1. An accomplishment you’re proud of
I was taking EMS courses at UNM, and we were told that bi-weekly exams would be required. The professor mentioned that these exams were difficult, often hard to get over 90% on and that 2 failed tests would result in being dropped from the course. My goal was to prove to my professor that I could achieve a minimum of 90% on every exam and not have to be dropped from the course. During the week of exams, I managed my time appropriately, making time for other classes and homework, studied early and hard, took notes in class and frequently asked questions. Although it was stressful every time, as each exam came by, I had already created a system for myself regarding studying, reading the book chapter, and taking notes in class. By doing this I was able to successfully earn a 90% and above on every exam and thus, by applying myself so carefully to this course I was able to pass the course and the national registry with ease to become a certified EMT.
2. A time you went above and beyond
I went into work one day as a server and the only morning server for the day. The restaurant was busy that morning and I was running around trying to fulfill the customers' orders and requests. An elderly couple came in with their dog. My goal was to satisfy the customers' needs not only by taking their order and giving them food but to emotionally connect with them. Despite being completely slammed with other customers and orders, I led the couple to a table outside and ran back to grab a dog bowl and fill it with water for the customers' dog. As I walked back out to their table, I placed the bowl on the floor for their dog to cool off from. The couple was entirely delighted that I had gone out of my way not only to seat them in their preferred area but to accommodate them and their dog. They thanked me then and when they left, saying the service and food was wonderful.
3. A conflict that was resolved successfully
I had recently found a new home to move into and rent with 3 other roommates. I was excited to be in a new living space with my sister and closest friends. My goal was to make sure everyone got along and followed the house rules to impose respect for the house and for each other. Unfortunately, it did not take long for disputes to arise regarding messes and lack of cleaning. With tension building up around the house between us roommates, I figured someone needed to say or do something before anything escalated and to resolve the situation, thus, I bought a calendar that I could hang up and assigned weekly cleaning activities to each person in the house. This ensured that everyone did their part to clean and do chores around the house as needed. As a result, things become more organized around the house. The tension eased with all my roommates, and I encouraged them to add anything as needed to the calendar so everyone could feel heard and, to ease communication.
4. A challenge that you overcame
I had been offered a new job as a server because the previous server had been fired. I was unsure and nervous about the task at hand, so I felt like denying the job opportunity. I told myself that this was going to be a great learning experience, and my goal was to keep an open mind to learn about this position I’ve never had before. After much overthinking, I showed up to work early and ready to begin my training. As I was being told all my job requirements and expectations, I took notes, I asked questions, and I kept an open mind, especially when making mistakes. That day I had to be especially open to feedback. As a result of my hard work and dedication to being in a completely new position I learned the process of a server quickly. My manager also saw how determined I was and honored the fact that I didn’t give up when it got difficult and gave me a pay raise for the work I had put into the position.
5. A mistake that you learned from
During my early years as an undergraduate I was shocked by the amount of homework I was assigned on a weekly basis and felt like the most unprepared student. As a first-generation student, I couldn’t ask my parents for help because they only understood Spanish and had only got as far as a middle school education. Week by week I would stay up late, rush assignments to get to new ones, forget assignments, and lack study time before exams. I wanted to succeed in college and prove to my parents that as hard as it was, I would get things done. I did not want to give up so easily and especially not disappoint them. Instead of continuing the way I was and feeling overwhelmed but failing, I learned to delegate my time and how to prioritize tasks. I bought an agenda and wrote all my assignments for the week, upcoming exams, and other tasks that needed to be done. Although it was hard for me to get out of the bad habit of cramming and rushing assignments just to get them over with, my new way of managing my time had helped me feel less overwhelmed and more organized. School suddenly became easier for me to take on and get good grades in.