17 May 2010, 8:06 am
Hi, I am applying to graduate school for International Studies. This is my personal statement. Please grade/comment/offer advice me on what I got! Thanks, Redmond _____________________________________________________________________________ Historians speak of events that have changed the world in a matter of moments and in modern times; September 11th is surely such a day. Until this point in time, I would have described myself as being virtually unaware of the nature of politics on a global scale. However, after 9/11, it became a fascination. September 11th raised many question about the implications of United States foreign policy. Questioning these policies resulted in my changed view of the United States’ international role and the world as a whole. It soon became evident that the actions of government could not only affect the lives of the few, but the lives of the majority. College was the perfect arena in which I could purse my newfound fascination. Through my coursework and research, I discovered how intertwined the global community is and how policy decisions have far reaching consequences. Today, due to globalization, the relationships between countries and the ramifications of these relationships have never been so momentous. This is a key component why I am convinced that pursuing a M.S. degree in International Relations is essential to further my interest in global affairs. As President of the Political Science Association at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia, I was charged with highlighting significant political, social and/or economic issues and bringing those issues into public discourse. In 2007, I co-coordinated a week-long event dedicated to raising awareness about the genocide in Darfur. During that week, we raised consciousness about Darfur and successfully conveyed to the campus and community the root causes of the atrocity, the international response and what actions could be taken to help resolve the genocide. My interest in International Studies was furthered my last semester as an undergraduate. I was enrolled in an history honors capstone course entitled the Soviet Dissent Movement. To successfully complete the course and in turn my degree, I had to research and write a thesis on any topic relating to Soviet internal dissension. My paper, entitled, The Effects of the Soviet Dissent Movement on United States Foreign Policy under President Richard Nixon¸ focused on the international implications of internal affairs in other sovereign nations. Through my research, I discovered how events thousands of miles away could influence legislation, policy and lives. This realization of the ability for an issue to transcend borders, continents and oceans has only perpetuated my interest in International Studies. After graduating from the SUNY Fredonia in December 2009, I sought an internship with my local Congresswoman, Louise Slaughter. As Chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, Congresswoman Slaughter has been a central figure on Capitol Hill. To do my job successfully with integrity, it has been essential to thoroughly know all the breaking news and developments from Washington D.C. to around the world. I am very excited about having this opportunity to explore the various contributions I can make to the St. John Fisher College campus, its students and staff. My resume clearly illustrates that I have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for International Studies. This interest is complimented by my academic achievements and success as an undergrad. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future and discussing ways I can contribute to university, the community and the world.... Read More »
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