Rios 1

Esmeralda Rios Vasquez

April 19, 2021

CSU English

Personal Statement

Senior Portfolio

Mrs.Spurlock

1. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and

demonstrated that talent over time? My greatest ability and one that I am proud of is

being able to be good at listening and also give advice to people who need it. This skill is

very important to me because it helps me to recognize other's perspectives and feelings

and helps us appreciate them. This skill or talent has come naturally but I have also

worked to improve it even more. This skill allows me opportunities inside or outside the

classroom. For example, it helps me to be more tolerant and understandable with other

people's expressions of opinion. Likewise, I believe that it is an important skill because it

can help other people and without having problems doing it.

2. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken

to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic

achievement? I believe one of the significant challenges I’ve faced was moving to the

United States. For me it was a very important challenge because my lifestyle would

change in the most aspects. For example, leaving my family and friends from Mexico

was a part of this challenge and it was difficult for me. At the same time I was going to
 Rios 2

start studying in a new school and I was to learn a new language which is English. During

this challenge I was able to find people who helped me a little to overcome it. Some

things I did to overcome this challenge was focus on my education and push myself to

achieve my goals. However, this has been a great experience in my life because I realized

that with effort the challenges can be overcome.

3. 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. For me creativity is when you develop different

skills and use your imagination to create new and original ideas. Problem solving is a

very important creative skill for me because it has helped me in different ways. In the

same way, my creative ability has allowed me to have more opportunities inside and

outside of my classroom. For example, when there are conflicts I can evaluate, define,

and seek solutions to solve these conflicts or problems. I think it is a creative ability with

a great value because it will be a great help and support in my professional and personal

life.

4. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe

makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of

California? I think another important challenge I have faced was starting to learn a new

language. It was a very important challenge because at first, I was a little afraid that I

would not learn it. During my learning of the language, I had obstacles because I was not

able to communicate with other people. Also, this would make my brain build new
 Rios 3

cognitive frameworks and also have constant practice. In the same way, it was a big

challenge because the fact I did not know English gave me the disadvantage to look for or

do more things in school or outside school. I did have the support of some people like my

family but I think I managed it alone. Finally, what I did to face this challenge was to

practice, study a lot and always be positive.