UCs Personal Insights Questions

The Capabilities of English Question #6

There are many different objectives in life that can influence the way people think and the way
people carry themselves as an individual. People, circumstances, sports, and school all have an
effect on the way we live. I have noticed that people dont really think about the specific things
that influence their lives. In school, we learn several different aspects of each subject. My
favorite subject would have to be English, a subject that is more than reading books, checking
grammar and writing long essays. English deepens our knowledge in a more broader perspective
and is based upon so many complex languages that are then molded into one piece of art.
At a beach there are tiny grains of sand that intertwine with the beautiful blue water grabbing
the sand and pushing new wet sand on the shore. It is an everlasting cycle. The grains of sand
represent the many words in the English language, while the ocean represents the different
influences of people and the environments pulling, altering, and pushing the new words of the
English language into the world. There is always more to learn when it comes to English. This
subject never stays the same, there are always new ideas and words coming about that a person
could not learn in one setting. Writing, reading and analyzing the books I read, influences a
majority of my life. Because English is such a broad subject we notice it in all other subjects like
Math, Science, and History. Majority of the time you speak in order to communicate. That is
English. This is how English influences me, this concept, shows me that things change and
become new but still maintain the same beauty. Its still the same art. Its still the same ocean.

Question 4
Looking back to the time when I was in elementary school and transitioning to middle school,
my life was a roller coaster. I was just another young girl eager to learn and experience lifes
challenges that were soon to come. But teachers and students around me looked at me differently
and treated me differently, and I knew exactly why. It was because I was African American and I
went to a predominant white school. I was the only African American girl in my classes, so no
wonder I was looked at differently. My hair was not straight, my skin was not white, and I stood
out only because I didn't look like the other young children in my classes.
Every week, I was in the principals office for reasons that I cant even explain because I was
in there for absolutely nothing. It was as if I had a huge red target on my back, I was being
watched at all times. Now that I look back I finally understand that at such a young age I was
being harassed because of my skin color.
In this blurry picture of mine, I realize that you need to overcome what has happened in your
past and re-paint the picture with a new self-improvement of your present. Because of the
challenges I faced as a young child in elementary and in middle school I had to work twice as
hard when it came to completing my classwork and homework. I remember crying late at night
wishing that I was white so that I could be treated the same. I had no friends but my mom was
my friend and parent, all in one. She helped me with my heartache and frustration that I had
towards my peers, teachers and principal.
However, those teachers didnt stop me from learning. I won the battle and overcame my
obstacles. I became a strong, young African American lady and proved to everyone that I can be
successful. I was determined to do things my way because its my life and the road to success
awaited me.

Question 3
 My greatest talent is my ability to capture the perfect moment in Digital Photos and in Film
Photography. This talent is meaningful to me because it is something that I started doing since
my freshmen year in high school. I always had a creative side that I normally kept a secret from
my friends and family because I had no one to enjoy the ins and outs of Art with. My mother
understood that I had a special spot in my heart for Art, she just wanted me to better my craft.
As a soon to be freshmen at the time, I completed an application for the Academies at my
school that included: Arts Academy, Public Service Academy, and Engineering Academy. I went
through the interview process for each Academy and was accepted to all three academies. The
hardest part was the decision making and which one would I enjoy for four years of my life in
high school. I asked my self that for seven days, and I choose to go with the Clayton Arts
Academy because I knew that's where I belonged. Everyone was so free spirited and passionate
about Art. I struggled to pick which specialty I wanted with the options of Art, Drama, Video, or
Photography. However, I went out my comfort zone and picked Photography. It was the best
decision that I made.
I grew to love Photography and the aspect of creating meaningful pictures. Through
Photography, I learned that a picture is worth a thousand words as they say. Film, Still-Life,
Nature, Fashion, Sports Photography, you name it. I loved all types of Photography and so did
my peers around me which made it ten times better because I had students to share creativity
with and to learn from. Speaking hypothetically, I would have to say that I have an addiction
when it comes to taking pictures. Thanks to my mother and to the Arts Academy Teachers.

Question 8
One accomplishment that sets me apart from my fellow candidates applying to the University
of California is that I am a Pearls of Perfection Debutante. Receiving the honor to be apart of the
Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program was outstanding because I enhanced my personal growth
as I transition into adulthood. The program process was not easy and it took workshops, meetings
and practices, but I was confident that I would be a perfect participant.
I have participated in Delta Academy which is the younger program for girls age 11-14. It
provides young teenage girls the opportunity to serve leadership through service learning,
sisterhood, and education. At age 15, there is a program called Delta GEMS (Growing and
Empowering Myself Successful) which I have also participated in. This provides young ladies
more opportunities to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success
and planning for their future. Delta GEMS activities include: Service projects, community
service, college campus field trips, goal planning, resume preparation, and scholarship
workshops. I am still a part of the Delta GEMS program until I reach the age 18.
The Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program is designed for young ladies who will be seniors
in high school. During the seven-month process the ladies will work through a series of
workshops, cultural events and rehearsals, participants will learn etiquette, social grace skills,
educational development resources, college preparedness skills and community service
involvement, which are geared to enhance their personal growth as they transition into
adulthood. At the end of it all, the accomplishments of the ladies will be celebrated in a
spectacular way at an elegant Cotillion Ball.
My godmother, A.Watkins, is a Soro and is very active. She practically raised me in the
sorority with her sisters and I really enjoy being around and helping the community with them. I
know that I will soon be a Delta soro because very few students my age have had the experience
and background of the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, which
makes it an accomplishment that sets me apart.