Personal Statement for Graduate School (Sample)
Someone once said, “We may sit in our library, and yet be in all quarters of the Earth.” One thing I’ve always loved about books is the ability to get lost in them. They can take you to places you’ve never been without ever having to leave the room. The author’s imagination can take many twists and turns and truly take you on a journey through the character’s triumphs and hardships, loves and loves lost. Books can defy the laws of science and take you back in time or into the future. Books are amazing and writing them is even more amazing.
I’ve always loved to write—the physical action of retrieving the transcript of my thoughts and modestly transferring them to an actual piece of paper has always been the best part. My desire has always been to become a better writer and I’ve done everything in my power to make that happen. I’ll often go back to old stories I’ve written and see how much my writing skills have improved. The corners of my mouth rise instantly. I’m a better writer than I was yesterday, I deliberate.
Everywhere I went as a teen, I’d carry a composition notebook, without fail. In case—just in case—an idea came to mind. Or the beginning of a story popped into my head. My sister and I would have contests to see who could read the most books in a year in high school, so my craft was constantly improving.
Creating new characters, constructing plots and subplots, feeling my way around a world I’ve created, and giving meaning to the words I’m carefully withdrawing from the innermost caverns of my imagination is the reason why I write. I’ve been writing stories since age 13 and have written articles on various subjects since 2006, which have been published online. In my undergraduate study, I’ve taken courses related to fiction writing, such as Creative Writing: Prose, The Short Story, Children’s Literature, and Seminar in Literary Research and Writing.
I’m applying to the Tiffin University Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program in order to give myself the best chance possible of becoming a professional writer. My goal is to publish romance/drama novels and short stories for as long as possible. I hope not only to become a best-selling author, but to touch the lives of others through my treasured craft. I want my writing to speak to people, to enlighten and entertain them.
I also plan on teaching creative writing at the college level and a graduate degree would be the next step towards getting a PhD, which would help me land a job as an English college professor. I hope to achieve personal development goals of learning to teach others effectively and I hope to acquire the skills necessary to connect with my students and give them the best possible education.
By getting an MFA, I can truly focus on my writing. I’ve always read that to be a great writer, you must read, read, read because everything that goes in, comes out one way or another—whether it be in your submission to a literary magazine or in your next great American novel. I honor this by reading anything I can get my hands on, whether it’s a literature piece like Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest, contemporary fiction like Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, or books about writing itself, such as Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I’m always working diligently to hone my abilities as a writer and to build my dreams.
Someone once said, “Build your own dreams or someone will hire you to help build theirs.”
In this scenario, I’d rather be the one doing the hiring. Because I’ve seen firsthand what a happy person looks like. To me, my Dad is the only one in my family who is doing what he loves—cutting hair and playing gigs on his bass guitar during the weekends. He owns his own barber shop and is his own boss, which I truly admire.
My older half-sister has also recently taken the plunge into a career that fulfills her, which is similar to that of my father’s dream—doing hair. She recently quit being an RN and decided to open a hair salon. I haven’t seen her happier. Seeing how happy my father and sister are, doing what they love, makes me want to be like them.
If life has taught me anything over the years, it’s that I don’t want to work to live and live to work. I want my work to be my passion and my passion to be my work, which is why I’ve decided to further my education. I want to fulfill my own dreams, and help others like me, achieve theirs through teaching.
Someone once said, “We may sit in our library, and yet be in all quarters of the Earth.” One thing I’ve always loved about books is the ability to get lost in them. They can take you to places you’ve never been without ever having to leave the room. The author’s imagination can take many twists and turns and truly take you on a journey through the character’s triumphs and hardships, loves and loves lost. Books can defy the laws of science and take you back in time or into the future. Books are amazing and writing them is even more amazing.
I’ve always loved to write—the physical action of retrieving the transcript of my thoughts and modestly transferring them to an actual piece of paper has always been the best part. My desire has always been to become a better writer and I’ve done everything in my power to make that happen. I’ll often go back to old stories I’ve written and see how much my writing skills have improved. The corners of my mouth rise instantly. I’m a better writer than I was yesterday, I deliberate.
Everywhere I went as a teen, I’d carry a composition notebook, without fail. In case—just in case—an idea came to mind. Or the beginning of a story popped into my head. My sister and I would have contests to see who could read the most books in a year in high school, so my craft was constantly improving.
Creating new characters, constructing plots and subplots, feeling my way around a world I’ve created, and giving meaning to the words I’m carefully withdrawing from the innermost caverns of my imagination is the reason why I write. I’ve been writing stories since age 13 and have written articles on various subjects since 2006, which have been published online. In my undergraduate study, I’ve taken courses related to fiction writing, such as Creative Writing: Prose, The Short Story, Children’s Literature, and Seminar in Literary Research and Writing.
I’m applying to the Tiffin University Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program in order to give myself the best chance possible of becoming a professional writer. My goal is to publish romance/drama novels and short stories for as long as possible. I hope not only to become a best-selling author, but to touch the lives of others through my treasured craft. I want my writing to speak to people, to enlighten and entertain them.
I also plan on teaching creative writing at the college level and a graduate degree would be the next step towards getting a PhD, which would help me land a job as an English college professor. I hope to achieve personal development goals of learning to teach others effectively and I hope to acquire the skills necessary to connect with my students and give them the best possible education.
By getting an MFA, I can truly focus on my writing. I’ve always read that to be a great writer, you must read, read, read because everything that goes in, comes out one way or another—whether it be in your submission to a literary magazine or in your next great American novel. I honor this by reading anything I can get my hands on, whether it’s a literature piece like Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest, contemporary fiction like Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, or books about writing itself, such as Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I’m always working diligently to hone my abilities as a writer and to build my dreams.
Someone once said, “Build your own dreams or someone will hire you to help build theirs.”
In this scenario, I’d rather be the one doing the hiring. Because I’ve seen firsthand what a happy person looks like. To me, my Dad is the only one in my family who is doing what he loves—cutting hair and playing gigs on his bass guitar during the weekends. He owns his own barber shop and is his own boss, which I truly admire.
My older half-sister has also recently taken the plunge into a career that fulfills her, which is similar to that of my father’s dream—doing hair. She recently quit being an RN and decided to open a hair salon. I haven’t seen her happier. Seeing how happy my father and sister are, doing what they love, makes me want to be like them.
If life has taught me anything over the years, it’s that I don’t want to work to live and live to work. I want my work to be my passion and my passion to be my work, which is why I’ve decided to further my education. I want to fulfill my own dreams, and help others like me, achieve theirs through teaching.
InTravel Magazine
Flames: Little Italia, Atlantic City
By Shanea Patterson
My fiancé and I had grown tired of the familiar attractions in Atlantic City that we’d seen before. Upon coming across “Flames,” which suits its name, we immediately fell in love with the décor. It was an outdoor café, located a few blocks from the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, where we were staying for a week. Easy on the eyes, the lovely beach bar was central to all of the excitement, yet it hovered in a realm of its own, offering the tranquility of being on an island paradise away from civilization. Our wooden table was covered with ivory linen and nicely shaded by a tall umbrella. Atop the tables were Red Burgundy wine glasses filled with fresh spring water.
Read full article here: http://www.intravelmag.com/intravel/in-good-taste/flames-little-italia-atlantic-city
Flames: Little Italia, Atlantic City
By Shanea Patterson
My fiancé and I had grown tired of the familiar attractions in Atlantic City that we’d seen before. Upon coming across “Flames,” which suits its name, we immediately fell in love with the décor. It was an outdoor café, located a few blocks from the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort, where we were staying for a week. Easy on the eyes, the lovely beach bar was central to all of the excitement, yet it hovered in a realm of its own, offering the tranquility of being on an island paradise away from civilization. Our wooden table was covered with ivory linen and nicely shaded by a tall umbrella. Atop the tables were Red Burgundy wine glasses filled with fresh spring water.
Read full article here: http://www.intravelmag.com/intravel/in-good-taste/flames-little-italia-atlantic-city
AOL Travel
Charleston with Tweens: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
South Carolina is home to one of the most charming cities in the country -- Charleston. Charleston is a city brimming with excitement and adventure and rich with entertainment and endless fun for the entire family. From aquariums and parks to museums and restaurants, Charleston provides a seemingly infinite list of things to do on a family vacation. Below are some of the best ideas for families visiting Charleston with tweens.
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/09/13/charleston-with-tweens/
Charleston with Tweens: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
South Carolina is home to one of the most charming cities in the country -- Charleston. Charleston is a city brimming with excitement and adventure and rich with entertainment and endless fun for the entire family. From aquariums and parks to museums and restaurants, Charleston provides a seemingly infinite list of things to do on a family vacation. Below are some of the best ideas for families visiting Charleston with tweens.
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/09/13/charleston-with-tweens/
AOL TRAVEL
Baltimore with Teens: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
Planning a trip to Baltimore with teens? There is no shortage of great family vacation ideas in this thriving city. In my recent Baltimore visit, I found many hidden treasures perfect for a day out with the family. From its inner harbor water sports to its museums and water parks, Baltimore is sure to delight even the pickiest adolescents. Planning a family vacation to Baltimore with teens is easy with the suggestions below.
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/09/17/baltimore-with-teens/
Baltimore with Teens: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
Planning a trip to Baltimore with teens? There is no shortage of great family vacation ideas in this thriving city. In my recent Baltimore visit, I found many hidden treasures perfect for a day out with the family. From its inner harbor water sports to its museums and water parks, Baltimore is sure to delight even the pickiest adolescents. Planning a family vacation to Baltimore with teens is easy with the suggestions below.
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/09/17/baltimore-with-teens/
AOL TRAVEL
Myrtle Beach with Kids: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
The place for family travel, Myrtle Beach, S.C., has something to offer everyone, whether you're going away for a relaxing weekend getaway, a full-fledged family vacation, or just for the day. Myrtle Beach with kids is a delight, as the area caters to families with small children. With 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches, live entertainment theaters, family-friendly dining, cultural activities, amusement parks, and water parks, you'll never run out of things to do in Myrtle Beach.
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/10/12/myrtle-beach-with-kids/
Myrtle Beach with Kids: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
The place for family travel, Myrtle Beach, S.C., has something to offer everyone, whether you're going away for a relaxing weekend getaway, a full-fledged family vacation, or just for the day. Myrtle Beach with kids is a delight, as the area caters to families with small children. With 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches, live entertainment theaters, family-friendly dining, cultural activities, amusement parks, and water parks, you'll never run out of things to do in Myrtle Beach.
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/10/12/myrtle-beach-with-kids/
AOL TRAVEL
Omaha with Teens: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
If you are planning a trip to Omaha with teens, you may wonder how you will keep them entertained in Nebraska. You may be surprised to find that Omaha is an open field of possibilities for all sorts of family fun. There is no shortage of things to do on an Omaha family vacation with teens, from Omaha's amusement parks and museums to its malls and gardens. Your agenda will be so full that you won't know where to begin!
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/10/11/omaha-with-teens/
Omaha with Teens: A Perfect Family Day
By Shanea Patterson
If you are planning a trip to Omaha with teens, you may wonder how you will keep them entertained in Nebraska. You may be surprised to find that Omaha is an open field of possibilities for all sorts of family fun. There is no shortage of things to do on an Omaha family vacation with teens, from Omaha's amusement parks and museums to its malls and gardens. Your agenda will be so full that you won't know where to begin!
Read full article here: http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/10/11/omaha-with-teens/
USA TODAY TRAVEL
Private RV Parks in Michigan
By Shanea Patterson
Michigan is the eleventh biggest state in the nation with a population of more than nine million people. The Wolverine State is home to the Detroit River, the Grand River, the St. Clair River, St. Marys River and the Kalamazoo River, making it an ideal place to plan your next outdoor camping family vacation.
Read full article here: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/private-rv-parks-michigan-50982.html
Private RV Parks in Michigan
By Shanea Patterson
Michigan is the eleventh biggest state in the nation with a population of more than nine million people. The Wolverine State is home to the Detroit River, the Grand River, the St. Clair River, St. Marys River and the Kalamazoo River, making it an ideal place to plan your next outdoor camping family vacation.
Read full article here: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/private-rv-parks-michigan-50982.html