NUS, NTU, SMU: Reading our Personal Statements!

Summary

In this video, the hosts share their personal experiences of writing their personal statements for university applications. Josh recounts his leadership journey in Vietnam, including his role as camp head in an educational project for underprivileged children. The second host reflects on how her father's life story inspired her passion for social change, particularly in environmental sustainability. Both discuss how their personal statements reflect their aspirations and the impact they aim to make. They also offer advice on writing effective personal statements and share insights into their university experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses personal statements submitted to universities (NUS and SMU) for application purposes.
• 😀 Josh shares his personal experience of growing up in Vietnam and his involvement in community projects.
• 😀 He highlights his leadership journey, including his work with the Saigon South English Camp (SSEC), where he became camp head and oversaw 40+ volunteers.
• 😀 The SSEC project provides English education to underprivileged children in Vietnam, reflecting Josh’s passion for leadership and community service.
• 😀 Josh aspires to become a consular general, and he emphasizes the importance of transparency and open-mindedness in leadership.
• 😀 The video offers a glimpse into the education backgrounds of both speakers: Josh has an IB qualification and is studying communications at university.
• 😀 The host shares her personal statement, which is longer than the final version submitted to NUS, and reflects her passion for environmental sustainability and social change.
• 😀 The host describes a pivotal moment in her life where she overcame a fear of driving, linking it to her broader mission to give back to the world.
• 😀 She discusses her entrepreneurial project, Miko Malaysia, which promotes eco-friendly products and raises awareness about sustainability.
• 😀 Both speakers stress the importance of personal statements in university applications, though they acknowledge the uncertainty of how much influence the statement has on the outcome.
• 😀 The video concludes with the hosts wishing viewers the best of luck with their applications and the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video shared by the speakers?

The video is focused on sharing personal statements written by the speakers as part of their university applications to NUS and other institutions. They reflect on their experiences and how these personal statements helped shape their application process.

What motivated Josh's interest in leadership and community service?

Josh's interest in leadership and community service was sparked during his family's move to Vietnam, where he participated in various leadership activities like student council and a community project called Saigon South English Camp (SSEC).

How did Josh contribute to the Saigon South English Camp (SSEC)?

Josh contributed to SSEC by being actively involved from its inception, serving in various roles including teacher, executive board member, and eventually camp head. As camp head, he oversaw the planning and execution of the camp, which served over 150 underprivileged Vietnamese children.

What did Josh learn from his experience as camp head at SSEC?

Josh learned the importance of transparency in communication and open-mindedness for the success of community projects. He also realized the need for efficient teamwork and collaboration to ensure projects reach a wider audience.

What kind of educational background does Josh have?

Josh has an international education background, having studied in Vietnam for 10 years and completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Despite not achieving the highest scores, he was accepted into NUS and later pursued a degree in Communications.

What is the narrative approach used in the second speaker's personal statement?

The second speaker takes a narrative approach by recounting a personal story from their childhood about learning to drive with their father. This experience inspired them to pursue a lifelong journey of giving back to the world and making an impact, particularly in environmental sustainability.

How does the second speaker's father influence their personal values?

The second speaker's father played a significant role in shaping their values. His resilience, dedication to helping others, and selflessness inspired the speaker to adopt a similar mindset of giving back and making a positive impact on the world.

What is Miko Malaysia, and how did it come about?

Miko Malaysia is a business founded by the second speaker and a like-minded friend. It started as a volunteer project during a school break and later grew into a full-fledged initiative focused on increasing the accessibility of eco-friendly products and raising awareness about sustainability.

How does the second speaker contribute to their school community?

The second speaker contributes to their school community through various roles in student organizations, such as organizing prom nights, filming events, and enhancing the overall student experience. They also take pride in fostering motivation and collaboration among peers.

What is the importance of the personal statement in the university application process, according to the speakers?

While the personal statement may not be the sole determining factor in the application process, the speakers emphasize the importance of writing a strong personal statement that reflects one's experiences, values, and aspirations. It helps applicants stand out and showcase their character and potential.