Episode 9: From Reading to Writing — The Power of Personal Statements
In this episode of the Learning by Design podcast, host Krishna Cart offers practical tips and guidance for families on how to write a personal statement for college and technical programs like MATA (Monroe Advanced Technical Academy). Whether your teen is applying for college, scholarships, or internships, a personal statement is their chance to stand out—and your role as a parent matters.
Krishna shares how to support your child’s writing process without taking over, why authenticity beats polish, and how everyday literacy habits at home—like reading, journaling, and meaningful conversations—build a strong foundation for impactful writing.
Key Topics Covered:
- Why personal statements matter in college, MATA, scholarships, and internship applications
- What makes a personal statement genuine and effective
- The difference between technical program and college essays
- Tips and guidance for families to support without overstepping
- How literacy habits at home build writing confidence and voice
Keywords: personal statements, writing, education, parenting, literacy, college applications, scholarships, internships, MATA, student guidance, storytelling, character development, communication skills
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Episode Chapters:
00:00The Importance of Personal Statements
04:17Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement
06:32Parental Guidance in the Writing Process
09:22Building Literacy for Effective Writing
11:53The Role of Parents in Literacy Development
Takeaway: The best personal statements don’t try to impress—they connect. With the right support, your teen can tell a story that’s honest, thoughtful, and uniquely theirs.
Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another family preparing for college, MATA, scholarships, or internships.
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