When I was helping some seniors with their personal statements this year, I realized they were missing key elements from in them. They either had a great story, a great lesson, or a great connection to the college but rarely did I see them weave all three elements in one statement. The same goes for anybody in a job interview or another area where they have to sell themselves. It’s awkward and can sometimes feel inauthentic. You need to share your story, but do it in a way that feels good to you.
After being on both sides of the personal statement and interview process for college and job applicants alike, I’ve learned that it’s best if you tell some stories. In particular, you need to tell your own stories, share lessons learned, and establish a connection with your audience.
Your Story and Vulnerability
First, you need to start by thinking about a personal experience that’s connected to the prompt of question at hand. It’s important to dig deep and be vulnerable during this time. Talk about a person or experience that’s left a mark in your life. Be as specific as possible. Example: I grew up watching my father work 12-14 hour days to make sure our family always had everything we needed. Due to the Civil War in El Salvador, he wasn’t able to pursue his college aspirations and instead had to flee to the United States due to threats to his life. When he arrived in the United States, he found work in an Italian restaurant. He worked his way up in the restaurant business, eventually becoming a restaurant owner after starting out as an overnight watchman all those years ago, dutifully learning English along the way.
Lessons Learned
Next, describe the lesson you learned or impact left on you through this experience. It’s not enough to talk about vulnerable and emotional experiences if you don’t describe what you learned or how it impacted you. Example: My father didn’t have many options for his career, but that didn’t have to be the case for me. Watching him work and hearing his stories helped me realize the power that education can have on my life. It hit me – this was how I could take control of my future.
Your Story Should Connect
Lastly, make a connection to your audience. Whether you’re applying to a college or employer, the next step is to tie it all together and explain how your experience and lessons learned will help you be a better fit for that college/employer. Example: I work at YES Prep because I want to do my part in ensuring our students know they control their destinies. With an education, they can have options for their futures they never knew existed.
Tell Your Story
Every individual is full of stories waiting to be told. Telling these stories gives others some insight as to who you are as a person and make it easier for them to visualize you as part of their college/organization. When in doubt, TELL YOUR STORY!
The picture above is of my father and I at his restaurant – Milano Ristorante in Blauvelt, NY.
