MS CSIS Computer Science Personal Statement Information Systems Examples Although I was born in New York, I spent each summer of my childhood in Croatia. My parents were fortunate to escape from our homeland during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. My relatives from Vukovar had to abandon their homes, which were later destroyed. They were labeled "displaced persons" and lived in camps before eventually resettling in another part of the country. Consequently, I am a young man with a deep sensitivity to issues of social conflict. I convey my frustrations, desires, and dreams for greater social harmony through IT. I am actively engaged in developing communal online identities and social functions, particularly for Croatians in the Diaspora. My greatest potential contribution to society is promoting global harmony. I am keen on pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems at Pace University. This degree would reinforce what I have already learned and boost my confidence in achieving my goals. I am passionate about learning more to reach higher objectives, making a master's degree the logical next step in my career. I have lived in the NYC area my entire life. I grew up in a suburb, and for the past decade, I have resided in Queens. My parents immigrated to the US from Croatia, which was then part of Yugoslavia. After earning my undergraduate degree in Communications with a focus on film and television in 1995, I backpacked across Europe and ended up working in Zagreb, Croatia. I joined a non-profit organization called the Croatian Information Center, which organized and sponsored cultural events throughout the country. This role allowed me to experience the country and its people firsthand. While I had vacationed there in past summers, living and working there provided a unique experience that I couldn't have gained otherwise. It also improved my fluency in the language. Among my many responsibilities, I videotaped these sponsored events and produced programs broadcast via satellite to North America. I captured cultural events, including traditional folk dancing and presentations by local and foreign scholars and historians, using a simple editing machine connected to a computer for editing tasks, such as displaying text and simple graphics on the videos. The organization I worked for had strong ties to the Croatian diaspora worldwide, making internet communications essential. The internet also enabled me to easily connect with friends and family globally and stay updated with news from home. I quickly adapted to this new tool and became the unofficial local computer expert. Helping others with computers was rewarding, and I found it a role I was very comfortable with. Upon returning to the United States in 1999, I began working at a website design company. During this time, I built, configured, and maintained servers hosting websites and created content involving HTML, graphic editing, and databases. I eventually transitioned to supporting hardware and applications in corporate environments for companies like Verizon Communications, United Health Care, and my current employer, Consolidated Edison, one of the largest energy companies in the United States. All my knowledge has come from books, manuals, internet research, and my peers. Throughout my career, I've interacted and worked with many knowledgeable individuals in various roles. This experience has been invaluable, but a degree would consolidate all that I've learned. My commitment to my career has led me here. I possess strong troubleshooting skills and a genuine curiosity about how technology works. I view computers, the internet, and technology as powerful tools for learning and communication. Earning my MS in Computer Science would allow me to pursue my future career path. Since April 2007, I have been a Systems Analyst at ConEdison. I provide desktop support for field mechanics and management employees, equipping them with the necessary tools and software to perform their jobs efficiently. ConEd offers an excellent IT environment. A master's degree in information systems from Pace would greatly enhance my ability to provide outstanding IT support at ConEd. With more knowledge from the degree, I will be able to make informed decisions about my career path. Most of my family is in Croatia, and everyone was affected by the war. As a result, many people had to delay their education, the economy suffered, and some were forced to relocate. The diaspora is significant to me. As a first-generation Croatian in NY, I am unique due to my upbringing and travels to my parents' birthplace. I see things from a broader perspective than those whose parents didn't expose them to a culture rich in old-world values and traditions. I feel like I enjoy the best of both worlds, old and new. . MS CSIS Computer Science Statement Information Systems

Writing a personal statement for graduate school can feel like standing at a crossroads, wondering which path best represents your journey and aspirations. I remember sitting down to write mine, feeling both excited and overwhelmed. It’s more than just a formality; it’s your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee, to share your story in a way that numbers and transcripts simply cannot. In this post, I want to walk you through the essentials of creating a personal statement that is not only compelling but also deeply reflective of who you are and where you want to go. Graduate School Personal Statement: What They Really Want to Know When I first started drafting my personal statement, I thought it was all about listing achievements. But soon, I realized that admissions committees are looking for something more nuanced. They want to understand you - your motivations, your challenges, your growth, and your vision for the future. Here’s what to keep in mind: Your story matters: Share experiences that shaped your academic and professional interests. Be authentic: Avoid clichés and generic statements. Speak in your own voice. Show growth: Highlight how past experiences have prepared you for graduate study. Connect to the program: Explain why this particular school or program fits your goals. For example, instead of saying, “I am passionate about biology,” you might say, “My fascination with biology began when I volunteered at a local clinic, witnessing firsthand how research can transform patient care.” This kind of detail paints a vivid picture and makes your statement memorable. Writing a personal statement with thoughtful reflection Structuring Your Personal Statement: A Clear Path to Impact A well-organized personal statement helps your reader follow your narrative effortlessly. I found that breaking my statement into clear sections made the writing process less daunting and the final product more polished. Consider this structure: Introduction: Start with a hook - a brief story, a question, or a vivid image that draws the reader in. Academic and professional background: Summarize your relevant experiences and achievements. Motivation and goals: Explain why you want to pursue graduate study and what you hope to achieve. Fit with the program: Discuss how the program’s strengths align with your interests. Closing: End with a forward-looking statement that leaves a positive impression. Each section should flow naturally into the next, creating a cohesive narrative. For instance, your introduction might describe a pivotal moment that sparked your interest, which then leads into your academic background that supports this passion. Graduate Statement: Crafting Your Story with Heart, Personal Statements That Resonate Writing a personal statement is as much about introspection as it is about communication. I often recommend taking time to reflect deeply before putting pen to paper. Ask yourself: What experiences have shaped my academic journey? What challenges have I overcome, and what did I learn? How do my goals align with this program’s offerings? When I answered these questions honestly, my statement gained clarity and emotional depth. It’s okay to be vulnerable; sharing your authentic self can create a powerful connection with the reader. Tips for resonance: Use specific examples rather than vague statements. Balance humility with confidence. Avoid jargon or overly complex language. Keep sentences varied in length to maintain a natural rhythm. Remember, your personal statement is your story. It should feel like a conversation, not a lecture. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to stumble into common traps. I’ve seen many applicants fall into these pitfalls, and learning from them can save you time and stress. Watch out for: Being too generic: Statements like “I want to help people” are true but overused. Dig deeper to explain how and why . Listing achievements without context: Don’t just say what you did; explain what it meant to you. Ignoring the prompt: Tailor your statement to the specific questions or themes the program asks for. Overusing quotes or clichés: Your voice should shine through, not borrowed phrases. Neglecting proofreading: Typos and grammatical errors can distract and undermine your credibility. One practical approach I used was to have trusted mentors review my drafts. Fresh eyes can catch unclear passages and offer valuable feedback. Final Thoughts on Writing Your Personal Statement Writing a personal statement is a journey of self-discovery as much as it is an application step. It’s your opportunity to reflect on your past, articulate your present motivations, and envision your future. While the process can feel intimidating, approaching it with honesty and care can transform it into a meaningful experience. If you ever feel stuck, remember that resources like StatementWritingHelp.com exist to support you in crafting a statement that truly highlights your unique strengths. They can be a trusted partner in this important step toward your academic goals. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and let your story unfold naturally. Your personal statement is more than words on a page - it’s the beginning of your next chapter. I hope these insights help you feel more confident and inspired as you write your personal statement. Remember, this is your story - tell it with warmth, clarity, and purpose. Graduate Statement: Crafting Your Story with Heart

LOR Recommendation Letter for Finance Letter of Reference To whom it may concern, I am proud to recommend Miss. XXXX as a candidate for the Master of Finance Program at XXXX University. Miss XXXX joined us at the XXXX Group Corporation in July of this year as Vice President of our Financial Investment Department. But I have known Min for about three years, back when she was working for an investment firm in Shanghai. She was an associate and worked as a liaison for a project proposed as a collaborative effort between my company and her boss at that time. I was most impressed by XXXX’s thorough investigation, elaborative report and innovative ways of presenting her ideas. I have stayed in contact with her ever since and have had the privilege of watching her grow professionally, being promoted from an Associate to Regional Director in the space of only two years as a result of her continuous effort and rapid learning abilities. She would visit a different target company in a different city almost every week. I was not surprised to hear that she interviewed more than 200 entrepreneurs over the course of her three years in that position. When she told me that she was immigrating to Canada, I recruited her immediately. I am pleased to say that she has matured into a very thoughtful manager, independent, creative, and capable of drawing upon the resources of a broad network of colleagues. I especially appreciate her communication skills and power of persuasion. She helps us to build and maintain excellent relationships with both Canadian and Chinese clients. XXXX is an accomplished professional who excels at her work, especially inter-company project management and consulting for company strategies. When she first joined us, she was still a bit nervous but soon hit her stride. Our company is currently raising a fund for investments in elder care facilities. I may appoint XXXX to be the fund manager. I believe strongly that with additional training in research and the rigorous, systematic learning of an MBA program such as yours, that she will be able to handle formidable challenges in the future. She tells me that, among all the MBA programs in Toronto, your Program at XXXX University has the curriculum that is the best fit for her interests. Attending your program will give her the opportunity to explore global business opportunities, learning valuable tools and strategies through discussions with classmates from all over the world. XXXX is very open-minded to new ideas, and she has had many valuable, even unique life experiences, despite the fact that she is still only at the beginning of her career. We have discussed at length numerous issues involving current financial markets and I find her grasp of the major issues to be outstanding. Thus, I am most confident that she would excel in your esteemed program. Please email me when you need more information. Best regards, XXXX LOR Recommendation Letter for Finance

MBA Degree Food Sustainability Bosnian I grew up in Bosnia where excellent food from sustainable sources is available to all. Seasonal produce grown by local farmers was sold at the farmers’ market where we also bought milk and cheese; our meat and poultry came from a local butcher who raised his stock on a free range farm. No-one had to explain that re-cycling made economic sense to the locals, they knew. I came to the US in 1993 and quickly realized how fortunate I was to have been raised in Bosnia. People in the US are increasingly aware of the importance of food sustainability but there is much still to be done and many advantages to be gained for individuals and society from a wider understanding of the facts and wider availability of sustainable and organic food.  I have been in the restaurant industry for over 13 years and have always been aware of the environmental aspects and challenges that the industry faces. It is my hope to find solutions to the barriers and problems involved while ensuring profitability. I co-owned a restaurant business for 2 years. Our mission was to provide a healthy lunch made from sustainable foods at an affordable price and we met with some success. However we also made some key mistakes arising from a lack of financial, marketing and accounting skills. We served organic food which provided us with only a small margin but which was regarded as a luxury when the economic downturn came and, sadly, our business closed.  My dream is to make sustainable food that is affordable to everyone and, in addition, to providing consultancy services. I would like to open a sustainable restaurant with its own farm and community centre providing healthy eating education and tips on growing sustainable food domestically. I have regard to a triple bottom line of people, planet and profit that the program will enable me to pursue. My goal in applying is to develop key business skills to become a leader and entrepreneur who is able to create a sustainable, profitable business and assist others to do so. The restaurant industry accounts for around 10% of the US economy and therefore has a substantial environmental impact and, although some progress has been made in ‘greening’ the industry, much remains to be done. I want to be involved in guiding businesses into adopting desirable policies while retaining their profitability. The program fits my needs exactly because of its emphasis on environmental and social responsibility within today’s global market.  I am particularly interested in the work of Professor XXXX and his focus on the impact of business on the natural environment. I am also attracted by the fact that the university promotes local internships and job placements and thus creates a network of like-minded graduates. I am also confident that the program will provide me with key business skills that I seek through rigorous academic and project work while providing a supportive environment. I am very widely travelled as my parents lived in, and travelled to, around 20 different countries in Asia, Europe and Central America. My travels have taught me to think on a global level. I have always sought to understand the different cultures to which I have been exposed and I look forward to adding to this knowledge within the program. I am sure that there will be many well qualified applicants for this program that is so relevant to the needs of today’s businesses. However I feel that I am an excellent candidate. I am academically able and have a significant business background, but my main recommendation is a passion for assisting in the creation of sustainable and profitable businesses by applying the unique mix of skills and knowledge which will be available to me through the program. MBA Degree Food Sustainability Bosnian

Post-Graduate Certificate Integrated Education For the past twelve years, I have dedicated my professional career, time and energy wholly to ensuring that children – all children – received the finest educational, nurturing and guidance I could possibly provide.  Yet, I have only been left wanting to give more, and on a greater scale, to bring to focus my passion for educating our special needs children and address omnipresent, even growing needs that I have seen and want to address in my school district.  In order to affect the changes needed, I am finding that at my current academic level, and professional exposure, this is simply not feasible.  Turning to your post-graduate program at the College of XXXX, and CITE is more than a logical choice or progression for my future career, but a natural choice given my sensibilities, goals, ambitions, and indeed my dreams.  Earning my administrative certification will enable me to increase my professional exposure, laying a positive foundation for eventually serving New York City’s School District 75, where I presently teach, as an educated, experienced and visionary principal within a special education school.  We need to consider the educational, physical and developmental needs of all children, including those with emotional and behavioral disorders, ADD/ADHD, pervasive developmental disorders, learning disabilities and speech impairments.  What greater display of our humanity could we possibly offer than to include all of our children’s needs in our educational system? I bring with me to the student body and post-graduate program a solid academic grounding in both Psychology and Special Education.  What is more, I bring four years of direct instructional experience earned in the field, working with children with emotional and behavioral disorders.  Moreover, I feel that the leadership skills I developed, utilized and proved as Coordinator for Special Education Religious Education will prove invaluable in my future work.  Having interviewed, trained, observed, and supervised volunteers, and paraprofessionals in addition to designing and implementing individualized lesson plans for each child autonomously and with my colleagues, utilizing and adapting different teaching methods, my skills are both in teaching and in effective administration.  Furthermore, my skills are based on an understanding of what needs to be accomplished in the classroom, promoting educational, physical and social development of my students, as well as in the school as a whole, as an entity.  Observing and evaluating students’ performance, interacting with parents, administrators, testing specialists, and social workers has developed my ability to communicate effectively with people from all walks of life, socioeconomic backgrounds, and even cultures, an ability that school leadership requires and yet is probably the hardest to grasp, coming only with experience and not from a lecture hall. I look forward to serving my community and school district at a higher level with great eagerness, within the only field that has ever brought me the greatest personal and profession satisfaction.  While I have strived to inspire each individual student to believe in themselves and their ability to learn, I am convinced that my future is in developing a body of like-minded educational professionals, nurturing, guiding and rewarding them for the benefit of my community and the extended community my students will go on to be contributing members within and beyond. Thank you for your time and consideration. Post-Graduate Certificate Integrated Education

EDD Degree in Educational Administration Mixed Race I am an educational administrator who wants very much to attain the terminal degree in my field so as to be able to make the fullest contribution possible towards educational reform, the ongoing improvement and implementation of progressive educational policies, especially in my home state of Virginia. I grew up speaking Spanish in the home, with my mother who is from Ecuador. My father is African American. Thus, for as long as I can remember, I have been immersed in minority issues, especially with respect to Latino, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant communities. The social and educational issues that are inherent in the Latino struggle to become part of the American dream will always be central to my own professional struggle to help make America a place where equality in education a reality as well as an ideal. We have made much progress through our educational system in bringing our Latino populations into the mainstream of American opportunity—but we also still have a long way to go. As a Spanish speaker, I aspire to continue an active engagement protecting the right of our people to bi-lingual education, with the firm conviction that multilingual education has its place in America.  At 32, I am at the optimal point in my life to undertake doctoral studies and to give my all to my studies. I have acquired the type of extensive experience which will enable me to excel and contribute to your program, at the same time that I am full of energy, drive, and motivation for long hours of intensive research. Having grown up in Queens New York, I am most familiar with urban issues and problems and the way that they are intricately related to challenges to education in multicultural and multilingual societies. I moved to Virginia to live with my father at the age of 15 and have since made it my home. I was always a sensitive girl, someone who took a genuine interest in the plight of the poor and underprivileged, the social classes for whom life was a struggle, as it was for my own family. I chose to study social work as an undergraduate student and later came to focus on education in my search to contribute towards progressive social change and greater social justice and equality. With Master´s Degrees in both Multicultural/Multilingual Education and Educational Leadership, I have prepared myself well for doctoral studies and established a lifelong passion for education and educational reform.   My dedication to the field of educational administration is also very much a product of the current position that I hold as an Assistant Administrator of a High School and Chair Person for our High School Assistant Principal's Group, representing the interests of numerous Assistant Principals (APs), especially High School APs in our relationship with the superintendent, as well as organizing and executing monthly planning sessions. Being fully bilingual English/Spanish is fundamental to both my professional and personal identities. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations and I very determined, highly motivated, goal oriented, and most of all hard working. I have met and in many cases exceeded almost every goal that I have set for myself. And I have completed every task that I have been assigned. I have often even sought out additional professional duties and opportunities in order to broaden my knowledge base and cultural awareness and to enhance my leadership skills. The greatest contribution that I might be able to make to society would be to help to eliminate the glaring achievement gap that plagues our educational system. I seek admission to your program so that I might learn how to more effectively work to develop strategies and curriculums that will help to bridge these gaps. I keenly look forward to shouldering advanced responsibilities within all facets of the educational arena and I am especially impressed with and drawn to the focus of your program and its emphasis on preparing students to assume these responsibilities not only at the local level, but also on state, national and international levels. Your program is my first choice for doctoral study because of its superlative reputation and the fact that I will be able to continue to meet my professional responsibilities at the same time that I study towards the doctoral degree. My current principal and many of my professors hold advanced degrees from GW and I have long been impressed with their work ethic, vast knowledge, and refined leadership skills.  While I am most excited about studying the entire gambit of theories and methodologies to which I will be exposed in your program, I am especially looking forward to returning to the task of researching the burning issues of our day, particularly those that have to do with alternative education, drop-out prevention—especially for Latinos—reducing achievement gaps, minority achievement, and alternative scheduling (i.e longer school days or year round school attendance).  Not only Latino, but also black like my father, I have a unique perspective to bring to comparative studies of challenges facing African-American vs. Latino students: the way that both groups are over represented in special education programs, have limited accessibility to post secondary education—primarily as a result of dismal graduation rates—, lack of motivation due to “self assumed” dismal future outlook (leading to drop outs), over representation for discipline and suspensions, and under representation for advanced placement and international courses. I look forward to a long and productive career as a school based principal, but I also sincerely hope to be able to contribute to the development of increasingly progressive educational policies on a national scale, or perhaps working in a district office as a minority student achievement director. Ultimately, I would like to have the privilege of serving someday as the superintendent of a school district with a large minority/Latino population. My volunteer activities have also helped prepare me for entry into your program—especially my current position with the XXXX-based Community Volunteer Network, helping children with special needs and their families. I have also volunteered extensively with the homeless shelters and foods banks in my area.  These experiences have further heightened my sensitivities to the needs of diverse populations and laboring to coordinate activities has served to refine my leadership skills. I firmly believe that any effective leader must be fully engaged with the grass roots organizations of the communities that they serve. I have made it a point to live and volunteer in the community in which I work, where my students live, work, shop, etc., so as to be better able to empathize with my students and their families. I also feel strongly that it is important for educational leaders to develop critical perspectives and insights into educational systems on the international level, especially insofar as this helps to spark creative ideas as to how to best improve our own. As I have traveled throughout most of North America, all of South America, and many European countries, I have always made it a point to study the educational systems and peculiar challenges of each location. These experiences have served to refine my critical stance concerning the US educational system as overly "system/protocol" oriented, as well as our abysmal record at multiple language instruction and the cultivation of multicultural sensitivities. EDD Degree in Educational Administration Mixed Race

PHD Business Organizational Innovation I am especially looking forward to doing research in the areas of organizational behavior and innovation management. 10 years from now I look forward to serving as a faculty member in a University here in my native Taiwan. My greatest fulfillment in life would be to devote myself primarily to professional research.  I have a great deal of experience as an editor, a reviewer, a session chair, a local conference co-chair and an advisory member of boards for international journals, conferences, and academic institutions. I have also worked for a publishing company. I am devoted to doing research and getting it published. The greatest contribution that I might be able to make to society would be to help to prepare future generations of Taiwanese students to become skilled researchers themselves. At the same time, I want to devote much of my time to helping companies to manage their relationship with subordinates and managers more effectively so that they can more successfully face the many challenges of today's dynamic world. I have been to the United States several times, as well as Canada and Australia to take part in academic conferences. Thus, I have had a lot of opportunities to polish the quality of my research and share it with so many other researchers and educators and researchers.  My father is a director and associate professor at XXXX University and my mother is also a teacher. My twin sister is a graduate student.  My family fully supports me in accomplishing my life goals, pursuing a PhD, and becoming a professional researcher and faculty member at a university. Both my undergraduate degree (BBA) and my graduate degree (MBA) are in business administration; I have completed both basic and advanced courses on management knowledge for the last six years.  My main research areas are organizational innovation, organizational behavior, creativity development, strategies for innovation, performance evaluation, total quality management, and (fuzzy) multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM). My papers so far have been accepted and published in “Quality and Quantity”; “Africa Journal of Business Management”; “Expert Systems with Applications”, “Journal of Global Business Issues”, “Business Renaissance Quarterly”, “Journal of American Academy of Business, Cambridge”, “Journal of Business and Management”, “Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict“, “Journal of Global Business and Technology”, “Global Journal of Business Research”, “Business Journal for Entrepreneurs”, and “The Business Review, Cambridge.” I have tried my best in every course I have taken and learned as much as I could with an eye toward becoming a truly well qualified doctoral student and professional researcher and faculty member in the future.  I am a member of the Academy for Studies in International Business, the Academy of Human Resource Development, the Institute for Behavioral and Applied Management, the Taiwan Academy of Management, and the International MCDM Society. I serve as Vice President and Publicity Secretary of the XXXX Institute Consortium for Teaching, Research, Learning and Development) in Louisiana in USA, and its CHINA Service Region in Hong Kong. I serve as a reviewer for Applied Soft Computing (SCI), Social Behavior and Personality (SSCI), Annals of Operations Research (SCI), Southern Journal of Entrepreneurship, the Business Renaissance Quarterly, and the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management, Business Education Innovation Journal. I am a faculty advisor for the Lethbridge Undergraduate Research Journal and an advisor to the Director of the Franklin Publishing Company. I am an editorial board member of the International Journal of Business and Management Research, B>Quest, the Cambodian Management Journal and serve as an international consultative editor for the Pacific Business Review. I am a panel member of the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM). I have received excellent feedback from conference chairs. However, I still feel that I have much to learn and I have a long way to travel before I fulfill my life goals. I enclose my CV should the committee wish to further examine my qualifications. PHD Business Organizational Innovation

BS Physician Assistant Autobiographical Sketch Having spent the first eighteen years of my life growing up in the country of Haiti, almost every memory I have of my homeland is tinged with the knowledge of the tragic realities that transpired, that my family and I lived through, and ultimately left in the hopes of a better life. I was a child, growing up, struggling with my own path, getting educated, becoming a woman.  Many times people in other countries read the news, hear a shocking story and it as Americans say, “a flash in the pan”, and are quickly forgotten.  Haiti is only now getting back on its feet, recovering from decades of violence, coups, corruption, and international condemnation.  Too often people outside of the equation fail to realize or even think of the many children growing up, the dreams that they must have, the hopes of a better life, and the desire to make tomorrow a better day for all.  I am one of those people, a woman who has risen above the odds, pursued education, and am all the more eager to serve the healthcare needs of America’s people in a country that has given me so very much. In the most unlikely place on earth, I still feel it is little wonder that my feet were placed onto the path of Nursing.  The statistics are staggering for Haiti, with crushing poverty being the prime denominator for the myriad public health issues, affecting mostly children.  Haitian children under five are more likely to die than if born anywhere else on earth.  Women giving birth in Haiti are more likely to die in childbirth than anywhere else on earth.  Most shockingly of all, just a 90-minute flight from Miami, over 19,000 children in Haiti are currently stricken with HIV/AIDS. I remember to the day when I came to America.  The opportunities to pursue Medicine were very good, and I began my nursing assistant, direct care assistant, and home health aid training in 2000.  In 2003, while pursuing Biology and Chemistry in the pre-med program at Delaware State University, my family suddenly fell upon hard times.  My father passed away and my family plunged into financial problems.  As the eldest child, I felt compelled to help.  This was my family, my responsibility.  I put my ambitions on hold, and immersed myself in trying to bring relief to my family, doing all I could to bring things back onto an even keel.  My efforts, strength and perseverance paid off, and in 2009, I was able to proudly walk from the graduation podium, with my BS in Biology and minor in Chemistry. I really must give credit to the woman who rekindled within me the fire of my passion for helping others.  While I was pregnant with my son, there was a nurse who came to visit me regularly.  On one visit, I remember staring at her, and yet seeing beyond her, remembering something within me that had been tucked away in the recesses of my heart.  The words unfolded themselves from my mouth, like a part of me simply had to release.  I told her how I had always wanted to be a doctor, to help people, that I felt it was something I had been born to do, that a person could have all the money in the world, but it just would not matter, and that you could never be truly happy, if you were not well.  She believed in me, telling me all about UXX, the Physician Assistant program. Later, she fulfilled her promise, bringing me all the information I would need to take the first positive steps towards my dream, the challenge and opportunity of the baccalaureate Physician Assistant (PA) Program at UXX.  I feel that all of my work to date has given me many of the leadership and communication skills needed to become an effective healthcare professional.  From my practical clinical and laboratory skills, to my supervisory and leadership positions in five university student organizations, and within a dorm of some 45 students, work that involved conflict management, student coordination and motivation, teamwork and the responsibilities of bookstore management.  I have been a counselor, tutor and interpreter, work that has solidified my interpersonal communication skills.  And my organizational and public speaking skills have been fully developed through my church and school fundraising events, and conference work.  My goals are very clear in my mind, to work under the supervision of an OB/GYN, ER or labor areas.  The experiences I have had to date through Delmarva Community Services working with the mentally disabled has shown me that there is a real need for healthcare professionals who are not just multilingual, as I am – speaking Haitian Creole, French and English - but also people who are fluent in the immigrant experience, the assorted issues of acculturation, poverty, childcare inadequacies, racism, discrimination, and language issues.  I have lived and seen the underserved populations, and my compassion for these populations and situations has only grown with my own experiences.  These personal experiences combined with my professional and volunteer experiences will aid me invaluably in my helping of others.  Achieving my ambitions will enable me to give back that much more, and on a greater scale than ever before.  It is my hope to join in missionary work, bringing healthcare, and hope to the people of developing nations.  Through my medical mission work, I hope to inspire others in my community and in other countries to give of themselves, their time and talents, however humble they may be, and to believe that one person really can make a difference.   Whether or not I must forget the past is immaterial; I know that I never will.  As a child, I felt helpless to the things I heard, saw and lived through, helpless to aid the poor, sick and needy around me.  Now, by God’s grace, I have been given the opportunity to educate and empower myself, and use my passion to help others at all costs, to bring about a better, safer tomorrow for America’s children and mothers. I do not do this simply for myself, or some lofty dream.  I do this for my son, to show him that with hard work, and determination, you can achieve your dreams.  I do this for my community, and the women, children and families I will go on to serve.  And I do this for America, and the culturally diverse people she welcomes into her arms ever day.  This is my contribution, bringing children safely into the world, one child at a time, one more chance for a better tomorrow.  Thank you for your time and kind consideration. BS Physician Assistant Autobiographical Sketch

Master of Engineering Aerospace Canada Iraq My decision to apply to the postgraduate program in the University of XXXX Institute for Aerospace Studies is a culmination of my lifelong passion for aeronautics. I first fell in love with air planes when I was five years old. Living in a house that was very close to an airport, I remember standing on the open roof under the scorching sun and waiting for the airplanes to pass overhead. Before I managed writing the alphabet properly, I had gained a sense about the differences between the sleek swift fighter jets and the monster cargo planes with their wide shoulder wings and how they looked and sounded so different, although I was not very sure why these great things did not fall from the sky. Those ‘angry angels’ captured my soul. At the age of eight, I tried to make my first airplane from aluminum cans and reeds. Despite my enthusiasm, my first crude models could never fly, though that did not stop my imagination or my passion. As I grew older, I started building radio-controlled model aircraft, and that was my first introduction to the primary rules of aerodynamics. My family were amused by my apparently obsessive interest in aircraft but assumed that this was merely a temporary and harmless hobby. However, aeronautics was to remain an area of passionate interest to me and to become central in my leisure activities, academic work and choices and in my professional life. It was therefore natural for me to choose Aeronautical Engineering as my major when I entered the University of Technology in Baghdad in the mid-1980s and I was awarded my bachelor degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1989. In contrast with present-day Iraq, which is known primarily for constant strife and instability, the Iraq of the 1980s was among the most advanced Arab Gulf states and rapidly developing. At the time, there were many large-scale infrastructure projects, there was great industrial development and expansion in the scientific and technical human resources, and the education system of this period was of a similarly advanced order to qualify the next generation of engineers and scientists who could continue this development. Although the history of this country took an unfortunate turn and this development did not continue long-term, the education that I received was, in hindsight, among the best available in the region, or anywhere in the world for that matter. My university, along with Iraqi educational institutions generally, had a good and growing international reputation. The situation has changed somewhat since my student days but I wish to emphasize that I acquired a sound theoretical and scientific basis for my work and studies undertaken since that time.  After graduation I had the opportunity to work as an assistant aeronautical engineer in a program that specialized in the development and testing of experimental UAV's . Those years allowed me to gain a strong grasp of practical aeronautics and got me involved in the process of design and construction methods and also provided me with a realistic test of the theory. Years later, I worked as a maintenance engineer in a flight training centre where I developed a different technical aspect of aeronautical engineering and enriched my perception of aviation technology. After continuous warfare had destroyed the infrastructure of the aerospace industry in that part of the world, I made a tough choice and decided to work in the installation of gas turbine units in oilfields often in a very remote, harsh and insecure, one of the toughest jobs on earth. Although I had more convenient, rewarding and safer options at the time, I chose this immensely challenging job to maintain a connection with my favourite original discipline through the rather parallel engineering concepts between turbomachinery and aeronautics. Yet that practice provided me with the experience of working for German and other international companies that applies strict and supreme standards of a sophisticated industry.  In the meantime, I maintained my academic knowledge by constantly referring to my textbooks and updated sources of aeronautical engineering knowledge while patiently waiting for the day when I could pursue higher education.  With diligence and persistence I have overcome challenging obstacles that could have diverted my path away from aeronautical engineering. Today I finally see the opportunity to "get on the right track" and wish wholeheartedly to do so. My goal is to enhance and formalize my aeronautical engineering knowledge and skills in a prestigious institution and to assist in turning good ideas into useful reality by making significant contributions to aerospace projects.  In addition to studying Aeronautical Engineering, I enriched my comprehension about aviation by learning to fly in my home country as a safety pilot since 1987, and I was happy to be able to use my flying skills in the evacuation efforts during a flooding crisis that occurred in Iraq in 1989. I resumed my activity as a pilot in Canada. I have received my Canadian private pilot license and I am currently working on the Canadian commercial pilot licensing. In flying I have found an invaluable teaching aid where theory can become reality and this is one of the great joys of the subject.  I came to Canada to start a new and productive life for myself and my family, a country that presents me with the opportunity to resume my pursuit of my professional and educational objectives. I believe that the value of someone’s life lies in his or her contribution to the good of all. I have always felt that aeronautics is the field where I can give my best and where I make a positive contribution to this society. I believe that joining UXXX will allow me to realize my potential and to apply my skills and passion to the advancement of aerospace technology.  My particular areas of interest are; Flight Dynamics, Aircraft Design, Flight Simulation and Air-Breathing Propulsion. I have several ideas that I believe are worthy of investigation and development. One idea, for instance, relates to the aerodynamics of the lift coupling. I believe that there is an intriguing potential for the use of multiple interacting airfoils to achieve higher aerodynamic performance than that of the traditional single airfoil. I am also interested in exploring the possibility of developing a variable-airfoil plane where a ‘flex-wing’ is enabled to change its airfoil section in response to the flight conditions. I believe this can be a realistic design in light of the continuous introduction of superior composite materials. Another subject of my interest is to introduce standardized aerodynamic formulae for the tri-plane configuration (foreplane-wing-tail) so they can be readily adopted in general aviation designs. I would also like to mention as a motivating field, the promising potentials in UAVs and drones that can open new horizons for exotic aerodynamics. My application to join UXXX program is an aspiration for acquiring the advanced knowledge that would enable me to contribute to the development of some of these inspiring engineering concepts.  I am well traveled and have happily studied, worked and socialized with people from many cultural and social backgrounds. I have worked in many and different types of task teams and experienced the power of cooperation and the shared joy of accomplishment. I appreciate the dynamics of a successful team and the skills of coordinated work with others in order to reach a common goal. I look forward to extending this experience in the program. I also believe that my substantial experience of project management has equipped me with the planning, analytical and organizational skills that enable me to undertake an effectual role in the program.  I am aware that there will be many well qualified applicants for this program. However I genuinely believe that I am an exceptional candidate. I hold a good degree in the specialty; I have significant professional experience relevant to the program from varied yet critical aspects including aeronautical design, aviation maintenance, gas turbine installations and a qualified pilot experience, this background will enable me to provide useful insights to my specialty; I have kept in touch with developments in the subject and consider myself to be fully abreast of them; I have the skills, characteristics and management background that will enable me to conduct constructive scientific work. I aspire to update my professional knowledge and earn advanced qualifications in a rigorous academic environment filled with people who are similarly inspired by the marvels of aeronautics.  For this reason, I am applying for admission at the University of Toronto’s Institute for Aerospace Studies. And I am certain that, if granted admission, I will be among the most passionate and dedicated students that have joined this prestigious program. My main recommendation is a genuine passion for the subject of the program and a degree of motivation that, I am confident, will enable me to excel within it. Thank you for considering my application. Master of Engineering Aerospace Canada Iraq

PHD Electrical & Computer Engineering Saudi I am dedicated to lifelong learning in the development of solutions to the major challenges that we face in the area of information technology. I stay abreast of developments across the spectrum of communications systems in general and I am most interested in signal processing. in particular. While I was born in Cairo, Egypt, my Nationality is Saudi and I was raised mostly in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. I am hoping to study towards the PHD in Electrical and Computer engineering at University of XXXX because I am especially interested in doing research in the areas of digital signal processing along with Image and video processing. I find myself increasingly engaged as well with the new horizons opening up in Software driven Radio. I look forward to a bright future working as a consultant in the industry, in Arabic as well as English. I have been working in remote sensing satellite technology since my I earned my B.Sc degree and have been preparing myself for making future  creative contributions to the contributed in the design and testing of telecommunications systems on the levels of both hardware and software. . I am a fast learner who is highly adept at the use of software design tools, especially EDA's and IDE's in using new software tools. I feel strongly that the greatest contribution that I might be able to make to society would be to came up with novel methods in the design and implementations of telecommunications systems. Of special relevance for my career development was the two-and-a-half years that I spent in South Africa training in satellite systems technology. I also lived in Bristol, England for one year where I earned my MSc degree from University of XXXX. Traveling through Malaysia , Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates have also helped to shape my global horizons and better understand global communications. I have spent many years studying how TV systems work, two years, for example, with the National Satellite Technology Program (NSTP) at King AbdulAziz  City for Science and Technology (KACST), where I became especially adept at remote sensing satellite technology. Some of the highlight of my MSc training in Bristol included digital filters and spectral analysis, digital signal processing systems, image and video coding and my project designing an interface in VHDL allowing an embedded microprocessor (LEON3) in the Xilinx's FPGA to communicate with the unit responsible for reconfiguring the FPGA abbreviated as "ICAP", allowing the microprocessor to control the configuration of part of the FPGA. I Also did an EM analysis for an 8 GHz circularly polarized patch antenna and VHF/UHF wire antennas for satellite application and gained a lot of testing experience with Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Digital Oscilloscopes as well as measuring antenna patterns in anechoic chambers. Folliwing graduation I served as a project manager for a research project for the development of high speed ground station data demodulator for remote sensing satellite applications, implementing hardware and software in both RF and digital domains to control the carrier-recovery loop and the clock-recovery loop. I have also attended additional training courses in Microwave and RF and embedded designs using FPGAs and Microcontrollers . I especially look forward in the future to research in the field of digital signal processing. Thank you for attention to my application to your esteemed program at XXXX. PHD Electrical & Computer Engineering Saudi

PHD Economics Financial International Labor I was raised in Israel and moved to the states at the age of 21. I completed my undergraduate studies at XXXX in 2005 and then my MBA at XXXX. Now, I very much want to study towards the PHD in Economics at XXXX. I am especially interested in doing research in the areas of Financial Economics, International Economics, and Labor Economics. I look forward to serving in a long and distinguished career as a researcher and professor at a university In addition to Hebrew and English, I am also fully fluent in Moroccan and plan to use this ability at some point in my research endeavors.  I am a very mature young woman and with an extremely diversified background that has provided me with the opportunity to develop extensive analytical capabilities in broad variety of areas. I have hands on experience in the business world since I run my own construction company in addition to my formal education. I am firmly convinced that I have important ideas concerning the economic impact of illegal immigration and I look forward to spending years investigation and writing about this phenomenon. I very much appreciate diversity and have spent important periods of time in Italy, England, Mexico, and Canada,  in addition to Morocco.  In 2007, I worked on a course project for my senior year developing a plant-design business plan for Chevron. I learned how to perform financial and microeconomic analyses, such as relating the price of soybeans (i.e., the raw material in biodiesel) to fluctuations in the supply and demand. From that point on, I focused on economics and business, financial/market analysis and entrepreneurship. Now I seek to join UXXX’s doctoral program in economics, which will be my cornerstone for business studies and I intend to become a very research-focused professor.   I grew up in a family, where academic values and a passion for unconventional learning were instilled from an early age. My parents encouraged me to excel at extracurricular education. At 15, they enrolled me in a Young Mathematics Doctorate program at Bar-Ilan University, Israel, where I mastered the basics of single- and multi-variable calculus as well as linear algebra. After strong performances in college calculus, economics, chemistry and physics courses, I decided to pursue a bachelors in chemical engineering, so as to take advantage of my passion for chemistry, physics and mathematics. I developed strong analytical and research capabilities through individual and group assignments including the Chevron project.  I gained additional hands-on experience with economic and financial analyses through a position with the Israeli government’s Tourist Office. As Accountant and Project Manager, I took on increasingly complex projects. For example, I helped analyze the travel behaviors of American citizens (through surveys) to understand how different groups such as clergy and member’s spouses arrive at their travel decisions, how to target advertising with Israel-focused commercials. This position helped me to better understand how international economies are intertwined  through trade, immigration, and overseas marketing.  After graduating from UXXX, I joined XXXX University’s MBA program, where I focused on Finance and Accounting. Graduate-level courses such as International Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) deepened my interest in finance and economic principles. I especially enjoyed coursework that pushed me beyond the lecture material and providing research opportunities through individual and group assignments. For example, for a Mergers and Acquisitions project, I analyzed oil industry acquisition of foreign companies for multinational diversification purposes. I learned that many M&A transactions fail as a result of poor integration since many acquirers focus only on prices and fail to take into account other key factors such as management teams, operations, and culture. One of the most memorable lessons I have learned is that it is harder to recover from underpaying for the wrong company than it is to recover from overpaying for the right one.  I have also learned economics in the context of entrepreneurship since my husband and I founded a home improvement business in 2006. By late 2007, however, as real estate values declined, defaults on mortgages and consequent foreclosures contributed directly to the collapse of giant institutions such as Bear Sterns and Lehman Brothers. It also meant the end of steady demand for our company’s services. While many of our competitors folded their operations, we made strategic changes including targeting a more affluent clientele that could pay out of pocket (rather than using home equity) through alliances with interior designers and narrowing our service offerings to a niche in room additions and home automations. Such moves have helped us maintain profitability in this challenging time. I realize that the science of economic predictions can and should be perfected and I am eager to make my contribution to the field in hopes of helping individuals and families survive future economic crises.  Working as an administrator at XXU, assisting Faculty Affairs Associates with responsibilities related to procedures for faculty tenure, rank, and sabbaticals, I have gained an inside perspective on academia that has deepened my desire to become a professor since I have been inspired by the lifelong commitment to learning of my colleagues and have very much enjoyed nearly constant intellectual stimulation.   I am excited about pursuing research in several related areas of economics, mainly: financial, international, and labor economics. I am especially intrigued by the effect of illegal immigration on the US labor market and federal budget, especially since many of the estimated millions of illegal immigrants open small businesses without paying self-employment taxes or contributing to pension plans. This results in federal losses, as services are provided to non-tax-paying residents. Nevertheless, I also study the way in which many of these residents perform many important services at the lower end of the work spectrum (e.g., sanitation, childcare), which has many positive effects on our economy. My research interests parallel many of those of professor XXXX and I look forward to benefitting from his extensive knowledge concerning international immigration, labor markets and the consequence of globalization. I especially enjoyed reading his paper “The Economics and Policy of Illegal Immigration in the United States.” I am also very much engaged with the economic aspects of Middle East conflicts. My father was injured in both the Yom Kippur War and the first Lebanon War and has suffered from PTSD ever since. We faced challenging times since it was difficult for my father to maintain a steady job and support a family of six on army disability income. I find Professor XXXX’s research in the field fascinating and I will be honored to learn from his extensive experience and diverse background. I specifically enjoyed his working paper titled “ Hamas, Taliban and the Jewish Underground: an Economist’s View of Radical religious Militias. ” I enjoy the way that Professor XXXX models the behavior of radical religious militias and suggests a constructive strategy for limiting militia activities through economic development and aid to stabilize governments which provide local public goods in an unbiased manner.  I keenly anticipate studying in depth the factors behind successful mergers and acquisitions, as well as lending practices, the volume, quality, and outcomes of M&A transactions.  I especially look forward to studying with with Professor XXXX as a result of his extensive research on international trade, foreign investment, and multinational enterprises, especially in the areas of productivity estimation and information economics. UXX’s economics PhD program is my first choice because of its outstanding faculty and interdisciplinary approach. Working with such mentors will help me reach my goal of becoming an economics professor at a research-focused university. My academic and professional experience has given a strong academic foundation and the analytical skills and passion for economics analysis and research. I believe that I have a unique blend of experiences that will help me tackle tasks from a creative and original point of view. PHD Economics Financial International Labor

International Affairs/Public Policy, Military As a child, I loved maps. This interest developed into a curiosity about the differences and similarities in the way people in these different places on the map lived, ate, spoke and earned their livelihoods. This awareness of the world and its variety has increased with time and with the substantial travelling that I have done.   I have not, until recently, considered directing this passion into a formal course of study but now strongly wish to do so. My ultimate goal is to work for the foreign service of the government of Indonesia.  I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia and moved to the US at the age of 14. I attended a military academy in Virginia. Becoming accustomed to a new cultural environment is difficult enough, especially as I spoke very little English, but I was also faced with integrating myself into a military environment. However, when I graduated, I was battalion commander with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, the first female to reach this position. I believe that this achievement is strong confirmation of a determined and diligent personality possessing exceptional confidence and communication skills. I have a profound passion for travel, which has allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and environments across several countries, including Sweden, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, England, and Costa Rica. Each destination has contributed uniquely to my understanding of the world. My journey began with a remarkable three-month stay in Sweden, where I not only explored the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities but also delved deeply into the local customs and traditions. This experience was invaluable, as it helped me appreciate the nuances of Swedish culture, from its rich history to its contemporary societal norms. Following my time in Sweden, I spent six transformative months in Spain, living with a welcoming family. This immersive experience was primarily aimed at enhancing my Spanish language skills, and it proved to be incredibly effective. Living in a household where Spanish was the primary language allowed me to practice daily conversations and absorb the language in a natural context. I enjoyed participating in family activities, sharing meals, and learning about Spanish traditions, which significantly improved my fluency and comprehension. My travels also included visits to Ireland and England, made possible through my selection as a Student Ambassador. This role not only provided me with the opportunity to represent my institution but also allowed me to engage with local communities and gain insights into their educational systems and cultural practices. In both countries, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the people, which made my experiences even more enriching. In addition to my adventures in Europe, I am fluent in Indonesian and English, and I have been working diligently to improve my Spanish to an intermediate level. Language is a powerful tool, and I believe that speaking multiple languages opens doors to deeper connections with people from various backgrounds. Traveling has imparted a crucial lesson: that anyone and everyone can serve as a valuable source of new or useful information about their country. For example, a seemingly casual remark from a taxi driver about the challenges faced by his brother’s trucking business can provide significant insight into the local economy. Such interactions often lead to deeper inquiries and discussions, unveiling layers of economic conditions and cultural contexts that are not readily apparent in textbooks or travel guides. My insatiable curiosity about the world drives me to continuously seek knowledge and understanding. I am committed to learning as much as I can about different cultures, economies, and social dynamics. To further this goal, I make it a point to study international news on a daily basis, staying updated on global events and trends that shape our interconnected world. Particularly, my research interests focus on the effects of the emerging global economy on Asia, with a keen emphasis on Indonesia. I am fascinated by how globalization impacts economic development, trade relations, and cultural exchanges in this rapidly changing region. By examining these dynamics, I aim to contribute to a greater understanding of Indonesia's role in the global landscape and its interactions with other nations. This pursuit not only fuels my passion for travel and exploration but also aligns with my aspiration to make a meaningful impact in the field of international relations. Although the highly structured military and academic environment I enjoyed at school equipped me very well in many ways, it did not prepare me for the independence I found at college. I left XXXX University because of less than ‘stellar’ results in my second year. However I pulled myself together fully and I subsequently graduated ‘cum laude’ from XXU at the age of 23 with a degree in Business Management.  I believe that my background provides proof of academic ability together with personal skills and characteristics that will enable me to excel in the program and in a future diplomatic career. I am an excellent and confident communicator, adaptable, diligent, intellectually curious, an experienced researcher and, most importantly, passionate about international relations.  Thank you for considering my application. International Affairs/Public Policy, Military