I am an Egyptian, born and raised in Kuwait until the age of sixteen. I now live in California. I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology and social behavior from the University of XXXX. I speak Arabic and English. My goal is to become a counselor specializing in the problems suffered by immigrant families especially because of being from a particular ethnic and/or religious background.
I possess a naturally sympathetic personality together with a particular and strong interest in the education and welfare of children. I have long sought voluntary and career outlets in which I can apply these aspects of my personality. My substantial volunteer work has included teaching and currently involves work with disabled pre-school infants, and their parents, to enable them to make the best possible start in life. I have also been a professional teacher for four years. I have found my work and voluntary activity extremely satisfying and I have learned much about children, especially those subject to the added pressures of making difficult cultural adjustments.
I undertook my bachelor's degree studies in psychology while working and raising my children, but the love of my subject enabled me to overcome all the barriers and problems involved, not only to succeed but to excel in the program. I now seek to advance my knowledge and skills through your program to assist families who struggle to adjust to a new and quite different culture.
My first experience of the application of psychology to family problems came when I undertook an internship with a child psychologist for six months. During this time, I administered tests and questionnaires to children suffering various behavioral, learning, and emotional problems and to their parents. This gave me an insight into the variety of problems involved in this work and the way relevant information is collected and how therapy is designed and applied.
As a teacher, I have been employed in both the public and private sectors instructing children at the crucial period early in their school careers. I have worked with children of all types including immigrant, gifted and disabled children. I have considerable experience in liaising with parents to achieve the best educational outcomes for their children and have acquired some insights into family dynamics and the ways in which parents can help their children fulfill their educational and emotional potential.
I believe that my volunteer and teaching experience, together with my bachelor's degree studies have provided me with a firm base from which to pursue my goal of becoming a professional psychologist and counselor. My own experiences of being an Arab and Muslim immigrant, together with my voluntary and professional work, have provided me with a special awareness of the problems faced by immigrant families. The adjustment to a new culture is usually traumatic but can be especially so when there is a marked contrast in cultures and values. I am aware of a great need for counseling and family therapy within my community and I wish to be involved in providing it.
I have carefully considered this choice and regard it as less a choice of career than the pursuit of a vocation. The skills acquired while learning to be a good wife and mother are also highly relevant to the program. I regard these skills to be significant additions to the other base of skills and knowledge that I shall be able to apply in the program.
While I am particularly interested in assisting immigrants and especially those from my own cultural background, I should add that I have happily studied, worked, and socialized with people from many cultural and social backgrounds. I am aware that course work will relate to problems met by people of a variety of cultures and social positions and look forward to these aspects of the program. I also look forward to exchanging cultural experiences and knowledge with my fellow students.
I undertake to work diligently and to participate enthusiastically in the program if my application is successful. I am aware that the program will attract many, professionally qualified applicants. However, I consider myself to be an exceptional candidate by reason of my significant and relevant volunteer and professional experience, the success attained in my undergraduate studies, the relevance of those studies and, not least, because of my passionate desire to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to help families through counseling. I believe that I shall be able to bring much that will ‘add value’ to the academic community and look forward eagerly to doing so.
Thank you for considering my application.
MA, MFT Family Therapy, Community Personal Purpose Help
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