MA International Relations Personal Statement of Purpose

MA International Relations Personal Statement of Purpose Examples, Editing Service, Help

We always remember our roots, our modest beginnings, and the individuals who ignite creativity, spirit, and determination in our hearts. Growing up in Alabama, many men in my family were incarcerated at various times. I took pride in being a loner, yet I always deeply respected my parents, never forgetting that it was their sacrifices and encouragement that allowed me to become the first in my family to earn an undergraduate degree.

My journey into International Studies started at my mother's knee. I vividly recall her spinning our globe, asking me to point to a country, and then telling me everything she knew about it. Eventually, the game evolved, and I was the one telling her about the countries my finger landed on. She opened up the world to me, showing the possibilities for my future and beginning my education in appreciating our wonderful differences and remarkable similarities.

Joining the Marines was my envisioned path to see the world and establish a college fund. What followed helped shape the person I am today. From the start, I learned there was no room for loners in the Marines, as they instilled in me the esprit de corps. I learned the importance of teamwork, working as a crucial participant, understanding my role, and keeping an eye on the common goal. Part of my dreams came true through my service, giving me the chance to see more of the world, just as my mother had envisioned.

Though I received awards, commendations, and accolades for my service, the true reward was my education and experiences. While stationed in Vieques, I learned about Puerto Rico's significance to the US and the world. In Peru, I immersed myself in a completely different culture, receiving specialized training alongside Special Forces dealing with the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path). Later, I visited the Middle East, training with the Israeli Defense Forces, the largest recipient of US foreign aid. With each step in these incredible places, I grew emotionally and culturally, learning from diverse worldviews and perspectives, and hearing stories of people's backgrounds and dreams. Indeed, my time in the Marines has led me to this moment, on the verge of achieving my lifelong dream of obtaining a Master's in international studies.

XXXX’s School of International Studies will help me channel my passion by refining what I know and have experienced in conflict resolution. I bring an academic background in Political Science and History, combined with practical, real-world military experience. Many view the military as solely resolving conflicts, but that is only part of their mission. The military has numerous procedures for addressing conflict resolution before it arises, often striving to extend the peace process and avoid armed conflict whenever possible. Additionally, I have spent the last sixteen years traveling intermittently, visiting Europe, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. I believe that the more we learn about other cultures, the more we understand ourselves. What better formula for peace could there be?

The seriousness with which I approach my academics and my desire to give back to a broader community is evident in my community work, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, United Way, tutoring teens, and organizing a blood drive as an undergraduate SGA participant.

In the future, I envision building my expertise in the field, eventually contributing to NATO as a lead point of contact for global missions. Nothing would bring me more personal or professional satisfaction than being a voice for the underserved, those in forgotten corners of the globe where governmental support doesn't reach. We need to globally embody the principle of equal opportunity. Everyone, regardless of origin, deserves the basic building blocks for a successful life. To that end, I will give all I can. Armed with a master's in international studies, I will be a force for change.

For now, I am ready for the opportunity and challenge to participate in and contribute to a quality international studies educational program. Earning my master's is not just about me; it's about my entire family. I look forward to being a creative leader on an international level, aiding the poor, the sick, and the needy at all costs.

MA International Relations Personal Statement of Purpose