Two Questions Related to Study Abroad & Medical History
Hello there! I've been lurking for a bit and found all of your comments very helpful, but I was wondering if you could answer some questions specific to my own situation. It's a bit complicated to explain, but please bear with me. And let me know if I should put this under a cut!
I studied abroad in Japan for about 3 months in 2006, and, long story short, basically failed the program. I received a D in Japanese Language (intermediate), F in English Literature, and B in Migration & Ethnicity (an Anthropology class). Some time into the program, I had a bout of depression partially brought on by finding out that my father had a heart attack; I wanted to leave the program but was told that to do so would also constitute a withdrawal from my university. So I stayed... but suffered the consequences. I've since tried to remove this quarter from my record, but I acted too late and so it will forever remain a blemish on my transcript.
After my program ended, I took a year off from my university in order to spend time with family and develop my Japanese language skills on my own. I met with language-exchange partners and felt I improved my conversation and reading skills quite a bit. I returned to school in the Fall of '07, and after taking a placement test, I passed into Advanced Japanese.
I didn't formally take any Japanese classes since coming back (not enough time to finish my major, Anthropology), but I have taken classes on Japanese History and Culture, including small seminars where I was able to teach certain segments of my own research. I did a presentation on Japanese kawaii culture, for instance, and included videos and interesting facts to keep the class awake (this counts as teaching experience too, right? I hope...). I've also been continuing to study Japanese on my own, and feel that I could at least pass nikyuu 3. And I've been getting mostly As (with a few Bs scattered here and there) since coming back, so that even with that failed quarter on my record, I still have above a 3.5 (barely scraping it, but it is up there!).
That's it for background. Now for my questions:
1. Will my failed quarter affect me negatively? I've heard that one or two "bad quarters" won't disqualify you, but does it make a big difference that this was the one quarter I took in Japan? Without it my GPA would be close to a 4.0... I was thinking that the application readers might come to the conclusion that I am only able to succeed in my home environment, which is not true! I HAVE been back to Japan a few more times since the study abroad program, up to the 3-month limit during one of those stays, and I feel that I am more mature and can handle extenuating circumstances/"culture shock" in a more practical manner than that time 2 years ago.
2. I did mention in a previous paragraph that I was depressed during my study abroad, and I have been treated for it a few times. At present I am stable and taking Zoloft. I haven't had any recurring episodes since starting the medication, and if I were to embark on JET, I'm sure I'd be able to bring enough medication or at least have it shipped to me. As well, I have relatives and a significant other living in Japan who could serve as a support network for me. In light of these facts, should I not mention my previous depression when filling out the medical form? Or is it better to be up front about it (since it did affect my study abroad experience before, a time when I wasn't being treated) and focus on the fact that I am feeling well and healthy?
By the way, I'm also involved in Cultural Exchange groups (International Students Association, Japanese-American Language Exchange Group), I tutor two kids from Hokkaido (ages 11 and 18) in English and help them with their homework, and I work at the Law Library at my school as a student circulation supervisor. I'm also a research assistant for one of my letter-of-rec professors (this professor also happens to be Japanese). In addition I think I have a relatively good imagination and can relate to kids so that their lessons would be both entertaining and educational. I'm not trying to list every accomplishment I've ever had, but hope to ward off any "Grades aren't everything...you have to be well-rounded too" comments.
I apologize for the long post, but I'm a bit torn at the moment. I was wondering whether or not I should omit or admit the bad, twist the bad into the good or what (as far as my personal statement is concerned). Or should I leave the iffy information to my recommenders (two professors that know me well and can vouch for my stability) and have them put in a good word for me?
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! =) I look forward to your replies!
I studied abroad in Japan for about 3 months in 2006, and, long story short, basically failed the program. I received a D in Japanese Language (intermediate), F in English Literature, and B in Migration & Ethnicity (an Anthropology class). Some time into the program, I had a bout of depression partially brought on by finding out that my father had a heart attack; I wanted to leave the program but was told that to do so would also constitute a withdrawal from my university. So I stayed... but suffered the consequences. I've since tried to remove this quarter from my record, but I acted too late and so it will forever remain a blemish on my transcript.
After my program ended, I took a year off from my university in order to spend time with family and develop my Japanese language skills on my own. I met with language-exchange partners and felt I improved my conversation and reading skills quite a bit. I returned to school in the Fall of '07, and after taking a placement test, I passed into Advanced Japanese.
I didn't formally take any Japanese classes since coming back (not enough time to finish my major, Anthropology), but I have taken classes on Japanese History and Culture, including small seminars where I was able to teach certain segments of my own research. I did a presentation on Japanese kawaii culture, for instance, and included videos and interesting facts to keep the class awake (this counts as teaching experience too, right? I hope...). I've also been continuing to study Japanese on my own, and feel that I could at least pass nikyuu 3. And I've been getting mostly As (with a few Bs scattered here and there) since coming back, so that even with that failed quarter on my record, I still have above a 3.5 (barely scraping it, but it is up there!).
That's it for background. Now for my questions:
1. Will my failed quarter affect me negatively? I've heard that one or two "bad quarters" won't disqualify you, but does it make a big difference that this was the one quarter I took in Japan? Without it my GPA would be close to a 4.0... I was thinking that the application readers might come to the conclusion that I am only able to succeed in my home environment, which is not true! I HAVE been back to Japan a few more times since the study abroad program, up to the 3-month limit during one of those stays, and I feel that I am more mature and can handle extenuating circumstances/"culture shock" in a more practical manner than that time 2 years ago.
2. I did mention in a previous paragraph that I was depressed during my study abroad, and I have been treated for it a few times. At present I am stable and taking Zoloft. I haven't had any recurring episodes since starting the medication, and if I were to embark on JET, I'm sure I'd be able to bring enough medication or at least have it shipped to me. As well, I have relatives and a significant other living in Japan who could serve as a support network for me. In light of these facts, should I not mention my previous depression when filling out the medical form? Or is it better to be up front about it (since it did affect my study abroad experience before, a time when I wasn't being treated) and focus on the fact that I am feeling well and healthy?
By the way, I'm also involved in Cultural Exchange groups (International Students Association, Japanese-American Language Exchange Group), I tutor two kids from Hokkaido (ages 11 and 18) in English and help them with their homework, and I work at the Law Library at my school as a student circulation supervisor. I'm also a research assistant for one of my letter-of-rec professors (this professor also happens to be Japanese). In addition I think I have a relatively good imagination and can relate to kids so that their lessons would be both entertaining and educational. I'm not trying to list every accomplishment I've ever had, but hope to ward off any "Grades aren't everything...you have to be well-rounded too" comments.
I apologize for the long post, but I'm a bit torn at the moment. I was wondering whether or not I should omit or admit the bad, twist the bad into the good or what (as far as my personal statement is concerned). Or should I leave the iffy information to my recommenders (two professors that know me well and can vouch for my stability) and have them put in a good word for me?
Thank you SO MUCH for reading! =) I look forward to your replies!