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TSR Wiki > Applications > Personal Statement Library > Personal Statement:Mathematics 7

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Please note this is an application for mathematics in a USA institution

Mathematics Personal Statement

I have always been interested in mathematics. Since the day I started to gain interest in numbers and logics, I knew I wanted to explore the subject of math and I had to learn more about it. As I am an acutely curious person, I would feel extremely disappointed whenever I am unable to solve a math problem, and would be determined to work out the answer no matter how long or how much effort it took me. The fact that I have completed one and a half years of education in the Diablo Valley College, together with my obsession for mathematics, it has assured me that I want to have a career in applied mathematics."1 x 1 1, 1 x 2 2, 1 x 3 3..." I still remember when I had to memorize the multiplication table during my elementary school years, and that I was the first in my class, to be able to accomplish the task of learning them by heart. Ever since I was child, I seldom had pressure when dealing with home-work, exams or anything that had to do with the subject, mathematics. In fact, I found doing math problem more of a hobby rather than an obligation because of my keen interest in the subject. One of my elementary school teachers complimented me on my enthusiasm for math and encouraged me to seek a career in mathematics because she said I had a potential to do well in the subject. This encouragement made me more interested in math, and convinced me to work harder

My parents are fully aware of my interest and capabilities, especially in math. Therefore they have been providing me with the moral and financial support that I needed. Before I realized the importance of hard work, I hardly ever did my homework or put in enough effort in my studies. I was practically a last minute worker who starts mugging for exams a day before. As a result, I was unable to attain good grades in order to gain a place in a good school. I felt remorseful as my parents were utterly disappointed in my performance, therefore I was determined to work hard and put in my best effort. True enough, my hard work paid off and not only received good grades in school, but was also offered a place in one of the best high schools in Jakarta, where my interest in mathematics was heightened

My parents, realizing the benefits an overseas education will bring me, decided to send me abroad for college. Unfortunately, as Indonesia was facing serious economic crisis, I decided to attend a community college first before transferring to a four-year university, so as to lighten my parent's financial load. Hence, I have been studying in the Diablo Valley College for one and a half years

In the process of pursuing my goal as a mathematician, community service has been one of the most fascinating experiences that I have ever had. For the last few months, I have been working as a teacher's assistant, a grader, and a mathematics tutor in the College. Besides working in the open lab, where I was to perform a one-on-one math tutoring, I also worked in the Self-Paced Class, which was intended for college algebra students, in which the help, attention, commitment and dedication of the tutors were extremely crucial. In addition, I also have also been working at the EOPS for several months where I was in charge of helping people who needed help for mathematics, physics or chemistry. These jobs have gained me much experience, they have also made me familiarized with the subjects which are fundamental for the major in which I wish to pursue. Furthermore, I was able to befriend more people, including those of various different ethnicities, which expanded my cultural horizons. My experiences in this college have made me improve my social, communication and leadership skills in which I believe would be absolutely essential to me in future

I believe that I can contribute to the University of California academically by exerting my greatest effort to study as well work as a tutor in order to help the other students in the school who require aid in the subjects that I am more confident in. Therefore, I sincerely hope that I can be part of this school because it can help me fulfil my ambition, which is becoming a mathematician.

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