<p>Can anyone read through my personal statement? Any constructive criticism is appreciated. The word count is a little more than 500 words btw
Thanks!</p>
<p>“Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?”</p>
<p>I am most proud of my accomplishments in the sport of cricket. My journey in this sport has improved my character and has taught me valuable life lessons which have made me a better person.</p>
<p>I started playing cricket at the age of ten when my parents enrolled me in our local cricket club in spite of my initial hesitance. I was intrigued by the game and before long discovered that I was a natural at it and soon started representing the team in National Championships. All the while I was able to work through my introvert nature and form lasting friendships in this team sport. I learnt to work with people and collaborate on strategies to win games.</p>
<p>Cricket is a game which requires good technique. Since this game was becoming my passion, I practiced very hard for many hours to hone my skills and become a technically sound batsman and a reliable wicketkeeper (or catcher). Since there is only one spot for the wicketkeeper per team, I had to work hard to be the best to retain my spot in the team. This taught me the value of good work ethics.</p>
<p>When I was in my eighth grade, I got a chance to tour internationally and emerged as the third highest run scorer of the tour and was covered in Indias newsprint media. I was also interviewed in USAs online cricket magazine at the end if the tour. I gained a lot of self-confidence through this experience.</p>
<p>My self-confidence would later be tested in the following years. When I was thirteen, I started training for a spot in the North-West regions team in United States National Under-15 Cricket tournament as a wicketkeeper batsman. Though I was a good player, I was physically small of stature and the selectors who had not seen me play initially overlooked me for taller players and I was made to sit out in the initial trial games. This was a very discouraging phase in my life. My personal coach encouraged me to work on my mental strength and physical fitness and grab hold of the opportunity when I get one. I worked doubly hard to improve in those areas and was able to convince the selectors and made it to the team. Through this I learnt not to be discouraged by setbacks. I represented the North-West region the following year too. From then on it was my dream to represent USA in Cricket.</p>
<p>In my sophomore year, I was selected to play for Sunnyvale Cricket Club in Northern California Cricket Associations adult league. That season, I was named the best upcoming wicketkeeper.</p>
<p>It was still my dream to be selected to represent the country in Cricket. Throughout junior year I practiced hard and that year I was selected as the reserve wicket keeper for the USA Under-18 National Cricket team, my crowning achievement thus far.</p>
<p>My experience in cricket has taught me not to be discouraged by obstacles and initial setbacks but to believe in myself and work hard and persevere to achieve my dreams. I am proud to have overcome these obstacles. No matter what hardships I face, I will always strive to overcome them.</p>