Please help with personal statement to enter an university application.
These are the question they want me to answer on the statement:
Why do you want to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Florida?
Why are you interested in UF Online?
How has your past prepared you to excel in this program?
Is there anything else you would like for the Admissions Committee to know about you?
Below is what I have so far,
My journey to this point started 28 years ago, 2217 miles away. My journey was difficult, filled with challenges, disappointments, letdowns, crying, smiling, and every emotion known to man or woman. I came to the United States of America when I was ten years old, not knowing any English, which made it twice as hard for me as a little kid and scary. I was raised in Washington Heights, New York, by my father, a cab driver working long hours to provide for my siblings and me. While attending public school, I got my first taste of disappointment. I was treated differently and made fun of because I was the girl who did not know any English, but I understood people were making fun of me as they looked at me and laughed because I did not speak English and did not wear any trendy clothes. My determination was the only thing that I had. I was determined to be an excellent student, learn the American way, and stop the children from laughing at me. While English was not a curriculum in the public school, I received my English from rap music TV shows and simply listening to the kids in my neighborhood talk. By the time I became a freshman in high school, I had a decent foundation in English. At this point in my life, I started deciding what I wanted to be when I grew up; my bubbly attitude and ability to connect with people led me to want to be a flight attendant first, then a nurse. Both career paths cut short my life.
I became a mother to Michael at eighteen, putting all my dreams on hold. Providing a life for my child but always remembering my dreams and goals. Years later, I became a mother again to Demi, which further delayed my goals. My goal with my daughter was to ensure she did not endure any of the pitfalls or disappointments I faced growing up. I moved my family to Florida, and It became my duty to ensure that my children were provided with all of the life possibilities I had and even the ones I did not have. While raising my children, I took jobs working with FedEx and also worked for 12 years for the transit system in Tampa, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART). Working at HART and with my labor union, I discovered a passion for HR. I began to learn some of the functions of HR and even worked numerous hours in that department. While human resources have different functionalities, it gave me the outlet I needed to continue to be a public servant. I decided to enroll in Hillsborough Community College in 2018.
At first, I was hesitant because of my age, but my desire and willingness to complete my journey of completing high school and college and getting my degree was still my priority. At first, it was a very rocky start for me. The rust of being out of a classroom showed immediately! This journey back to school fulfilled my promise to me and taught my children never to give up and never stop fighting, and no matter what obstacles come your way, you keep pushing until you reach your goal. I remember one year, my son and I were enrolled at the same college. The last two years taught me a lot about myself, taught me how resilient I was, taught me that giving up was never an option as some nights I cried, sometimes I did not get it right, sometimes I did not get the grade I believed I should have received but giving up was never an option. When I graduated in December 2022, it was a joy like no other I was happy because I was a part of the very few people that put college on hold because of life circumstances and came back and completed the task at hand.
Taking the next journey as a student at Florida State University means the world to me; not only does it give me a chance to show my children, my nieces, my nephews, and me mentoring young adult parents what not giving up looks like. Florida State University allows me to further my education At a well-respected educational institution. Like Hillsborough Community College, Florida State University is my community’s educational institution and will bring me the highest regard. The Online program allows me to achieve my goals while not disturbing my personal life; I understand that many online programs provide identical freedom, but none provide the same quality as Florida State University nor have the reputation.
When I tell the story of my journey, I could include Florida State University. By accepting me, You are getting a hard-working, determined student at Florida State University. When Florida State University talks about resilience, I want my story to be the story told. I want my story to be the definition of never giving up. Besides my determination, I firmly believe scholastically that I am Florida State material. My grades meet the requirement, And if accepted into Florida State University, I will always strive to meet the standards of education that Florida State University is known around the country for producing.