Personal Statement

Personal Statement


In the fall of 2020, as the quarantine ended and traditional education resumed in schools, I returned home from school after lunch, only to find my father sitting in a state of depression. I was aware of the reason behind his melancholy: he had become unemployed due to his company facing a crisis. Consequently, financial difficulties began to plague our family. The following day, my father embarked on a job search, which persisted for several weeks, but unfortunately yielded no success.


One day, upon returning from school, changing out of my uniform, and having lunch, I noticed that my father was still engrossed in his job search on the computer. Suddenly, he called me into his room. On the computer screen, I saw information about Presidential schools. While I had heard of them before, I had never delved into the topic. My father proceeded to provide me with detailed information about Presidential schools, including the examination process, the subjects to be tested, and the required application documents. The next day, we began gathering the necessary documents for the application. The Presidential school entrance exams encompassed mathematics, English, and critical thinking. Given my strong aptitude for mathematics and consistent top-ranking performance in math Olympiads among my peers, owing to my attendance at a specialized math school, I did not require additional math classes. However, I started attending extra English classes to bolster my skills.


As winter approached, the weather turned bitterly cold, making it essential to don thick clothing and warm shoes for school. Regrettably, we were grappling with severe financial constraints during this period. One day, upon returning from class, my father observed my worn-out shoes and silently left without saying a word. Later, he entered my room carrying a black box containing a pair of new winter shoes. I was elated upon seeing them. My father then said, "Son, I have great expectations for you. I purchased these shoes with my last bit of money. Apply yourself diligently to your studies, excel in your extra classes, and gain admission to the school of my dreams—the Presidential school. In doing so, you will fulfill my aspirations." Witnessing my father, dressed in old clothes and sacrificing his own needs to buy me new shoes, profoundly affected me. I resolved to study diligently and dedicatedly in order to secure a place at the Presidential school. I attended extra classes and completed my homework promptly. While my peers were playing outside, I remained at home reading books, memorizing English vocabulary, and solving various mathematical problems.


The day of the exam arrived, and I completed it successfully, returning home in high spirits. Approximately two weeks elapsed. After dinner, while my mother washed the dishes, my father was typing on the computer. I sat down at my desk, opened my computer, perused the news, and discovered that the results of the Presidential school examination had been announced. Without informing my family, I anxiously looked up the results. I was filled with trepidation at that moment. Failing to secure admission to the Presidential school would mean disappointing my father and losing his trust. As I glanced at the results, I discovered that I had achieved the 19th place among approximately 1,500 applicants (with only 24 students being admitted to the Presidential school). At that moment, an entirely different sensation overcame me, and I let out a resounding scream. My parents rushed over, inquiring about the cause of my excitement, and they too rejoiced upon hearing the news. I embraced my father and proclaimed, "Dad, your son has gained admission to the school of your dreams." Overwhelmed with emotion, I wept, realizing that our efforts had not been in vain. Subsequently, my life underwent a complete transformation. My father secured a new job, and I embarked on a new educational journey at a new school—the Presidential school. The Presidential school introduced me to a new education system, new classmates, new teachers, and an entirely new life. I made new friends, adapted to this new environment, acquired knowledge previously foreign to me, and diligently worked on self-improvement, ultimately achieving success in all areas.


This experience made me realize that without my father's unwavering support, I would not be studying at this prestigious school today. It has brought about profound positive changes in my life, helping me discover my true potential, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.


(729 words)