Sample Essay 2

I am currently enrolled in my third semester as a full time graduate student in the Master of Science Degree in Counseling. Upon successful completion of this program, I will earn an M.S. in School Counseling with the California Pupil Personnel Services credential, allowing me to practice as a school psychologist in California.

My goal to pursue a career in the field of education has been a part of my plans since my early teen years. From my first summer job to my current position, the majority of my work and volunteer experience has involved counseling and children. To know that I can make a positive impact on a child’s life is rewarding for me.

I was enticed to choose school psychology as my career by its varied and challenging nature within an educational setting. The responsibilities of the profession involve, but are not limited to, counseling, testing and assessment, behavioral intervention, and classroom observation. A school psychologist never knows exactly what the day will include, much like my current position as a counseling assistant at Castle Park Middle School in Chula Vista. From this experience I know that spontaneity and high energy are vital for my growth and satisfaction within my career.

As an undergraduate I dedicated my best efforts toward my education and as a result, I graduated with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara earning a B.A. in Communications. I soon attained full-time employment with the San Diego Center for Children, where I continue to volunteer on various weekends and holidays. This facility is a residential treatment program for children with severe emotional disturbances resulting from abuse, neglect, homelessness, or abandonment. My main responsibilities are to aid children in learning and carrying out daily living skills, counsel them in their relations with peers and adults, serve as a responsible role model, and to work closely with other members of the treatment team, such as therapists and social workers implementing the Center’s programs. All of this has proven to be an invaluable learning experience.

Complementing this experience is my current position as a counseling assistant. My responsibility is to provide various psychological and educational services to students who need additional assistance to succeed in school and in the community. My day is usually filled with activities such as group, individual and crisis counseling, conflict resolution, behavioral observation, and assessments. I also assist in training and coordinating 25 students to become peer counselors. I feel very fortunate to be involved in Castle Park’s counseling program. I am proud of my work there and feel it is excellent preparation for my future role as a school psychologist.

Volunteer work has also been an activity that I like to include in my life. As I previously mentioned, I currently volunteer at the San Diego Center for Children. During my senior year of college I served as a volunteer, mentoring gifted children through my university’s honors program. Helping a child realize his or her own potential gives me a strong sense of accomplishment. Both of these experiences have been emotionally rewarding.

I hope that by sharing my activities and goals, I have been able to give you a glimpse into the person I am and what I hope to achieve. I have included what I have felt to be the most significant influences on my career choice. I expect graduate school to continue to be a journey which I embark upon with great enthusiasm.