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I was chatting with my brother today about how students from underrepresented communities often come from cultures that value humility. As a result, these students have a hard time writing personal statements and reference letters that showcase their achievements and potential /1
In these communities, it is more common that someone else speaks on a persons behalf to hype them up (that person is usually the Mama). It’s really hard to right letters in a way that captures your potential if you’ve always been taught that your work will speak for itself /2
I’m constantly realizing that the system doesn’t reward “work that speaks for itself”, it rewards people who can speak to their work.
One way to get used to writing compelling personal statements is to draft letters with colleagues or mentors who know you well /3
One way to get used to writing compelling personal statements is to draft letters with colleagues or mentors who know you well /3
This way they can push you to write about all the amazing work that you do!
But the main message here is that it’s okay if personal statements don’t come easy or feel ingenuine. Your value is so much more than what can be captured in a statement. /4
But the main message here is that it’s okay if personal statements don’t come easy or feel ingenuine. Your value is so much more than what can be captured in a statement. /4
