Personal Statement ABC's Kristian Jokisch

(A)mbition, balance and commitment are the three qualities that I refer to as my "ABC's" for achieving "D", my dream. (B)eing successful depends on continual awareness of your ABC's. (C)arefully following this philosophy has guided me through times of success and adversity. (D)own in the developing country of El Salvador, I have grown up in a challenging environment, impacted by both my American influences and my Latin roots. (E)manating from this has been my steadfast focus on my life perspectives.

(F)or twelve years, a savage civil war left El Salvador bereft of an adequate educational system, as educators and professionals had fled the country during the conflict. (G)iven a chance for peace, the country now has the fastest-growing economy in the Central American region. (H)ere, my father's influence and invaluable example have profoundly shaped my personal philosophy. (I) have watched my father succeed because of his drive, responsibility, and dedication, and I believe that I share the same sense of ambition. (J)oining the force that is reshaping the infrastructure of the country that has given me so much is my true ambition.

(K)nowing one's balance is often thought of as an integral...