MA School Counseling Personal Purpose Statement

MA School Counseling Personal Purpose HIV Survivor Activist

The primary challenge in my application is my age, 52. However, I believe my maturity and experience offer significant contributions to the esteemed School Counseling program at XXXX University. I hope to be accepted to enhance the diversity of your program as an older, non-traditional student. I am confident that I will excel as a school counselor, providing young people the opportunity to benefit from the wisdom of those who have learned from life's mistakes and are committed to guiding them away from common youthful pitfalls.

I am an eternal optimist, dedicated to self-discovery, making peace with myself and others, forgiveness, and community service. My career thus far has been in the medical field, focusing on office management and informatics. I hold a diploma in Diagnostic Ultrasound and a Certificate in Echocardiography. This December, I will graduate from Kutztown with a BA in Sociology, concentrating on equity and inequality issues. I aim to start graduate school in your program immediately and enroll for the Spring Semester.

I have had the privilege of speaking at XXXX University on HIV/AIDS prevention, as a long-term survivor and activist. Over the past three years, I have addressed more than five hundred university students on this topic at XXXX. I also volunteer with Kaleidoscope, an organization assisting autistic children with personal goals, such as buying a Mother's Day gift. I aspire to become an International Student Director, certified in placing exchange students in suitable homes in the USA and resolving any arising issues. Next summer, 2014, I will join the IADS Language Immersion Program in Costa Rica to improve my Spanish to a conversational level for professional use.

I have dedicated many years, especially as a volunteer, to helping those I encounter. A notable experience was organizing an all-volunteer staff for an after-school color guard program at Nazareth High School in Allentown, PA, four years ago. Our team has competed successfully for the last three years, and my experience as an instructor and organizer is central to my community contributions as a school counselor. Starting as novices, our group is now a National A-Class guard. We organize parents and fundraisers, and I contribute 15 to 20 hours weekly to rehearsals and performances. I also judge color guard performances for the National Judges Association and plan educational experiences that promote sustainable development and respect for diversity, crucial for preventing school bullying.

My passion for becoming a school counselor arises from extensive experience with young people. I managed an explorer scout troop for 10 years in Houston, Texas, offering children the chance to learn about Winter Guard and compete nationally. For over 25 years, I have been a high school marching band coach across the country. In California, I taught four classes under a band director, fully responsible for curriculum development and training in dance and color guard for a nationally renowned high school marching band, participating in the Rose Parade and Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington DC in 1999.

Completing your program will allow me to achieve my dream job as a school counselor, while continuing my dedication to color guard as a director and choreographer. Our color guards promote dignity, respect, self-esteem, and community involvement, which are essential for helping young people lead productive, fulfilling lives, avoiding trouble and lifelong mistakes.

Thank you sincerely for considering my application to your program.

MA School Counseling Personal Purpose Statement