UC Personal Statements Prompt #1 - Is my idea alright?

<p>Prompt # 1: Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.</p>

<p>One of my ideas for this prompt was about my inability to speak Chinese, despite being a (full) Chinese-American. The "world" would be my shame for not understanding and speaking it, and my parents' disappointment in my inability. The dream that is shaped from this would be that I want to overcome language barriers, not just by words but by emotions, body language, etc. I was thinking that there was more to communication than by just words; it's what feelings you also put into it. </p>

<p>I'm really unsure about this idea, and I just want some criticism on it. It's one of those negative to positive things, but I'm not too sure how the UCs would take it...</p>

<p>I don’t think you have to twist yourself into an artificial story for this prompt. You really want to say that the world you come from is the world of shame not speaking Chinese? That is the central point to your being? Your parent’s disappointment is the main factor to your dreams and aspirations. If that is the most important thing about you then I guess that is profound. </p>

<p>But to make that the only thing is limiting. I’m sure there were other things that influenced you and what kind of person you are. I think some perspective is in order and put this story in context.</p>

<p>I do think this is an interesting enough point to bring up. I’m already wondering why your parents weren’t speaking Chinese language to you as an infant and if you had Chinese school but just couldn’t learn and why this inability? </p>

<p>If you want to talk about aspirations of exploring ideas and boundaries of human communication, that is interesting. Try to be concrete and specific when you can. 'what feelings you also put into it" doesn’t mean much to me. Get precise. And avoid being sappy or cliche with it.</p>