Emerson Gonzalez

10/20/18

Period 4

PIQ’s:

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.

Things to consider:​ A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor
to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an
event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience.
What were your responsibilities?

Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did
you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an
organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities.
For example, do you help out or take care of your family

When i go do my community service hours at my middle school, my middle school

teachers and coaches like for me to go mentor students in the class material but also on how they
can become better as a person on their sports and in life. At a middle school age you are still at
that phase where you don’t really care and are barely maturing, i know so because i was that
same kid who did whatever he wanted and once i was off to high school i wished i had listened
from the guidance from the alumni. I was assigned to help them out with their studies whether it
was: Math, Science, and or English and then i would go to their soccer or football practices and
teach them a few things that i knew already. I accomplished something that people never got to
accomplish with me, which was that they actually listened to me and they were very respectful
on any feedback i had to give them. It taught me a very good life lesson that i wish i had through
middle school which is that i know can be someone in life, and that i can be very well respected
as long as i show respect myself. I have also led the soccer club i play in, as the coach made me
captain of the team. It felt good because all my teammates did not complain, and they respected
and listened to whatever i had to tell them. That day through my leadership we got a win, and
won a championship which felt really good for me because that means i can be a leader to other
people and that i’m not so bad at it.

Emerson UC Personal Statement #1

3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and
demonstrated that talent over time?

Things to consider:​ If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time to share it. You
don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you
did and you want to talk about it, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to
you?

Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your
talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how
do they fit into your schedule?

One talent that i have is my enthusiasm and eagerness to do things. It’s something i’m
proud of because whether it’s at school or if i’m playing a sport; if i am asked to do something i
will do it happily as i know it will only help me become a better person. It has not necessarily
brought me awards through it, but it gives me energy and it fires me up to the point where i know
i can get good grades and i will always give my team a chance to win. The thing i’m proud of is
the fact that i became the captain of my soccer team for it and that is something i am very happy
and excited about cause my enthusiasm along with my eagerness brought me to that leadership
role. I feel like this talent is something that i had to work hard for, because when i was little i did
not have the encouragement i have right now but as i got older i became a more joyful person
and never complained about what i had to do. I believe this does allow me opportunities in and
outside the classroom as well, as it shows my willingness to do things for people.

5. 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?

Things to consider:​ A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your
community or school. Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to
talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. Did you
have support from someone else or did you handle it alone?

If you’re currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does
that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “How has my life changed
at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family?”

The toughest challenge i have faced so far in my life has been the death of my grandma. It was
my freshman year and it was a tough year for me. It was hard because i had never experienced
death before and it affected me in ways i thought were not possible. My grades slipped, i
didn’t really feel like doing anything at all. The challenge is significant to me because it is my
grandma that passed away and she means a lot to me but it matured me in a way and it
definitely helped me understand that these things happen. What i learned from this was that
people are gonna pass away or leave, but you have to learn how to cope with it to be able to
keep on going with whatever you are doing without having to be distracted. I had people there
for me, to give me emotional support but i didn’t know how to deal with it so i pushed people
away and tried to get along with it on my own. Eventually i was able to finally get back up and
get back to my normal self, it took about 6 to 8 months to fully understand but it was a good
life lesson and now i know i will be prepared for whatever challenge i have to face now. Now i
know that if people are there for me, i won’t take them for granted and i will appreciate their
love and support because i can use that to fuel me and to keep me going.

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

Things to consider:​ Think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place
— like your high school, hometown or home. You can define community as you see fit, just
make sure you talk about your role in that community. Was there a problem that you wanted to
fix in your community?

Why were you inspired to act? What did you learn from your effort? How did your actions
benefit others, the wider community or both? Did you work alone or with others to initiate
change in your community?

One thing i would like to fix in my community is seeing less homeless people, or at least for
them to have some extra clothes to wear. I have donated clothes to homeless shelters, i have
donated food, and every once in awhile i will give money to a homeless person. I was inspired to
act because i know if i was in that position people would like to help out, and it sucks seeing
people like that so that’s why i felt like i had to do it. I learned that you don’t need to be rich to
do something good for the people in need, and i also learned to appreciate what i have and the
opportunity i have to keep studying and actually have a home to become something big in life
and i will never take that for granted ever again. My actions benefited the community because
they are less fortunate and being able to give them something in the long run it is going to help
them keep living their life. I worked with my family to donate food and clothes, as they helped
me take the stuff and the food but giving out money was out of my own will. I think giving out 5
dollars every once in a while does not hurt and it is for a good cause so i really do not mind
because i know i can feed someone who is not as fortunate as me.