P E R S O N A L S TA T E M E N T

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." -Buddha

I have learned to appreciate the small things, like a smiling man walking across the street, holding a peace sign in my direction; a field of purple wildflowers stretching over golden hills; choosing a recycled paper egg carton instead of Styrofoam. These may seem
insignificant in the bigger picture, but I believe they form the foundation of the universe.

A wise woman once told me that it is just as difficult to be angry and pessimistic as it is to be positive. I try to remember this when I’m feeling down on my luck. My life is far from perfect; I have roadblocks just as anyone else does. Instead of dwelling on my setbacks, I have chosen to make the most of life as it is. When my life takes an unexpected, and perhaps unwelcome, turn, I will try to handle the situation with a felicitous perspective.

Although I do not know what the future holds, I think I will be happy as long as I follow what I am passionate about. Throughout high school, I have had the chance to develop my strengths and learn about what motivates me. I began my high school career in Raleigh, North Carolina living my mom, step-dad, brother, sister, and two dogs. Having grown up with my mom’s family for sixteen years, I wanted to try something new before graduating high school.

I made the bold decision to move to Napa, CA to live with my dad, step-mom, two brothers, and two sisters. I was also excited because I had heard raving reviews of the school I would attend, New Technology High School. As a student coming from a large traditional high school, New Tech amazed me. I was used to being chartered from class to class in jam-packed hallways and staircases, merely another student with my own agenda.

At New Tech, I was welcomed immediately by my peers and felt like I had found a new home. Not only did I make some great friends, I experienced a new type of learning. I learned how to collaborate with other people, to use critical thinking to solve real-life situations, and to present in an articulate and engaging manner. While at New Tech, I have also nourished my passion for the environment. I have taken Environmental Science college classes and become president of New Tech’s green club, the Terra Verde Club. I have also had the opportunity to create a senior project on composting. If I know one thing for sure, it is that I want to learn more about how I can protect the environment in my everyday life.

I will be attending UC Berkeley in fall 2008. I am not certain of what my major will be yet, but I intend to study various aspects of the environment and its role in society. I also hope to enroll in study abroad programs. I have taken numerous French classes, and I am very interested in visiting France and other French speaking countries. Whatever I do, I plan to keep an open mind, maintain positive energy, and continue to find the beauty in even the smallest of things.

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