2. Personal Statement When I began my bachelor's degree in 2002, my major was addiction studies. Though I never personally experienced a drug or alcohol addiction, a friend close to my heart struggled with drugs for many years. By the end of my second course in the major, I felt like I would never be as good of an addictions counselor as someone who lived through it. I switched my major to psychology, because I knew ultimately my desire was to work in a field that helped others. As a teenage rape survivor, I spent over 5 years volunteering and facilitating in youth organizations that focused on peer education surrounding both sexual assault and domestic violence. In 2004, I was chosen by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault to be the keynote speaker at their annual peer education conference. It was an honor to receive such esteemed recognition for the volunteer work that I helped shape who I am as a person, helper, and educator. Currently, I am the Director and Preschool Teacher at ABC Daycare & Preschool. I have been an educator at this facility for over four years. I have worked with children and families from very diverse backgrounds. My goal in my current position is to ensure a smooth and effective communication between the staff and parents. This cohesiveness strengthens the co-parenting relationship that is necessary to help the children flourish both academically and socially. Sexual assault prevention, education, addictions, children and teens these are my professional interests. I have had both professional experience and education in relation to all of these fields. Though I am not sure which one is ultimately the best choice for me, I do believe I would be happy working in any of these fields. For this reason, I believe I would be an ideal candidate for a Family Services Advocate position. My short term professional goal is to obtain this position. I do foresee myself returning to school to obtain my master's degree in the future. I have been described by previous professors as an excellent candidate for Graduate School, because of my analytic and critical thinking skills and cumulative G.P.A of 3.70.
4. Reflection My academic experiences with Argosy University have well prepared me for an entry level position within the human services field. I excel during opportunities where I can flex my analytical skills and relate textbook fo undations to everyday use. One area of psychology where I feel I do not excel is in using statistics to analyze and decipher research. I prefer learning and teaching in a hands on environment where I can utilize my interpersonal and communication skills as well.
5. Table of Contents Work Samples Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Research Skills Communication Skills: Oral and Written Ethics and Diversity Awareness Foundations of Psychology Applied Psychology Interpersonal Effectiveness
13. My Future in Learning I taught myself how to read when I was four years old. In Kindergarten, I told my family I planned on going to college. I have always loved learning. It is this passion for learning that has helped me excel in my studies. Learning is not just about academics, either. Life is full of valuable life lessons. I cherish the fact that I will continue to grow and learn various new things in the future. I look forward to returning to school for my MSW and eventually my P.h.D in a human services field.
14. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. [email_address]
