Personal Statement

 Surname 1
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
Personal Statement
Born in Japan on December 16, 1989, I was raised by my parents, the best way they
knew. I was given the valuable opportunity to study at a reputable school. It was here that I
learned not only math and science but also the value of friendship. While some of my
classmates did not enjoy learning, I was excited and eager to learn everything. I knew that
my education was my path in life and it was something no one could ever take away. Many
of my peers complained about attending classes they did not deem useful (particularly
English class). I enthusiastically learned Basic English since I welcomed the idea of
acquiring a foreign language. Little did I know that months later my family was given the
chance to move to a foreign country.
The world I came to know as home started when I was six. It was then when I moved
here to The United States because of my Father’s job. At such an early age, I was transported to
a place where everything seemed weird and different. I struggled with being a stranger in a
strange place at first. There was no one to talk to and who would understand or care? I asked
myself how I was supposed to survive in this country when I do not know anybody and with
little knowledge of English. The first days were the biggest struggle for me. I missed my old
home, my old school, my friends, everything in and about Japan. I was homesick and did not
want to go to the first day of grade school, but my mother forced me to.
The diligent child that I am, I went to school in San Jose. I expected to be isolated,
but my expectations were incorrect because I was welcomed by the entire school. People
did not see my differences. They gladly accepted me and I was happy to find myself in the
company of new friends, one of whom was Corey Tucker.
Surname 2
It was lunchtime as I sat alone on the bench, crying. Someone suddenly reached over
and stuck a chocolate-chip cookie in my mouth. The boy opened an interesting conversation.
When I told him I came from Japan, he was excited, incessantly asking questions. With
awkward smiles, I answered each of his queries even though I knew my English was not so
good. By the time the lunch ended, Corey and I were best friends. He soon introduced me to
his friends and was easily accepted to the school and the society that I did not quite
understand. They made sure I knew where the bathroom, canteen, library, clinic, and
classrooms were and tutored me in the language. With the help of my new friends I
learned fast.
As we matured, my friends did not only teach me English but also American
culture, lifestyle, beliefs, and values. They have been very positive influences on me,
especially Corey. He was always there for me and have remained my very good friends.
Because of them, I came to love and appreciate life in this country. Homesickness and tears
were all wiped out because I started being integrated into the society. I would come home
from school tired yet happy. Thus, my parents enjoyed seeing my bright disposition,
realizing I have adjusted successfully.
In high school, with much proficiency in English, I persevered to perform well in my
studies, regarding every course essential in my pursuit of knowledge and meaning in life. Truth
is, I got disappointed whenever a classmate argues about the unimportance of studying math or
physics because he or she sees no point in spending time to learn something that will not be of
good use in the future. I hated this line of argument, as I deem every aspect of education as an
essential tool in our lives. There is a reason why math or physics is in the curriculum and why
we need to learn it. Whenever someone contends that a certain course or field of study is
useless, I heat up, compelled to demonstrate the fallacy of such argument by providing specific
examples from my own life or everyday circumstances.
I came from this world. Much of what I know today, I owe to the friends who 
Surname 3
have guided me, the teachers who have taught me beyond what the textbooks said and my
family that has stayed intact and happy despite problems and difficulties. All these people
have shaped my dream and aspiration to pursue a degree in math or physics. My friends
knew that I am most passionate about physics and math. They have encouraged me to take
this passion to a higher level. They have always joked that one day
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they will gladly see the Japanese friend they used to tutor become a physicist. I knew they
will be happy if I pursue my dream. There is no better way of showing my appreciation
for the years we have been together than showing them that the new kid they welcomed
so long ago has grown up to be a successful man.
Moreover, the school world I came from have taught me not only factual knowledge
but also values I need in facing bigger tasks in a bigger world. I want to make them proud
that the little boy who was once