Andrew Gutierrez

22503 Island Ave

Carson California, 90745
(310) 291-3431

Personal Insight Questions

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have
positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group
efforts over time.
For the past 4 years now in attending Carson High School, I’ve been able to be part of the
baseball program. In addition to my 4 years, for 2 years now, I’ve been honored to call myself the captain
of the team. Throughout my years on the team, the times that I witnessed a less experienced player that
needs help on a certain aspect of their skill level, they would always ask for my help. Due to my
knowledge and my caring nature I would always go out of my way to help them, because I not only
wanted myself to get better at the game, but I wanted my other teammates to get better as well. If you
were to see me at practice on any given day, I am always the first player who is eager to get on the field
and I always the last person to leave the field. When practices are over, I stay even longer to get extra reps
in, to better my skills. So that when it's time to perform, all those countless hours of staying after practice
would pay off. Last year the Carson High School varsity baseball team made it all the way to the
championship game since 1995. Although we fell one game short of the championship, all the hard work
that we all put into, taught us that anything was possible. I know that I set a great example for the
underclass men to follow, because I am a hard worker and I do all the little things correctly. Based on the
way that I carry this role as captain, others follow the same footsteps as me to become a successful person
on and off the field. Seeing my skills and passion I have for the sport, my plan after high school is to
attend a 4 year university and play baseball. Also, because of my academic record I feel that soon, my
goal and plan will soon be accomplished.

5. ​Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have
taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic
achievement?
During my 11th grade year in algebra 2, my teacher required us to take exams that made a
tremendous impact on our grade. As a result in this I would always do poorly on them and gets C’s on
every test I received back. Even though it was a passing grade, I always wanted to strive and be a better
student towards my academics. For instance, on the very last exam of the year I did everything that I
could to improve my C to an A. I went to tutoring as much as I could. I participated in class more by
taking better notes and staying organized. Through playing sports I learned how to manage my time
wisely. Through all of this I stilled played an important factor on my baseball team as a captain. During
school hours I would ask my teacher for help, and then during practice I would ask my coach if I could go
to tutoring for a bit and come back and practice with the team. After all the hard work and dedication that
I put forth into the classroom to prepare for my final exam, I earned a well deserved A. After my final
exam, I learned an important life lesson. If you put maximum effort into something that you are trying to
accomplish, there is no limit to what you can accomplish in life. Ever since then I, cared even more about
the detail of my work. I took even more time out of my hands to make sure I understood a topic and I
made sure that I mastered any topic that was presented towards me.

6. ​Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have
furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
The subject that inspires me the most is pre engineering. The reason why I have so much passion
for this class, is because of my hands on learning skills, and my dedication to build things. That’s all that
we would do in the class. The instructor Dr. Weinman really inspired me to do what I loved to do because
he was enthusiastic about what he was presenting to us. All throughout the year his energy never faded
away but yet it grew. I would turn in my best work and he would always compliment me on it. Also give
me criticism on my work so later on in life I can take it to that next step or get a better grade on the next
assignment. Now I look at things and wonder how it was built. The story behind every building, and the
uniqueness of a building.In my opinion this class played a huge role in inspiring me to pursue a career as
a structural or civil engineer in the future because it showed me that I can build a career in something that
I love to do.

8. ​Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe
makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the university of
California
I am a person who goes out of there way to make sure that any desire that is necessary to a

person’s emotions or needs will be met no matter what the cost is. I feel like a better person knowing that
I am there for someone because I am aware that I made there day better in a certain way. It makes me feel
like I'm a better person because one day they can help someone who was in there spot in the future. Yes
there are many people who will do the same thing but yet I want to be that unique person in someone's
life that when they need someone I’m always there. I am that person that someone can count on no matter
what. I want to guide people to whatever it is that makes them happy and be a positive role model to
others so that one day they can do that same thing towards others to spread positivity amongst others. I
believe that I am a valuable candidate to the University of California because I am a very outgoing
person for others yet I still am able to get what I need to be done accomplished.