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 Read the Blog 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.