Personal Statement
My name is Maria Sunga from the Philippines. I started to play tennis when I was 11 years old. I was the former number 1 player in the girls 14 and 16 & under division, and number 6 player in the 18 & under division in the Philippines. When I was 14 years old, I represented my country in the World Junior Championship and two years later in the Junior Fed Cup. Competition burns deep inside me and these experiences have given me strong thirst for continuing organized tennis. My success on the tennis court became a source of pride, not only to myself but also to my family. Due to my rank, I get to play tennis on a highly competitive level. The outstanding talent shown inside the tennis courts has translated into my parents and I’s happiness and has benefited my academic endeavors. I get to have the privilege to study in an international school on a tennis scholarship. Since then, my game has improved greatly. I am very confident that with your coaching I can make positive contributions to your excellent program.
I am a senior currently enrolled in the extremely demanding IB Diploma Program. My higher-level courses are IB English Language and Literature A, IB Business and Management
, and IB Computer Science. My standard level courses are IB Mathematical Studies, IB Biology, and IB Chinese Mandarin. As part of the IB curriculum, I also take the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) courses. The Theory of Knowledge course makes me aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases – whether these biases are retained, revised, or rejected. The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research paper that consists of 4,000 words, and thus gives me an opportunity to investigate a topic of my special interest relating on one of my DP subjects. The CAS course enables me to show initiative, demonstrate perseverance, and develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving and decision-making. I believe that through this program, I will be well prepared for the extremely challenging education that your school has to offer and can fully complete the assignments and master the concepts that each students in your school are expected to achieve.
I believe that I will be a good fit and can make good contributions in your school because I am hardworking, self-motivated, respectful, and determined as an athlete, a student, and a person. I have trust in myself and always face any challenge with optimism. Throughout my existence, I have learned how to tolerate pain and hardships in any kind of circumstances. I always try to exceed my capabilities because this is the most effective way to improve myself. Whenever I survive an obstacle that is extremely challenging, it gives me a sense of confidence and pride that I can handle any difficulties that life has to offer. I believe that the trait that makes me different to others is the mentality of never giving up, which I apply to everything I do. Even though I have too much to handle, I find myself not complaining and not feel discouraged to finish any job I face. I always try to figure out ways on how to complete whatever I am destined to do and make the things I wanted to happened be put in reality.
It is my lifelong dream to get a scholarship and play university level tennis in the United States. I take both sports and academics very seriously and want to continue to pursue both to the best of my abilities. I will do anything to the fullest extent of my ability, to make sure that what I dream off will happen and if not, I will figure out a way to make it possible. I hope that I meet your requirements and will be given an opportunity to be part of your honorable team. I won’t let you down.
