<p>Hello fellow students!</p>
<p>I became worried about my transfer to Berkeley because I don't have many ECs.
I work 40-50 hr weeks as a production manager for a home remodeling company while taking 12-14 units at a community college. This is insane to begin with, so I don't really have many volunteering hours (8 from domestic violence help organization for women, a few from a dog shelter, 8 from a community charity event, that's about it :( </p>
<p>Transferable GPA 4.0 (40 units so far, applying for transfer admission for 2011), completed the Honors Transfer program (took 8 honors classes when only 6 was really needed). Almost done with IGETC, just need the foreign language class, PE and a few more to get to 60 units.</p>
<p>In my personal statement I'm planning to share my life journey:
I'm originally from Ukraine, moved here almost 3 years ago by myself (I was 19 at that time). I come from an educated family of engineers and educators, but not very rich meaning I haven't received any financial assistance from my mom since I've moved to the US (she's a single mom, by the way). So pretty much, I had to start completely from scratch here.
I learned English back in my home country, have an AA from an accredited university back home as well. I don't want to settle for less than the best education, and I'm going to do everything to achieve my goal. </p>
<p>I'm not sure what they will think about my story, I'm not planning on whining how hard it is etc, I just want to show how determined I am. Also, as I already mentioned above, I don't have many volunteering hours and don't think I will be able to get them considering my tight work/school schedule. I work Mon-Fri 9-5:30 at the office, attend night classes 2-3 days a week, have lots of homework both in-class and online, work overtime on weekends (helping arranging trade shows for the company because I need more money). I can't give up my full-time job to volunteer, and a part time job will not pay my bills) :( It will be quite upsetting if they deny my application simply because they'll think I don't ever want to help the community. </p>
<p>Please, suggest how to better construct my personal statement, or what else I can do to make up for the community service.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot in advance!</p>