Personal Statement for the Grad School

¶ … graduating from [college] last may with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, I immediately desired to extend my education for a post-graduate institution. However, circumstances led to my taking a year off, during which I have done quite a bit of soul-searching. On my year off, I realized that I wanted to pursue a lifetime dream: to become a teacher. Working in any other sector seems less than fulfilling; always some element of passion lacks from my daily life. Working in offices, cafes, and restaurants doesn't compare with the prospect of educating an entire generation. The valuable people skills I have gleaned this past year during my vocational experience prepares me for leading a classroom. Having developed supreme patience and superb communication skills, I finally feel ready to embark on the next phase of my career.

Teaching is something I have dreamed of doing from a very young age, when my mother was a teacher. My mother was a perfect role model for me and I inherited her passion for teaching children. The joy of teaching cannot be matched. However, I didn't fully come to terms with my professional goals until I graduated from [college] and took a year off. Only after working at jobs that fell short of my ideal, jobs that failed to satisfactorily stimulate me, did I realize I needed to move forward. My undergraduate degree prepared me for future academic coursework. Obtaining my Master's degree is that next logical step in my personal and professional life. Not only do I hope to gain the necessary qualifications to become an educator, but I also hope to expand my own creative and intellectual horizons. I expect the Master of Arts in Education at [college] University will meet these goals and expectations.

During my course of study at [college] I plan on completing all the required coursework in the field of education, but I also hope to delve into early elementary education, child psychology, ESL and bilingual education. Such coursework will prove helpful for understanding the needs of young children as well as the needs of teachers. Teachers need to receive current information on how best to approach learning in different environments and across cultural lines. Psychology courses can provide an enriching foundation in understanding the needs of each individual student. While at [college] I plan on learning about special needs kids, so I can eventually help all children achieve their highest learning potential. I enter the Master's program with an open mind, knowing only that when I receive my degree I can enter the workforce with confidence. I may end up teaching elementary, middle, or high school. I may end up instructing gifted students or those with other special needs. While at [college] I expect to discover the particular areas of education that most attract me and pursue them with passion. As a teacher, my greatest desire is to change a child's life, to expand a young mind, and to improve all children's chances for success. I enjoy the company of children and have a natural rapport with young people that will be imparted in my work. I know that as I hone my skills as an educator, I will be rewarded as much, if not more, than the students I teach. I view teaching as a universally fulfilling profession.