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Saksham Kumar - Reflection 5

 Today’s session was a meaningful step in the ongoing journey of writing my personal statement. We focused on an important aspect of the application process: understanding and articulating personal values. Personal statements are often considered one of the most important components of a college application because they provide a window into who we are beyond grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements. They give us the space to reflect on our life experiences and demonstrate how those moments have shaped our character, beliefs, and aspirations.

To uncover the values that will guide my personal statement, we used the College Essay Guy’s values exercise. It was an insightful and reflective process that encouraged me to dig deeper into what drives me and to be honest about the core values I truly resonate with. After carefully considering the patterns in my experiences, I discovered that all the values that surfaced were connected to three central themes: cultural rootedness, personal development, and intellectual vitality.

Cultural rootedness emerged as a strong foundation. I’ve always felt a deep connection to my heritage, and understanding the stories of my ancestors has shaped the way I view the world. My passion for educating others about important historical events. I believe that staying grounded in one’s culture provides strength, wisdom, and perspective, especially in an increasingly globalized world where diverse backgrounds should be appreciated, not erased.

Personal development is another cornerstone value that guides my life. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve myself, whether it’s through academics, extracurriculars, or personal projects. This drive has been evident in various facets of my life, from self-studying A-Level Further Math, to conducting environmental research. I view every new challenge as an opportunity to grow, pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. My goal is not only to succeed but to evolve, becoming a better version of myself with each experience.

Intellectual vitality ties these values together. I have a deep-seated passion for learning and am always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and understanding. Whether it’s through exploring complex research topics like aeroelastic flutter in aircraft wings or delving into my double major in aerospace engineering and environmental science, I find joy and fulfillment in intellectual exploration. This curiosity has driven me to seek out challenges and opportunities where I can apply my skills and knowledge in meaningful ways, such as my work with SkyBridges and my participation in various STEM competitions.

Writing a personal statement is more than just listing accomplishments; it’s about telling a story that reflects who you are at your core. The exercise today helped me realize that my story is shaped by these values—cultural rootedness, personal development, and intellectual vitality. These are the driving forces behind my actions, decisions, and aspirations. They connect the dots between my experiences and illustrate how I have grown into the person I am today.

As I move forward in crafting my personal statement, I’m excited to weave these values into a narrative that not only showcases my achievements but also communicates my commitment to learning, growing, and staying connected to the things that matter most to me. Ultimately, I want my personal statement to reflect my authentic self—someone who is deeply curious, grounded in culture, and constantly striving for personal growth. This clarity will allow me to present my story in a way that resonates with admissions officers and offers them a genuine glimpse into the values that drive me.

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