My interest in Urban Studies started through a combination of experiences as a child and working adult. I grew up in South Korea in a Christian family and followed commandments from the Bible that were mentioned throughout my childhood. However, in the 11th grade my English teacher, Ms. Case, had Kohlberg’s Six Stages of Moral Reasoning posted on the board and I read it every class session. It gave me a different non-religious prospective regarding right and wrong behavior. At that time, I was at Stage Four: “Maintaining the Social Order”; but knew that I wanted to move to Level 3, Stage Six: “Universal Principles.” Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, along with his story-telling technique had a profound effect on me that contributed to being the person I am today.
My family moved to the United States in 2002 when I was eleven years old, which eventually allowed me to attend Harbor Teacher Preparation Academy located in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Being in this unique academic environment also contributed to my personal qualities and talents. The Academy is funded by Bill Gates and ranks among the top tier for educational programs in California, in part because most students came from gifted programs and each semester we were required to take at least one college class at Los Angeles Harbor College. Admittedly, at that time I did not know what I wanted to do in life and did not prioritize education, so my GPA was not the best. Nonetheless, I earned honor roll status throughout high school and made the Dean’s List during fall 2011 and 2012 at Los Angeles Harbor College.
I have a strong belief in giving back to the community; therefore, many hours have been spent helping church staff provide food and encouragement to homeless individuals living in the downtown area. I also manage the music at every Sunday service for the youth group at Church. And during high school starting in the 10th grade, we had to volunteer at various elementary schools to teach children about science.
My short-term goal is to gain admission at University of California, study as a full-time student, and earn an undergraduate degree. My long-term goal is to obtain employment since Urban Studies offer a wide-range of exciting opportunities. Once these major milestones are accomplished, I plan to study accounting as a minor and become a Certified Public Account (CPA), which complements the field of Urban Studies.
I am determined, dedicated, and driven to realize my goal; and provided the opportunity, I will rise to meet all academic challenges at your university and become a graduate that the University of California can be proud of.
Personal Qualities, Talents, and Accomplishments
When employed at Cyber Lab (a gaming café) as a young adult, I discovered intrinsic qualities that were not evident during adolescent. Most customers were regulars, who played video games, but many were abusing drugs illegally. In following Kohlberg’s principles, I wanted to help them get out of this unhealthy, dangerous web. Therefore, I persuaded a few friends to quit since it was one of their daily routines. I reasoned that turning them into the police would not solve anything, so I would talk them out of it and persuaded them to come to my church so they could feel connected with people who do not use. It wasn't for them to become Christians, rather I wanted them to find spiritual relief and inner peace. Eventually two of my friends, Matthew and Tom, stopped abusing drugs. This is one major accomplishment that I am very proud of.
At the restaurant, there are many customers and people working, and sometimes it’s difficult to please everyone. I clearly understood the chain-of-command along with the need for patience and respect for all employees. Owners are at the top of authority, which follows managers, chefs, waiters, and waitresses. Being a small business, often times waiters and waitresses must function as the hosts, servers, and cashiers. And when extremely busy, teamwork and effective communication were most important. During those twelve months working at Cyber Lab, my personal qualities blossomed. This included a sense of humor, ability to multi-task, knowledge of menu items, patience, flexible, common sense, and an ethical mind. Though most critical is understanding how this system operated in a bigger picture that helps one work diligently. This concept was what I taught new trainees: understanding the system and how it works – the social science of restaurant work.
Urban Studies view how government and its systems work; likewise, it has many similarities with my job at Cyber Lab, but on a much bigger scale. You look at problems and events of residents and how they affect residents. Once that’s understood, you analyze ways to help people. When helping my drug addicted friends, I did just that – identified the problem and determined effective solutions. It’s during this time that the Social Sciences peaked my interest and majoring in Urban Studies became my career goal.
I enjoy giving more than receiving, contributing 150% rather than 100%, taking responsibility rather than avoiding it, listening more than talking, and labeling myself a Utilitarian not a Hedonist.
