How to stand out in a sea of special starfishes

I am starting a journey towards graduate school. I have made lists, contacted references, made more lists, and started my personal statement. I have never been stellar at selling myself on paper. I enjoyed my English classes and love writing articles and some research papers, but when it comes to telling others why they should pick me I tense up. 

I find the task even more daunting because of my chosen career path. I work with so many different creative and unique people in theatre. How do you out unique the unique? 

After talking with my mother about this problem (briefly), I sat down to write this Monday blog. This weekly article writing has helped me think through things and rework things I was previously stuck on. The title of this article may be misleading. This is not a "how to", but a "how?". 

I do not have the fashion background that many costumers start with. I was actually going to school for theatre education. The program was canned, so I opted for a more rounded degree in theatre studies since I loved acting as well. I still loved education and became a teaching artist intern, education management intern, and teaching assistant in undergrad. Throughout my studies I also worked in the costume shop. I could sew well and most of our projects came naturally to me early on. I enjoyed costumes but was not considering it a career path. It wasn't until the end of my senior year (after a semester of not costuming) that I realized I missed costumes. By that point I was all set to graduate with my studies major and no job (not for lack of trying). In the end it has worked out for me. I am now working at a theatre in my home town and about to go on a tour. I am able to create every day. The opportunities I have had since graduation have allowed me to learn more about the field I reluctantly started in, but have come to savor. My previous post "How my love of history made me a costumer" also vaguely explains why costuming has created a home in my heart. And what graduate applicant can say they have made three wearable pieces of historical costume out of soda cans that have been shown in an art show? (reference the photo on my resume page) I have had small, interesting experiences throughout my education, but is it enough?

My love of history and background in youth theatre is a unique vantage point I have. Is it sufficient to stand out among the other applicants vying for three spots in a costume design program? Maybe, maybe not.  

Question of the Post

How does one stand out?
What are your thoughts on being unique and the importance of uniqueness?