Statement of Purpose
Many of my past experiences and future aspirations have changed and shaped my decision and reasoning for going to college and spending a year abroad in Madrid, Spain. I have spent several years studying Spanish and using it as often as I can, because my ultimate goal is to continue my use of Spanish in a career. I was given the opportunity to expand my learning of a language I’m passionate about and to thrive on a new culture where so many new lessons can be learned. It was something one didn’t want to pass up and it was the most rewarding experience of my life.
I grew up in Mammoth Lakes, California, which is a small community with a high school that only offers one language, and that is Spanish. I got to practice using Spanish in the community through discussions I would have with the parents of my Latino friends who did not know English well enough to be comfortable speaking it with me. At the end of high school I was confident with my Spanish and ready to learn more about the language and cultures. I left my hometown with a goal in mind: to become fluent in Spanish.
My passion for the language was the reason I decided to declare my Spanish major with and emphasis in Culture and Literature here and CSUMB. Along with my studies, I was also dealing with being away from my family while my father had terminal cancer. He passed away the summer of 2011, and although that was difficult and I had familial obligations, I decided I needed to continue my studies at CSUMB and I should still study abroad. I studied abroad the 2012-2013 school year. These two events have impacted me in a way that continues to shape me into who I am. I have an incredible support system that comes from my immediate family and the family of my father. Without these people in my life, I would not have been strong enough to spend a year so far from home. The key lesson I learned about myself while I was away was this: I am capable of anything.
I haven’t decided if I am going to be a translator or interpreter, an international businesswoman, or a high school Spanish teacher, but I do know that I will need to be fluent to obtain these goals. For myself, the only way I could become fluent is by immersing myself in all that is Spanish, and that is what Spain did for me. To be back in the comfort of my own country really demonstrates on how adaptable and flexible I am to the waves of life. I have gone through several losses, including my father’s passing, and I have successfully lived and adapted to an entirely new culture. I have complete confidence in my abilities, and I am always ready and willing to accept the next challenge thrown at me.
I’ve learned many new cultural aspects by traveling the world, alone and with friends and I believe that is a very important part in a person’s education. Learning is not restrained to the classroom, and I have had the pleasure to learn an incredible amount about the world, people, and myself. I have more knowledge of people and their cultures by being able to read and understand them through their native language, and this is crucial to me personally, and to my studies of culture and literature.
I grew up in Mammoth Lakes, California, which is a small community with a high school that only offers one language, and that is Spanish. I got to practice using Spanish in the community through discussions I would have with the parents of my Latino friends who did not know English well enough to be comfortable speaking it with me. At the end of high school I was confident with my Spanish and ready to learn more about the language and cultures. I left my hometown with a goal in mind: to become fluent in Spanish.
My passion for the language was the reason I decided to declare my Spanish major with and emphasis in Culture and Literature here and CSUMB. Along with my studies, I was also dealing with being away from my family while my father had terminal cancer. He passed away the summer of 2011, and although that was difficult and I had familial obligations, I decided I needed to continue my studies at CSUMB and I should still study abroad. I studied abroad the 2012-2013 school year. These two events have impacted me in a way that continues to shape me into who I am. I have an incredible support system that comes from my immediate family and the family of my father. Without these people in my life, I would not have been strong enough to spend a year so far from home. The key lesson I learned about myself while I was away was this: I am capable of anything.
I haven’t decided if I am going to be a translator or interpreter, an international businesswoman, or a high school Spanish teacher, but I do know that I will need to be fluent to obtain these goals. For myself, the only way I could become fluent is by immersing myself in all that is Spanish, and that is what Spain did for me. To be back in the comfort of my own country really demonstrates on how adaptable and flexible I am to the waves of life. I have gone through several losses, including my father’s passing, and I have successfully lived and adapted to an entirely new culture. I have complete confidence in my abilities, and I am always ready and willing to accept the next challenge thrown at me.
I’ve learned many new cultural aspects by traveling the world, alone and with friends and I believe that is a very important part in a person’s education. Learning is not restrained to the classroom, and I have had the pleasure to learn an incredible amount about the world, people, and myself. I have more knowledge of people and their cultures by being able to read and understand them through their native language, and this is crucial to me personally, and to my studies of culture and literature.
Resume
Sierra Stapp
3015 Antietam Ct, Marina, CA 93933
Phone: (760) 914-1130 Email: [email protected]
Education
B.A. Spanish emphasis in Culture/Literature Expected Graduation Fall 2014
Cal State Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA
Study Abroad
Universidad Complutense de Madrid 2013/2014
Madrid, Spain
Skills
· Teamwork, leadership, analytical, problem solving skills
· Trained as a tutor/coach
· Flexible and adaptable
· Advanced Spanish
· Strong knowledge of computer programs: PC and Macintosh, MS Office, Google Drive
Employment Experience
Recreation Leader 4/2012-Present
Monterey Sports Center
Monterey, CA
· Cleaned as well as managed all equipment such as volleyball nets, basketballs, table tennis, and badminton
· Supervised members of the gym and mediated any and all issues that occurred
Tutor 10/2012-6/2013
Canterbury English
Madrid, Spain
· Tutored 4 students in English
· Presented and created lesson plan materials for class time
· Motivated difficult students to speak, read, and write in English more proficiently
Snowboard Instructor Winter Seasons 2010, 2011, 2013
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes, CA
· Instruct ages of 4 and up in the sport of snowboarding
· Group instructing of 8 and private instructing of families or individuals
3015 Antietam Ct, Marina, CA 93933
Phone: (760) 914-1130 Email: [email protected]
Education
B.A. Spanish emphasis in Culture/Literature Expected Graduation Fall 2014
Cal State Monterey Bay, Seaside, CA
Study Abroad
Universidad Complutense de Madrid 2013/2014
Madrid, Spain
Skills
· Teamwork, leadership, analytical, problem solving skills
· Trained as a tutor/coach
· Flexible and adaptable
· Advanced Spanish
· Strong knowledge of computer programs: PC and Macintosh, MS Office, Google Drive
Employment Experience
Recreation Leader 4/2012-Present
Monterey Sports Center
Monterey, CA
· Cleaned as well as managed all equipment such as volleyball nets, basketballs, table tennis, and badminton
· Supervised members of the gym and mediated any and all issues that occurred
Tutor 10/2012-6/2013
Canterbury English
Madrid, Spain
· Tutored 4 students in English
· Presented and created lesson plan materials for class time
· Motivated difficult students to speak, read, and write in English more proficiently
Snowboard Instructor Winter Seasons 2010, 2011, 2013
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Lakes, CA
· Instruct ages of 4 and up in the sport of snowboarding
· Group instructing of 8 and private instructing of families or individuals