Mentorship is more than a career to me its more of a calling and is tied to who I am. It is my chance to guide younger students in honing focus and self-awareness – traits I wish I had when I navigated not just college admissions but attending college itself.
Now, here is something not many folks know (until now, I guess): I almost didn't graduate college. During my time at UCLA, I felt completely adrift academically and socially, finding myself on academic probation multiple times – a staggering three times in two years at one point. Friends and family were astonished as to why this was happening. They'd say, "You got into UCLA, one of the most competitive schools in the world – shouldn't you have the tools to thrive?" This question always stumped me because, on paper, the answer was probably yes. Yet, something held me back, something I didn't quite grasp at the time and also lacked the mentors and support system to give me proper guidance.
Mentorship is more than a career to me its more of a calling and is tied to who I am. It is my chance to guide younger students in honing focus and self-awareness – traits I wish I had when I navigated not just college admissions but attending college itself.
Now, here is something not many folks know (until now, I guess): I almost didn't graduate college. During my time at UCLA, I felt completely adrift academically and socially, finding myself on academic probation multiple times – a staggering three times in two years at one point. Friends and family were astonished as to why this was happening. They'd say, "You got into UCLA, one of the most competitive schools in the world – shouldn't you have the tools to thrive?" This question always stumped me because, on paper, the answer was probably yes. Yet, something held me back, something I didn't quite grasp at the time and also lacked the mentors and support system to give me proper guidance.
Here's a true story: during my freshman year, a so-called "mentor" advised me to study less for a midterm, emphasizing that, in a decade, I'd cherish the happy memories with friends more than the exam I failed. As a susceptible 17-year-old, I bought into his logic and followed suit. Fast forward 10 years, and I vividly recall both experiences. Yet, I can definitively say that the anxiety and financial toll from those failed exams were never worth the trade-off - which was a word of advice I think I would have heard from more empathetic mentors.
Looking back a decade later, I realize a key reason for my struggles: a lack of self-awareness about my future vision, values, strengths, weaknesses, passions, and personality. This hindered my ability to set meaningful goals and avoid distractions. Here's the untold truth about college – the toughest parts often hit once you step onto campus. With ample free time and endless opportunities, without your core self anchoring you, it's easy, if not likely, to be swept up in those waves.
That's why I'm dreaming big – to create a college admissions process that prioritizes reflection and self-awareness over any acceptance letter. Now, don't get me wrong – an application involves more than just these aspects. However, top applicants consistently showcase a clear understanding of who they are, their direction, and why a particular school aligns perfectly with their journey. By nurturing these qualities in students, I'm confident it won't just result in compelling applications; it'll equip them with a deeply personalized blueprint for success at whatever destination their college journey leads.
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