New Beginnings: The Right Road, The Right Time - Personal Statement Example

I took the first steps into an unfamiliar yet brighter future, a world of greater hope and the opportunity of new beginnings. Returning to college after being out of high school for a long period of time caused me to stop and consider if I was academically prepared. High school seniors today seem so much brighter than they did when I graduated. I had to come to grips with the fact that I might not be able to recall my math education. I worried that my science training might be obsolete. However, I did have the advantage of knowing that my history course would cover what I had previously studied as current events.

My family and friends were quick to remind me that it had not been that long and assured me that learning was just like riding a bicycle. I made my decision with the hope that I wouldn't get to class only to find my bicycle had flat tires. The years I have spent working in the general economy will benefit me in numerous ways in college. I have been exposed to business and have a common business sense that others would consider a well-studied knowledge. I've been able to acquire proficient computer skills and get over any fear of learning new applications or trying new programs.

My years of dealing with the public have given me a greater willingness to cooperate with the world around me. My age has added patience to my resume and my son has added conviction. I have a newfound sense of motivation and a deeper sense of need. The years have given me desire without desperation, urgency without panic. My new beginning comes with no family tradition of higher education. I still hear a voice whisper in the back of my mind that tells me college is for everyone else but not for me.

A college education has always been a foreign language in my family. We accepted the myth that a high school diploma was good enough to get you a job and earn a living. I found that a high school diploma will only get you to work, and I don't call that living. My friends and family have all been very supportive and given me plenty of encouragement. Still, the challenge gives me anxiety and uncertainty as I work to overcome these feelings of self-doubt. I am committed to breaking the cycle of complacency in my family so my son will see higher education as a realistic goal to attain.

I need to be the role model that he will look to when he examines his options out of high school. My new beginning will become his future success.My son's key to the future will depend on my success today. Because my education will become his standard to achieve, I have set some guidelines that will help me to excel. They are the commandments that I will follow to keep my education as a top priority and continually appreciate its importance. I will not overload my schedule. I would rather do well in two classes than mediocre in four.

I will strive to get the best grades possible. If that requires me to add an additional hour of study time each day to my already hectic schedule, then I will find the time. I will not wait until the last minute to complete my work. I will work for every extra credit point offered. I will take my learning seriously while finding ways to make it fun, interesting, and fascinating new experience.