admissions essay

Statement of Purpose
During my early school days, I had a traumatic experience after I was diagnosed with dyslexia. I had major learning disabilities and difficulties in socializing. I could not spell words correctly, and I stumbled on each and every sentence. It made other pupils think that I was not so sharp, which affected my self-esteem greatly. My parents were also traumatized by my condition considering that I was the only child in the family. Luckily, my parents and teachers made critical interventions, which helped me to overcome my learning disabilities. Although it took me long to be at the same level with other pupils, I was eventually able to accept the fact that my condition could be treated, and I could pursue normal school life as other students. The anxiety, stress and other challenges that I faced as a result of dyslexia ignited a desire in me to help other people who have similar conditions. For this reason, I am excited to enroll for a Master’s degree in social work. It will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable me to make a difference in people’s lives in the most profound ways.
I majored in psychology and human development during my undergraduate program. The knowledge I gained from the program has been critical in my career as a social worker and will help me to excel in my graduate studies. Through my involvement in mental health services and my childhood experience with dyslexia, I have developed great awareness and sensitivity for the unique needs of those with social needs.

In effect, this is the main reason applying for a further education in social work at this time. I am aware that dyslexic children from poor backgrounds are likely to be affected more by the condition because they may not get the right interventions. Many of these children come from diverse cultural backgrounds, majority of which stigmatize dyslexia and related conditions. The stigmatization hinders the affected individuals to seek help. As such, the focus of my profession will be on helping disadvantaged individuals to overcome stigmatization and lead more fulfilling lives in the society.
Due to my desire to help children with dyslexia, learning disability is a leading social problem of significance to me. Across the world, this condition affects thousands of school-going children and can have adverse effects on the future of the society if the right interventions are not made. Research studies have shown that contrary to the belief that dyslexia is caused mainly by family problems and emotional issues, it is also caused by biological factors. Therefore, it is imperative that more research is done to unravel the biological link. Breakthrough in such research will provide solutions to the frustrations of children living with dyslexia. The condition is a major cause of problems in social relationships, including families. These difficulties can be traced to the fact that dyslexic children may be socially and physically immature compared to their age mates and peers. This immaturity may lead to poor self-esteem not only for the children but also for their family members as well. A possible way of addressing the problem is to train enough professions to educate the public about available interventions.
I believe the key to solving major social problems is the willingness by learning institutions to develop human capital in the social work. Accordingly, my expectation of graduate social work education is to gain adequate prerequisite knowledge to make major contributions in the social work professions. The knowledge I will gain from the graduate program will enable me to evaluate the effectiveness of current social work programs in my home country and offer practical advice on ways of improving them. Having been a victim of a major social issue, I believe it is my responsibility to amplify the issue for the benefit of the society. A graduate degree in social work is a starting point in this critical journey.
I strongly feel that I have the necessary intellectual and personal attributes, which are particularly suited for the profession in social work. First, my academic background is in social work. My undergraduate major in psychology and human development are necessary prerequisites for a successful career in this profession. Secondly, I have worked in the mental health field for a couple of years, which gave me the necessary practical experience as a social worker. Initially, I had thought of studying clinical psychology for my graduate studies, but I was overwhelmed by the desire to venture into social work. Third, I have the passion, perseverance, and willingness to challenge established systems to develop a better society where people get the motivation to live positively.
My career goal is to contribute to the implementation of policies that will lead to long-term outcomes for people living with dyslexia. This goal relates directly to my deep concern for the society as a whole. This may require me to work for a charitable organization to create awareness about dyslexia and gain more skills in this area. Eventually, I will start a private practice where I will provide clinical social work services such as psychotherapy and evaluation. My career goal in the long-term is direct practice and systematic research, which will eventually pave the way for a doctoral candidacy in social work. This will satisfy my desire to become an expert in a particular field such as psychotherapy.
The reason I have chosen Silver School of Social Work at New York University is that it is an outstanding institution and a leading authority that has developed great minds in social work. Being a graduate of this reputable institution, I will make valuable contribution to the social work profession by not only developing new knowledge but also by directly supporting dyslexic individuals, especially young children to appreciate their conditions themselves and have a positive attitude in life. I will help the society to know more about the conditions and how it can be remedied. By creating awareness about the condition, I will contribute to the promotion of social justice and human rights and thus make the world a better place for all people.
My Reasons for Applying to the Global MSW Program at NYU Shanghai
I had great difficulties deciding which university to choose for my graduate program in social work. After lengthy consultations with leading experts in the social work profession, I realized that the Global MSW Program at NYU Shanghai was the right fit for me. The institution offers opportunities for students to experience an academic program based on international standards. With the institution’s extensive course work and solution-based practical work, it will be a good chance for me to reflect on social, cultural and economic issues that have a bearing on the social work professions. In addition, I will learn about and develop the capacity for culturally appropriate practice, which will be important in my career as a social worker.
Through my own research, I have known that the Global MSW program will consist of a generalist curriculum for practitioners followed by a specialized curriculum for clinical social work. This arrangement is in line with my ambition and will help me develop competencies in social work both academically and professions. My childhood experience with learning disabilities and the timely interventions that I got have motivated me to learn more about the best ways of confronting this social problem with great efficiency and effectiveness. I am optimistic that Global MSW Program at NYU Shanghai will equip me with the right skills and knowledge to become a competent professional.
One thing that makes the Global MSW Program even more appealing is the fact that the institution focuses on nurturing leadership skills. I have held many leadership positions before, including being a captain for a women athletics team. I was able to mobilize team members towards working for a common goal. Studying at the NYU Shanghai will be a great opportunity for me to refine my leadership and teamwork skills and become a better social work professional. In addition, the university admits students and faculties from diverse backgrounds. This will be important to me because I will have an opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the world and share their perspectives on social issues.