This admissions essay argues that motivation — not merely action — defines the value of one's choices and career path. Drawing on a background in history and psychology, the author reflects on why genuine love for the subject and a sincere desire to help others drive their pursuit of a career in school counseling. The essay references historical figures to illustrate the moral weight of motivation, then turns to personal experiences — including one-on-one tutoring, conflict mediation, and coaching a volleyball team — to demonstrate the author's readiness and commitment to working with children and adolescents as a school counselor.
Motivation is what matters. My experience as a history major with a minor in psychology has allowed me to realize the importance of this truth. Many great figures throughout history are remembered as benevolent or malevolent — not necessarily because of their actions, but because of their motivations. For instance, Mother Teresa is remembered as a caring woman who valued the poor above herself. Although her work among the impoverished and ill in India was monumental, her place in history is secured by the fact that she helped those less fortunate out of a genuine desire to improve their lives. Had she performed the same good deeds in pursuit of fame or money, she would most likely not hold the same place in history.
Similarly, Adolf Hitler is remembered as particularly malevolent — not simply because he arranged for the torture and execution of thousands, but because he was motivated by racism. Because I understand that motivation is what matters, I have carefully analyzed why I want to become a counselor, and I have determined that my reasons consist of a genuine love for the subject and a sincere desire to help others.
Throughout my education certification courses, educational psychology classes were those I enjoyed most. As I began to explore that field, I developed a growing appreciation for the subject. One of my motivations for becoming a counselor, therefore, is my genuine love for psychology and my desire to learn as much as I can about it. This motivation pales, however, in comparison to my primary motivation — to help others.
I want to become a counselor because I believe I can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. During my academic career, I have had opportunities to work both one-on-one and in groups with others, helping motivate them to make sound decisions and assisting them in solving problems. These experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue a career in which I can make a genuine difference.
This was most apparent through my work toward an education certification. As part of that process, I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with a middle school student in a tutoring arrangement. I brought different materials each session and met with the student once a week to help him prepare for a state examination. Not only was I able to help him improve academically by the end of our sessions, but I also made an impact on a personal level. The eighth grader did not spend all of our time together discussing academics — he also brought personal problems to me for guidance. He mentioned that he struggled with staying organized and confessed that he was being bullied. I advised him to stop procrastinating and to confront the bully verbally, without anger. He later reported academic success and noted that the bullying had stopped. This experience helped me understand that I could help others simply by listening to their problems and offering thoughtful recommendations.
"Volleyball coaching builds group problem-solving skills"
Thus, I am motivated to be a counselor primarily because I have seen firsthand how working with individuals and groups can help them solve their problems and make an impact on their lives. Through my work obtaining a teaching certification, I have determined that children can trust me with their problems, and that I genuinely enjoy helping them find solutions. As a school counselor, I will be able to be an active member of society, supporting children through the challenges they face. As a student of history, I understand the weight of motivation. Because I am driven by a genuine love for the subject and a sincere desire to help others, I believe I will make an excellent school counselor.
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