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.

Creativity, to me, is the creation of something through one’s own imagination or

experiences. Throughout my life I’ve expressed my creativity through my art. Through pencil,
pen, paint, and much more, I've made quite a bit of art in my life. My favorite way to express my
creativity is in the fun and interesting assignments that I’ve received in class and have found on
the internet. Making an entire image out of drawn out pencils, using the dialogue from one of my
favorite books as the basis of the image, creating a zentangle pattern all around a single person
(including their hair and clothes) but shading their face using pencil, to name a few of my
favorites. Currently, I’m working on a pattern project and will then be painting a chair that will be
used in the library. Not only have I worked with just physical objects, but last year I was
introduced to the art of animation. As fun and rewarding as it is, animation is harder than it
looks. I can spend an entire class period working on one frame, and it still won’t be done. Yet I
still find enjoyment in it, so much so that I’m planning on pursuing it as a career. Animation takes
my art to a different level, a level that I’m still fairly unfamiliar with and excited to explore.

To me, being able to make art is perhaps one of the most extraordinary things I have
been able to do. It offers me a place to take a rest and gather my thoughts and show the world
through my eyes. I want to make art that will make people feel as incredible as I do when I make
it myself.

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively

influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

As a Senior in band, and as one of the members of Band Council, I have a responsibility
to help out the other members of the band. My job as a Senior and a member of Band Council is
to help out, set a good example, play to the best of my ability, and take a lead role in band
events. As a Senior, I’ve taken some of my personal time to help out the people in my section,
as well as the few who’ve asked for help outside of my section. I’ve also provided advice and
assistance to others, in and out of band. I prefer to help others and be friendly to everyone
because high school is hard enough already without band on top of it. One of the Freshmen I
knew had asked me and another Senior for help because they were getting verbally bullied by
other members. I talked to our coach about it and they were able to quell it, the others are still
causing problems, but the Freshman isn’t harassed by them much anymore. I’m thankful that
they were able to come to me because despite how friendly our coaches are, it can be difficult to
talk to them about something like that. When I’m not talking to the other members, I’m either
helping someone with their part or practicing myself. Music is harder than it looks and
sometimes just a helping hand is all they really need. It’s hard to believe that I’m already a
Senior and that underclassmen are coming to me for help. Nonetheless, I’m glad that I am
because I’m able to help them in any way possible. I’m thankful for my time and experience that
I’ve received while in band and for those that I’ve been able to help.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and
demonstrated that talent over time?

A skill I have developed over time, through countless hours of dedication and practice, is
my ability to play my musical instruments. I was introduced to the musical arts in the 3rd grade,
and was able to join my Elementary school band a year later, ever since then I have been part
of the performing arts here in Merced. In the 6th grade I was introduced to the more advanced
and competitive marching band, festival, and percussion circuits I’m so well versed in today. It
was there that I began to truly flourish in the art of music. Learning discipline to music in
marching band, the lovely complexity of music in festivals, and the creativity of a percussion
show. As I moved on to high school I learned a second instrument, competed in a state-wide
competition for percussion, and joined a chamber ensemble at my high school. I have learned to
play a multitude of musical pieces on multiple drums, and have become one of the best players
in the band to date, despite changing instruments.

Countless hours of playing the same section over and over, dedicating at least an hour
of my personal time every day to improving, and patiently learning difficult pieces is what has led
to me being the most skilled musician I can be. Why I’ve subjected myself to this torture is
simple. Before I was introduced to band, I didn’t really get music. I liked a few songs, but
nothing really spiked my interest. Although, when I learned how to play an instrument, it was like
my eyes were opened. In understanding how to play, I gained a greater appreciation and
understanding for music.

For 9 years, I have dedicated most of my time to band, and despite this I will not be
competing after high school. I don’t have the time, nor drive, for the professional level, but I will
continue to play for fun. As I’ve done ever since hearing my old band director sing to us while
using various instruments.