Grad School Personal Statement

Growing up on the south side of Chicago, school is not always the most important thing to the black youth. There are countless other distractions and worries that seem more important to people of high crime low income neighborhoods. These distractions often translate to higher drop out rates and less focus in class. I once was also one of the students that fell in-between the cracks of not focusing on school. My lack of focus caused me to find myself having less than lackluster grades and no desire to continue my education. I sat in class and simply went through the motions knowing that I only needed to receive C to pass the class.

One day as my father looked at my grades and I saw the disappointment on his face I decided I would do my hardest not to ever be the cause of that face again. I applied myself in school and found out that school not only is rewarding but can also be fun. Students all across the country, no matter the socioeconomic class, need to learn that school can be fun. This small adjective can completely change the outlook on education. It can completely motivate a person to be the best they can be. The only way to be your best and make a positive change is through the use of education.

I seek to use the education from Bard College MAT Program to help empower the next generation. I have always been a firm believer that I was born to be part of the Talented Tenth. I do not apply it to any particular race but instead live my life trying to help those who come after me be better than me. As I said earlier education is the key to becoming the best you can be. I want to equip my students with those tools to make a difference in the world. I believe I will learn these tools from Bard College MAT Program.

I want to mold the young minds to know that no matter what they are told they are able to be great and make a difference. I am aware that not every group of students are met with the same obstacles, but all students are met with obstacles. The...