GMU Personal Statement Essay

I’m applying to GMU in hopes of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I want to obtain my degree not only for myself, but for my mother as well. She left her native country of Nicaragua as a political refugee at the tender age of twenty-one. Leaving her family and leaving all hopes of ever completing her degree in education behind. I admire her for coming to a foreign country, not knowing the language and having very limited opportunities, but not letting that discourage her. My mother is a great source of inspiration for me. Being raised in a one parent household in addition to being a minority in this country has always plagued me with limited resources but I’ve never allowed it to be a deterrent. The under privilege I’ve experienced

I’ve always been passionate about helping others and even as a child I always knew I wanted a career that would enable me to do just that. Through my studies in psychology I’ve gained a great affinity in childhood development, behavioral and cognitive psychology, and hope to make a career of it. I plan to continue my education after Mason pursuing a masters in behavioral psychology. I want to be able to work with children, they are my true passion. I believe childhood is the building block of life. The sooner we can provide the proper support and resources to children in need, the sooner we can change the trajectory of a child’s life consequently producing healthier happier adults. Presently I volunteer at my church as a Sunday school teacher, working to make a positive impact on the lives of the children and the adolescent member of my congregation. I’m one of the seven teachers who rotate each Sunday. Our mission is to help them understand our faith while also providing them a sense of community and fellowship with their peers. We teach them not only about God, but also provide them with what we believe to be guiding principles of