MA OT Personal Purpose Statement Example
- Robert Edinger
- May 10, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago

Although I was born and raised in America, I feel a deep connection to my Syrian heritage, largely due to frequent visits to Syria during my childhood. I hold a BA in International Studies from the University of XXXX and am currently completing my final OT prerequisite in physiology. My consistent record of straight 'A's in these courses reflects my strong passion for OT. The prestigious program at UXX is my top choice for graduate school because I admire the diversity of the campus community and highly respect the faculty's work.
I am particularly impressed by the program's global mission and hope my application will be well-received, as I am eager to apply my education at UXX to support refugee children from Syria and neighboring Iraq. I admire how the faculty describe OT professionals as "architects of life," and I am keen to explore this concept in various professional settings, especially with children who have special needs.
Although I have yet to work with refugees, the increasing number of displaced Syrians has captured my attention, and documentaries about their lives in Lebanon, Jordan, and other places deeply move me. The children in these refugee camps have shown me resourcefulness, finding ways to play with minimal resources. I am concerned about their education and welfare, especially as the conflict continues. Therefore, in addition to studying the core courses in your program and nurturing my interest in special needs children, I hope to conduct research on occupational therapy in refugee camps. I aim to use my Arabic language skills to participate in missions to Middle Eastern refugee camps.
My personal experience with nephritic syndrome as a child, which limited my participation in school activities due to a weak immune system and required daily medication, inspires my pursuit of a career in OT. Despite the challenges, including side effects from stronger medications, I was cured by age 15. This experience taught me valuable lessons in treating ailing children.
My interest in OT has been further strengthened by my special relationship with my husband's sister, who has Down's Syndrome. Observing the positive impact of OT on her life has motivated me to pursue this career. Eman Harake, a remarkably strong and bright girl, has been a blessing in my life, teaching me about the impact of Down's syndrome on individuals and their families.
I vividly remember the day Eman proudly showed us how she learned to drink from a straw, an achievement that inspired my creative thinking. Reflecting on her progress, resulting from countless hours of therapy by OT professionals, solidified my commitment to this path. I aspire to be the person who provides the necessary tools for children with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
I am dedicated to empowering special needs children to reach their fullest potential. My long-term goal is to focus my OT efforts on serving underprivileged children with special needs from at-risk backgrounds. Surviving nephritic syndrome at a young age shaped my understanding of success, and having a Down's syndrome child in the family is central to my life. My background and interests align closely with the study and practice of occupational therapy, and I aim to inspire others with disabilities to maximize their potential.
Thank you for considering my application.
MA OT Personal Purpose Statement Example






Your statement is deeply moving, beautifully sincere, and remarkably purposeful. What makes it so compelling is the way your personal history, cultural identity, academic preparation, and lived experiences all converge into a clear, heartfelt commitment to occupational therapy. You write with a voice that is both grounded and aspirational, and the result is a narrative that feels authentic, compassionate, and intellectually engaged.
Your dual identity—American by upbringing and Syrian by heritage—adds a rich cultural dimension to your story. You convey a genuine connection to your roots, and this connection becomes a powerful motivator for your professional goals. The way you describe your admiration for UXX’s diversity and global mission shows that you are seeking not just a degree, but a…