Still Your Best: Making Your Personal Statement Hella Personal

I can’t tell you how many times I get “How long have you been writing?”, You’re such a good writer”, “You are so bold”, “You write with so many emotions”, or a whole lot of… “How should I write my personal statement?” 

Personal statement. In reality, we take everything else personal...but with a pen to paper, we never want to get down and dirty about ourselves. It’s hard. Kinda like going to therapy, no one actually wants to write into their wounds...or wrack their brains with “Why am I doing this?”...or share how a potential opportunity fits into their dream. Their REAL dream. Because in doing so, you must expose some sort of vulnerability. You must bleed love, pain, guilt, regret, and/or hope into 500-1,000 words and wait. Wait for whoever is on the other side of the paper to like your statement enough to say “Yes”. Or wait for whatever version of yourself is needed if they say “No.” Some will write for the sake of just listing accomplishments, whether for a prospective employer or university. A resume bottled up in a page or two that shows moments and reasons why you deserve a spot. And that’s cool. But what about your story? What about the trials that made you? The sacrifices that starved you? The experiences that you will never forget.

What about...YOU?

What is a personal statement?

Traditionally speaking, a personal statement is an account of your achievements, talents, interests, and goals often included in a job or university application. Personal statements for university admissions and jobs have similar content, but admissions personal statements are usually longer and more detailed. These personal statements are one or two pages, whereas job statements are generally a single paragraph. Regardless of the type, it’s important to take note of word/character requirements. 

Adia speaking, a personal statement is a time to tell your story. Yeah, you want to mention things you’ve done, places you’ve been, and why you’re a good fit. But, this doesn’t mean you neglect to mention bumps along the way. Adversities. And might I dare even say...trauma (careful. you get to decide how much you spill over.). A personal statement is time...for you to get hella personal. Tell pivotal turning points in your life and what REALLY is your motivation. Tell the “got it out the mud” story. Paint a picture of your community. Share what inspires you and why. Why is the mark you want to leave on this world so important to YOU? It can be easy to get so caught up on simply landing the opportunity that we miss how important this step is- showing your potential business partner, employer, or boss who you are and what you stand for. What you allow...and what you won’t. What bred you. What fed you. How you plan...to continue to eat. 

Writing a hella personal ass personal statement doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, breaking it up into a few, smaller steps can help you write your best one yet. Here are some steps:

1. Write out an initial outline and story ideas. Your statement, off rip, should have three parts. This, we know, is true- an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. So, boom. Outline done! But, now...what ideas do you have? How do you think you want to pen your story? Get creative. Remember, prospective employers and undergraduate/graduate programs read statements ALL THE TIME. They see the same shit- quotes at the beginning, childhood stories,;etc. I started and end one of my statements once with Drake lyrics. Risky to some..but if you know me...and I mean REALLY know me. You know how much music means to me. How is your statement going to be different? 
2. Journal about your “What” and your “Why”. Imagine yourself as the BEST version of yourself, and I mean the absolute best. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. What do you get up and do each day? What is your life’s purpose and impact? And why is it important to you? Talk about these things with yourself. Get REAL with yourself on some paper. 
3. Write your first draft. The first draft is more often than not just what it says- A FIRST DRAFT. So, good or bad...write it out. Read over it and compare it to your journal reflections. Does your story align with your statement? Is it your best?
4. Send to a trusted person with writing and/or personal statement experience and success. Do you have a mentor (or multiple mentors) who has been in your shoes and attained an experience you are going after? Do you have a friend who is just a bomb ass writer? Solicit AT LEAST three trusted people to read over your draft and offer feedback/edits. If trusted folks are not an option for you, consider hiring a writing professional (see below & keep reading). 
5. Write your second draft. Come on up to the plate sis. Time for you to bat again, and dig into your second draft. Now that you have written your feedback and gotten edits, it’s time to review your feedback and edits. Quickly correct grammar and punctuation edits FIRST. Next, look at each and every comment you received. How does it make you feel? Do you agree? Is it in alignment with the person YOU want to convey on paper? If so, cool, take it. If not, ignore it….then get to writing...again.
6. Solicit feedback/edits. Whose feedback did you connect with and DEEPLY value? Send your second draft ONLY to that person again. 
7. Okay now BOOM! Final draft! That’s it. Once your second round of feedback is in, you are well on your way to getting a home run...and representing your best self on paper. It’s time to dig one more time. It’s time to read over your second draft and truly ask yourself- Am I here? Is my soul here? Is my passion here? Is anything missing? Now, with all you got...I want you to go in again. Copy/paste, read, write, type, and finish...your masterpiece. 

Congratulations. You’ve written your story and if you followed the tips above, whoever is reading should be honored that you shared your soul with them. I’m proud of you, because writing isn’t easy. And what’s even harder...is storytelling. I hope you didn’t fold, bend, or crumble in telling yours. And no matter where your statement is headed. No matter what happens after you click ‘Submit’. No matter what response you get….You’re still the best. Good luck.

Don't have a trusted person ANd/or need help writing your personal statement?

You can now work with ya girl on Upwork, where I will offer you a variety of writing services for your personal statement which includes (but is not limited to): a consultation, writing, and editing. See my Upwork profile to get started. 

Listen to “Still Your Best” by Giveon here.