitive dissonance from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who stated “If I cannot do great things, I will do small things in a great way.” As a future student, I dedicate every fiber of my being to embody Howard’s core values. I hope to serve as yet another representation of excellence and walk in the footsteps of many great leaders before me in the path to

I am interested in attending Alvernia for many reasons. I have heard many great things about it from my parents and at college fairs held at my high school. It is also a Catholic school, and I have attended Catholic school for 13 years of my life, so attending this school would be a comfortable environment for me. This school is also close to home, so this means I would be able to come home frequently and visit my family and friends, which is something that is very important to me Alvernia also has an excellent Physical Therapy program, which I would like to be a part of. This program can educate me and help lead me on a successful career path. Alvernia can help to shape me as a person and give me the right oppurtunities to prepare me for

Five years ago I had to flee Syria to save my life, I had to leave my university as well. As a new immigrant, few things can be challenging. However, soon I was able to go back to school. I was advised to take some classes at a community college to get a good start toward my bachelor’s degree. Yet, the financial side came in the way. “Give up” is a word that doesn’t exist in my dictionary, so I went ahead and worked hard to establish myself financially. I stopped school for a little bit and was able to prove my success in the business world. Today, I stand tall and ready to go back to school and obtain my four-year degree. More ready than ever for a shiny future.

Have you ever thought that you would move to a completely new place and start everything from scratch? There are thousands and thousands of people moving from place to place for better opportunities, education as well as careers. There are lots of struggles that come along the road. It will

The inconsiderateness of the clinic for my father’s injury only further fueled me to research and contact many lawyers to find the best one to represent my father. I continued to lead my father through this new and unfamiliar situation. I further developed my researching and inquiry skills to uncover resources and opportunities for the benefit of peers as myself. Bright prospect is a program aimed to empower students to gain admission, and graduate from universities. Currently, I’m the crew leader of my Bright Prospects team. Many of my crew members were unaware of the benefits and opportunities offered by their community. One of my crew member wants to pursue a career as a firefighter, but was confused about how prepare. I led him to ask around Pomona City Hall and introduced my crew member to various internships opportunities within and around our hometown. Because I pursued a positive change in myself, my family, and my peers, I took the initiative to find organizations in which I could take on leadership roles. I continue develop my leadership skills to persuade others to be active in communities and to seek opportunities to achieve their personal

Racism in inner and outer city schools Many raised in urban less affluent areas can quickly become dissolution with the education system being offered to them. Ultimately, resulting in dropping out of High School and continuing in the vicious cycle of poverty. However, “Prosperoman” knew that escaping the harsh living conditions from the inner city would require him to worship and put all his faith and desires into education, books and knowledge as he knew that religion alone would not be sufficient. He was raised by an illiterate single parent but would not allow his circumstances to define his future. Therefore, “Prosperoman” dedicated himself to graduate high school and continue to higher education at a prestigious University where he majored

I didn't have enough for books, or for food, or for the rest of it. So I was mentally prepared to work. As a student at Oakwood, I worked for the school as a security officer on campus, $3.25 an hour. And I did about 38-40 hours per week, it still wasn't enough to take care of all the financial obligations. So I had a job off-campus where I worked another 40 hours per week. And I was able to take care of myself. And in 1990-- when I got a scholarship to UAH-- even though I had a scholarship, I still had to work. I worked 60 hours per week. And there were times when you could only have one meal per day. But this was just a road to the destination that I wanted to go to, and that was to finish college. You follow what I'm saying? Even though it was financially challenging, you couldn't go and buy a new car. You had to fix up your whole car. And many times in the winter, when the car wouldn't start, you had to walk to school. It was very challenging. But the whole idea was the goal, the destination, was to finish college. And being able to do this, now I can tell my 13-year-old daughter, I will not accept an excuse for you. Because it can be done. And if you work hard, you will get to where you want to go”. This story tell you that your current situation can’t determines who or where you will be. This documentary show me that the issue that is a

Empathizing with those who were victims of bullying, inequality, and identity crisis, I knew precisely how it felt to question your purpose in life and wonder why you were not fortunate enough to life an “easy” life. Though, overcoming these obstacles built a steady foundation for my future. The countless hours of crying myself to sleep, fighting depression, and accepting my insecurities gave me the strength and the knowledge to help those who are not always aware of how to help themselves. If my experiences meant I could save and improve the lives of others, I would faithfully endure the unbearable pain each day, which makes me deserving of the People Helping People

Without the support of my father and the drastic change in my life, I understood that the only way to improve my quality of life was to study and find the passion to which I was going to dedicate the rest of my life. After careful thought, I decided to move to the United States. Leaving my family, I came to this country in search of knowledge, contacts and “greater opportunities”. During these years, I have been confronted with many obstacles, but I have been able to resolve them thanks in part to my dedication. When it comes to achieving my goals, I find it in myself to push myself until that goal it met. I consider that there is no lack of opportunities for someone that believes in their capabilities and is aware that nothing comes without sacrifice, meaning that hard work and dedication are required in order to achieve goals.