Hello,
I am applying to an MPA program in the fall and I have written up this personal statement. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
In a statement of at least 300 words describe: a.) your career goals, b.) what you would contribute to the program and c.) how the MPA Program would enhance your professional development. Please e-mail your resume and statement of goals.
In 1995, I was given the fortunate opportunity to visit the Philippines and experience first hand how and where my parents grew up. Being a fifth grader, I was never able to fully comprehend the extent of the poverty and living conditions I witnessed in their old neighborhood. As I grew up and matured, I would often recollect about my experiences back in La Union. These recollections ingrained a profound sense of compassion and servitude for not only the Filipinos back home, but for people in general.
Combining this sense of public servitude and deep interest in the field of psychology, I was naturally led into a career of providing therapeutic services to developmentally disabled individuals at two non-profit organizations. Working in Maryville Academy, I had the unique experience of working directly with individuals who had severe cognitive and emotional disorders providing individual therapy and often times intervening in crisis situations. As a case manager at St. Coletta's of Illinois, I find myself behind a desk implementing a different form of care for these individuals. Putting on these different hats has provided me with extensive insight on the organizational aspects of not only the public service field, but the non-profit field, as well. I quickly learned that balancing the need to provide the best quality of care, consistently, with often times minimal resources is a perpetual task. Nonetheless, I have found work in the human service sector extremely satisfying as a career, and through my experiences, have developed a true passion to pursue a career as a public servant in order to help the unfortunate achieve their full potential in life.
At this point in my career, I want to make a direct contribution to this perpetual task, amongst countless other ones in the field. In particular, I want to be involved in creating and implementing policies and programs capable of alleviating the problems faced by public service and non profit organizations. I believe the MPA program at UIS would be essential for me to achieve this by providing me with the educational foundation and extensive background that I need. Specifically, I expect to gain a set of core analytical and technical skills and solid knowledge of the management of public and non-profit entities. As a student, I will bring a wealth of real-world experience from my current and previous positions. These past experiences will also certainly enhance my absorption of theoretical knowledge in the field. I am excited to complete a degree that will ultimately allow me to contribute extensively to current or future institutions.
