Graduate Degree: Personal Statement

Starting college in August of 2008 was completely different than what I was expecting. My parents loaded up my car and sent me on my way to gain a college degree and experience life on my own, but looking back over the situation, I tend to ask myself numerous times do I think I was ready for college and the responsibilities that were to come along with it. Each time the answer was no. Being the first person in my family to go off to college away from home, I had no idea what to expect, or how to handle the things that come along with college life. Needless to say, it took me several major changes and me leaving my first university and transferring to one at home for me to get a handle of the situation.

I plan to contribute and positively impact the experiences of the students, the staff, and the program as a whole by applying myself in a variety of roles to exemplify a model student throughout my participation in the Honors Program.

I have always known that I wanted to attend a top-tier university. The other details came later; the small size, the proximity to an urban hub, and my major itself. For a while, I was convinced that it would not happen; that I just wouldn’t get in. Now, I realize that I have an opportunity to do so. This is an opportunity I do not intend to waste.

The decision to attend graduate school can be one of immense commitment and responsibility. Success requires rigorous planning and well-defined goals, both short-term and long-term. Exceptional communication skills are also necessary to interact effectively with fellow classmates and faculty. Although completion of a Master’s program opens doors to many professional career opportunities, it does not come without challenges. One also must have several strategies in place for dealing with these challenges when they arise. With determination and hard work, overcoming these barriers will lead to success.

The most important experiences I’ve had in science began when I was a child and have continued through my time as a student researcher at Howard University. My exposure to science in medicine occurred at a young age and on an intimate level. When I was young, I had various health problems asthma, allergies, and eczema; it was as if my body was rejecting the world it was in. My parents immigrated to the United States so their children could have the opportunity to realize our dreams. Every day I think about the hardships they went through and it pushes me, and makes me a better scientist. The challenges I experienced at a young age sparked my initial interest in medicine, but later influenced my decision to pursue MD/PhD. As a child frequently

But by the end of my two years as a community college student, I had only dipped my toe into the vast pool of academic potential. Not only does the University of Washington offer infinite career and social opportunities, it provides a community of diverse student body and experienced professors all aiming toward the same goal of success. At the University of Washington I can continue my education and work toward a major that utilizes and builds upon my existing

During my career at SUNY Orange, I have grown by leaps and bounds. I have mastered my short comings, earned a 3.5 GPA, made the Dean’s list three semesters and running, earned the Peter Albergani Inspirational Scholarship, and I was selected to attend the Exploring Transfer Program at Vassar College. SUNY Orange has opened many doors for me, doors I did not even know existed. I was not sure that I wanted to attempt to get my Bachelor’s degree, seeing as just getting my Associates degree was more than I ever imagined I would accomplish. That all changed when I was given the opportunity to experience what it would be like to attempt learning at a four year institution.

When first offered the opportunity to be an honors student, I was unsure what exactly what that would involve and how that would impact my college experience. I'm not sure why I ever worried in the first place, as being involved in the University Honors Program has been one of the most rewarding decisions that I have made here at the U. Firstly, I greatly enjoy my advisor, Kristin Farrell and what she has to offer. She is incredibly open-minded and it is so comforting knowing that she will be my advisor for all 4 years. I more than look forward to our meetings and come knowing that she will be able to understand my choice of classes and listen when I have concerns or ideas. For example, I have been toying with the idea of studying abroad since

Embedded in my psyche as a child was the fact that college was my only option after high school. This parental sentiment was synonymous with a phrase as simple as “tie your shoes.” For me, high school graduation would be a standard occurrence, but my college graduation would be celebrated. The college I would attend required thoughtful consideration because it will be my rite of passage. When I dreamt of my intended college, I knew it would be set in a beautiful city, bustling with energy, and full of consciously creative people. I didn’t know if my university campus would be urban or suburban, but I knew it would spark excitement, fulfill my need to connect with a global community, and offer several opportunities to propel me to the top of

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest,” once said by Benjamin Franklin, is a quote that is very important to me. If educational opportunities are taken seriously, the knowledge gained is invaluable. Throughout my years at Darlington High School, I have been very focused on my college education, including being a part of the Youth Options program at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville.

Hi everyone, my name Emily Hernandez and my goal is once I attain my associate degree at Valencia is to transfer to UCF to the Social Worker Master degree program. I recently bought a fixer upper house because I thought it was going to be easy fixing it up by myself, you see my favorite TV show is HGTV. Well after much pain and tears I can say my kitchen looks beautiful, lesson learn next house will be a move in ready.

The vision that I have for my future and career is a positive one. I started my MBA program at GCU with a positive attitude, determination to stay in the program and complete it successfully. My desire and vision after I complete my program is to take up a new challenge of starting my own small business in the area of non-medical Care Giving Services. This business will give me a great deal of opportunities to utilize all that I’ve learnt throughout my program. Through the small business that I’m looking to set up, I will have the opportunity to offer quality Care Giving Services to clients who have disabilities of one form or another. Not all clients get the quality care that they deserve in the care giving business, so I will focus on rendering loving and compassionate care that will make life easier for our clients. The services rendered and our core values will be in the best interest of the clients.

One of my academic goals is to get the best education possible at Allan Hancock College before I transfer. I will accomplish this by always paying attention to all my teachers and do all my work and most importantly make school my number one priority. Another academic goal that I have is to transfer to Cal Poly or Long Beach and obtain my Master’s degree in education. I also want to graduate with honor and with a 3.5 GPA or above. I decided that I wanted to be a teacher because I like helping people out and also I enjoy working with kids. I selected these goals because my economic background is not the great, most of the money that my family makes goes to the rent and daily expenses. We live in a small apartment and we are a family of five; we don’t usually go out and eat at restaurants only in special occasions.

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one student to dissolve the bonds which have held him to his high school life, he can get fairly intimidated. Making the transition from high school to college can be a tough one. I remember my experience in such a transition vividly, as it was only a short time ago.

The decision to attend graduate school can be one of immense commitment and responsibility. Success requires rigorous planning and well-defined goals, both short-term and long-term. Exceptional communication skills are also necessary to interact effectively with fellow classmates and faculty. Although completion of a Master’s program opens doors to many professional career opportunities, it does not come without challenges. One also must have several strategies in place for dealing with these challenges when they arise.