Personal Statement

I was inspired by our work in this class to create a poem as submission for my personal statement to a fellowship program.

Raised as an observant Jew,

A liberal one for sure,

I learned that others’ needs come first,

They matter so much more.

So, in that vein I’ve tried to live,

A life exemplary,

An RA, tutor, mentor, friend, 

To act responsibly.

It hasn’t always been this way, 

I used to live for “me”, 

Until that fateful day in June, 

The truck I did not see. 

While walking home from synagogue, 

I crossed the street too soon, 

When months of rehab finally passed, 

A certain future loomed. 

I gained more than a brand-new hip,

A thoughtful girl emerged, 

The lessons from my youth took hold,

My self-absorption purged.

Never a more selfless pair, 

My parents never rest, 

They raised four kids (adopted two), 

Acceptance always stressed.

Diversity has been the norm,

At least within my home, 

But Jewish schools, I’m sad to say, 

An isolated dome. 

A cultural divide exists, 

Between my world and yours, 

I hope to bridge that gap one day, 

In Manchester, of course. 

A lawyer I intend to be,

Analysis I seek, 

There is no better groundwork,

Than literary speak. 

I boast a solid background,

A scholarship I hold,

I’m active in athletics, too, 

If I may be so bold. 

School publications written for,

Alternative as well,

Opinions, features, news, and more,

Reviews have all been swell.

An opportunity like this, 

Is something I have dreamed, 

A Fulbright candidate am I,

Such honor, such esteem. 

I’ve come a long way in my life, 

So many goals now checked, 

The Fulbright though is uppermost, 

I have profound respect. 

Years of study lead me here, 

My academic peak, 

I ask that you consider me, 

And my approach, unique.