UC Berkeley Diversity Personal History Trade

[imisscoffee]

Want to trade UC Berkeley diversity "personal history" statements for a reality check or an idea of what others are writing? Message me. Mine is weird, I think, but I just can't tell.

[readyornot]

I'd be interested in doing this, though I haven't written mine yet. I am actually a bit worried about writing it since I haven't had to overcome racial, etc. barriers, and while I have volunteered in various capacities I don't think anything qualifies enough to be considered "advancing equitable access" in any impressive fashion. Anyone have any thoughts?

[imisscoffee]

I have exchanged with one person, anyone else?

As for the above comment, you can certainly write about how you will use your MPA in the future to advance equitable access. I mean, that'll be part of your job description, right? And what made you want to be an MPA? Maybe write about that experience?

[commsch12]

Isn't the diversity statement optional? I have literally no diversity to add so was thinking of skipping it.

[elem3nt]

It is required of all students.

[Astarabadi]

Wait, hold on a sec. I'm applying to Berkeley too, and came across this weird "personal statement", which is different from the "statement of purpose". I'm also applying to UCLA and another school in Cali, and so far it seems only Berkeley asks for a personal statement. The Berkeley grad.school application websites lists some pointers and reasons for the personal statement...but no samples!!

1. Does anyone have any samples/links to possible samples?

2. Who reads this personal statement? the SOP and CV and Writing Sample make sense as a neat package, but why personal statement?

3. Am I to understand that this is another opportunity to make myself presentable and attractive to the admissions committee or am I applying for something in particular, as to a fellowship or such? who reads this PS?

...help!

[mandarin.orange]

The Berkeley grad.school application websites lists some pointers and reasons for the personal statement...but no samples!! 1. Does anyone have any samples/links to possible samples?

FWIW, here is one. Note the department hosting it.

2. Who reads this personal statement? the SOP and CV and Writing Sample make sense as a neat package, but why personal statement? 3. Am I to understand that this is another opportunity to make myself presentable and attractive to the admissions committee or am I applying for something in particular, as to a fellowship or such? who reads this PS? ...help!

All good questions, to which I never found concrete answers, despite extensive searches last year as I wrote mine. I did find, however, this topic has been discussed the internet over here, and in other fora:

On Grad Café: the and

Economics applicants discuss here.

A rather shocking one at a Physics forum.

I discussed my prior work in the public sector (as a teacher adapting to students' different learning styles, and working for Calif State Parks), advantage of maturity and travel/work experience as a non-traditional student (I'm in my 30s), and built the argument that since I wanted to make my career in the CA public sector, the UC system/state would do well to invest in me.

[imisscoffee]

THANK YOU, MANDARIN.

[Kawa'a]

I'm interested in applying to Berkeley as well (MPP and/or MPH). I'm not ready to apply yet (just started a new job and I'm waiting another year), but I'm still organizing myself. I've always been a little confused about how to approach diversity statements. My background is different, to say the least, and one that I've learned to not discuss for one reason or another (mostly people get uncomfortable and I don't really feel like sharing). So it feels really awkward and I'm afraid I will come off as whiny or over-the-top. But if I'm honest, many of these experiences have colored my outlook and perspectives on people and institutions. So, it's not irrelevant, either. I've listed some facts about myself and my background. Any thoughts on what to include/not include:

1. Multi-racial (Native Hawaiian, Japanese, Irish).

2. First generation US citizen on father's side (my dad is from Japan and ESL, but very fluent by the time I was born), second generation on mom's (granddad is Canadian, the rest from Ireland).

3. First generation college grad

4. Until I was ten, I lived in a gang infested barrio in San Diego where bullets literally went through our bedrooms and other distressing things occurred, but my parents also sent me to a parochial school that was completely white (yes, I was ostracized and called a "chink" most days) and very affluent. Those kids weren't allowed to come to my home because the neighborhood scared their parents.

5. For 6 years, I was an administrator of an alternative learning center for at-risk high-school kids: 95% represented ethnic minorities and 80% qualified for free or reduced lunch.

6. Pretty steady volunteer record since 1995, mostly working with youth who are underrepresented and/or struggling academically.

I'm happy to include the last two items, as they seem relevant. The only reason I would want to include the others is to paint an accurate picture of my motivations. I overcame much more (it's too depressing to mention) than I listed to just survive an unreasonable first 20 years and the last ten trying to recover from it and create my own normal. In all of it, I've come to believe that being nice and doing what you can for others is really important, at least for what I want to do in life. I've seen so many people struggle and sometimes the only thing reaching out to them at all is some kind of government or church program. And since I don't want to be a nun, I've chosen a career in government. So what do I include without sounding like a nut or super whiny?

[imisscoffee]

say how you went through that hard stuff but came out strong, and you want to ensure others can, too.

[Kawa'a]

imisscoffee-- thank you for your help. So you think I should quickly review all these things and move on to the positive outcome? It's hard to see oneself, but it feels like whining to list everything. I don't want to come off as I think I'm the only one or that I had it so much harder than everyone else.

Thanks again!

[imisscoffee]

Not just listing them, but telling the stories -

When you look at me, you can't necessarily guess what I've been through. That's because I try to move on, because I know I'm not the only one, because there's more to life than dwelling on the hard times. But this particular year of my history is what made me want to help others: One day I woke up, and this horrible thing had happened to me. I tried to fix it, but to no avail. It was a lost cause. But two years later, when things started to look up, I realized that I had changed. And from that change came my desire to nurture strength and hope in other youngsters.

Maybe? Also, keep in mind that some people "whine" more than others, and all the time. Is there a reason you feel self conscious talking about your hardships? Remember that we have never heard your story before, so it's not like you are bugging anyone. You can keep it brisk, or point out just one or two things, and still have an impact.

[zep]

I'm also interested in exchanging.