Preface
Personal Qualities / Selflessness, Humanity
Wednesday was expected to be overcast, but it was scorching hot instead. It was also the day I decided to wear my heaviest coat. Despite the lack of comfort, I walked to the local Food Bank, to voluntarily participate as a cart-getter. It was a tedious cycle, and the thin wheels would vicariously move through the unpaved concrete which in turn, did not provide the most enjoyable music. Despite this, I still one of the best cart-getters and was able to collect the most carts in a set session, according to Mark, a helpful volunteer.
As a volunteer, I put others first; in fact, I do so in almost all situations. So much so that a few customers offered to tip me at the food bank because of how much I prioritized others. Of course, as a volunteer, I'd deny it, but they'd keep insisting because "money is a cycle; the more you give, the more you receive back," one of the customers stated when I denied it. Of course, I prioritize myself to a liberal extent, but I also find glimpses of myself in others, so I tend to give back to others. When I go home from school, I'll organize or assist in the planning of dinners, cook the meals on occasion, and clean the house so that my parents can relax after a long day at work. I can feel their gratitude from a mile away. When in school or at home, I'd assist students ranging from middle school to high school, or my siblings with writing emails to teachers or assisting them with their homework, particularly if it was English. Self-Management |
Practice being selfless. You end up getting more than you anticipate. When your soul is giving. |
Personal Qualities cont.
A middle child, with ADHD, that used to have a hard time paying attention whilst also having limited attention. To others, this is a disaster; to me, it's a delectable formula for self-management. As a child, I used to compose to-do lists on notepads with the time and date to assure punctuality, even if the activity wasn't very significant. I would split the time we had for lunch into five- and seven-minute periods to ensure I returned on time. Seeing a tardy slip in my hand is as rare as clean water, in Flint Michigan. When I'm intending to succeed, I schedule time in my day to use Google Calendar to help ensure I don't miss an application deadline or an interview call. This is true not only at work but also at school. Because of how my brain is wired, it pertains to my life. I feel like my own boss because of my ADHD, and I prefer to make tangible lists because I tend to forget minor tasks that have significance. Fitness & HealthNew Basics
I remember during my Freshman year, I found out I was severely anemic. I would constantly feel fatigue and stay in bed all day. Anemia came with no motivation to do anything, even hanging out with friends turned into a tiring chore. My mother was worried so she would infuse plenty of iron in our dinners. While I did my absolute best to eat loads of spinach, despite its repetitive and lingering green-y taste, I felt myself going nowhere. My health journey really started when I attained a growth mindset during the beginning of my Sophomore year. I learned about all the influential successors that I would once look up to that also had a growth mindset. When I felt like I was in a rut, I didn’t see it as a failure, rather as a building block. I became conscious of what I would eat. I would even utilize apps like, Yuka and MyFitnessPal to meticulously calculate the specific amounts of iron as well as the quality of the foods I would get. During my final anemia screening, my doctor and my mom were significantly impressed by how much my levels improved. This was just the beginning of my health and wellness journey! :)
WritingNew Basics
As a result of being hyper aware of my speech as a child, I felt self-conscious of it. I used to think I sounded unintelligent and that my speech wasn't accurately capturing what my head was expressing. It was until my dad bought me my first proper journal, it was where my love for writing truly started. As a child I felt like a true author, I would write: introductions to recipes, create playwrights, and even craft poetry. As I grew older, my friends would come to me and ask me to revise their college essays, or just writings in general. My parents would ask me to proofread crucial emails or letters for them. Even my own facilitators would appreciate and applaud me on my savvy email writing. I'd immerse myself in my writing because It'd be like I was taking a picture with my own words. In doing so I'd utilize crucial writing tools like precise wording and figurative language to eloquently express my vivid thoughts.
Knows how to learnThink & Reason
It all began in physics class when we were studying the four forms of equilibrium, which were, to be honest, rather difficult. And because arithmetic isn't my strong suit, it made the procedure even more difficult. I ventured for resources, specifically outside of school, whether it be Khan Academy or simple Google searches. I expanded my knowledge independently, whilst learning about myself, how I absorb information efficiently. From there, physics slowly but surely started to become less complicated. I became the point person in class when there was a warm-up, or when someone needed assistance with a problem of some sort. From then on, I independently went out of my way to do extra research and learn in all my classes, not just physics. For English, I would do background information on the text of an author to broaden my knowledge. Throughout my years in high school, I learned that this is a valuable skill to have in order to learn effectively.
VisualizesThink & Reason
The area and significance of visualization derived from when I was a child, specifically kindergarten when the visualizers were used to allow us to grasp concepts, like sorting and building. I became engrossed in the notion of being able to visualize something and using it as an aid to further my understanding of a somewhat otherwise confusing idea. This progressed onto Biology, in 11th grade, where microscopic videos of cells and organelles solidified my understanding and allowed me to understand how our bodies work. Expanding outside of school, if I were to put together a new dresser, or blender sourcing YouTube unpacking videos would be my outlet, soon I’d become a professional. Not only did this skill of visualization deepen my understanding but it saved me a great amount of time. |
Interpersonal AbilitiesServing as an amiable and memorable barista at Signal Roaster Co. in Alameda. I became an unforgettable face at the shop serving as a server, friend, and community member. Catering to various personalities, making each and every customer feel welcomed. I would mesmerize the usual customers’ names and their orders, making them feel remembered. Signal was an outlet that allowed me to connect with other demographics, with a similar love for coffee and pastries. I served customers listening to their needs and wanted to make sure they attain what they came in for, even if it was as simple as a bagel.
exercises LeadershipImagine you are in the dark, not literally, there is a Sun, but in terms of college, or the future. Some have prior, secure knowledge on the concept of college, the application requirements, or simply the process. Great for them, though I felt excluded, and as a second-generation middle child, I recognized this feeling of exclusion. It was terrifying. Being the middle child, we’re not uniformly stuck in this dystopia of dejection, we’re optimistic, statistically, I think? So, with this instilled optimism I, followed by a peer, took on the darkness serving as batteries to our junior class’s flashlight.
‘Nothing’ was an option because, well, I know where ‘nothing’ takes me. ‘Something’ was the next step, both in comparable positions, unsure how to navigate future steps, notably as juniors. We arranged and implemented a Junior Table Talk. As we Discord chatted, we took action, scavenging Gmail for the juniors' emails and information. Creating a flier utilizing ethos to lure them in the style we anticipated it would. From this, we created an environment where we felt valued, acknowledged, and not alone. I'd mediate discussions, guiding peers to volunteer opportunities, internships, and college course recommendations. Not only did the table talk give me assurance and relief for the future, but peers expressed similar sentiments following the event. In essence, we learned the value of accepting our vulnerabilities as strengths and the power of encouraging community involvement. My mindset adjusted, now I recognize fear, look at it, even if it’s dark. Molding that courage, I took initiative, I acted, and with that, I learned to inspire. The flashlight flicked on, and our vision adjusted, we were met with utter relief and confidence in our future, and the process. Hearing about the efficacy and volume of positive feedback, counselors agreed to expand our idea, and start their own "Junior Table-Talk," which would take place every Monday. Junior Seminar, a class where Juniors discover themselves, and how they can expand their qualities in and out of the classroom. TechnologySophomore year of high school I spend the majority of my community service hours working as a volunteer at a Senior home. There I would plan events like movie nights, and be the point person to deliver newspapers. I was also known for being the tech-savvy teen there, helping those seniors send in emails or simply guiding them through their new iPhones. This wasn’t the only instance, during my experience being a Poll Worker at the governor recall election, I was known for being the “poll-pad pro” setting up the poll pad while also teaching the other poll workers how to navigate through it to allow citizens and community members to vote.
ConclusionIn my time at ACLC, I've met some of the best and unique learners and facilitators. It is such a tight-knit community, so everyone felt seen in the best way possible. ACLC has truly been such a great place to learn, practice leadership, and of course, step out of my comfort zone. Since my time at ACLC, I've participated in Leadership for two year, I became the Senior Classes's financial officer, and I also became a prom-coordinator. Not to mention the amount of fundraisers I've done for our class, including seasonal goodie bags, valentine day grams, and morning donuts! ACLC is one of a kind, and I stand by that.
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