Letter of intent format and purpose

¶ … Admissions Committee:

I have worked as a paraprofessional with special needs children for seven years in a diverse, socio-economically disadvantaged district of Brooklyn. Despite the tremendous challenges faced by the students and teachers alike in this geographic area, I go home every day feeling privileged to have witnessed the growth and compassion of my students and colleagues, as they fight against tremendous odds. Still, I am all too well aware that there is much more that needs to be done to serve at-risk communities. At present, I have a B.A. In psychology, but I seek the more rigorous and specific knowledge needed to help these types of children and the wider community that can be only provided by a graduate degree in social work. As a social worker, I believe I can make a more meaningful impact upon the lives of others.

As well as my professional experience, my personal experience also gives me great insight into the needs of high-risk populations. As a child, my family moved from Greece to Ohio, so I understand the experience of feeling like a 'fish out of water' and what it means to adjust to a new culture. My family also lost my younger brother to leukemia and my other brother has Downs syndrome, which has taught me about the economic and emotional toll both chronic illness and disability can take upon a family, not just the individual.

I learned at an early age to be a caregiver, how to mediate between family members and how to anticipate their needs. After raising my own child, I returned to school so I could help serve others beyond my own family. The field of social work is a natural extension of my personal experiences, interests, and passions. As a result of my paraprofessional work and raising my brother I already feel well-qualified to deal with children who are autistic or who are mentally challenged.

As part of pursuing my degree in psychology, I assisted families whose loved ones were suffering from Alzheimer's disease. My class advisor Dr. George Adams, a specialist in Alzheimer's, gave me the privilege of assisting him with a new Alzheimer's support group specifically designed for Greek-Americans. Because of my knowledge of Greek culture and fluency in the language, I not only participated in the group counseling sessions but also acted as a liaison between the group members and Dr. Adams. This gave me additional experience working with families, beyond what I had received when working in the school system with the parents of special needs students.