Personal Statement: Why I Am In College
Lizzette Nazario
Writing III
Instructor: William Lewis
February 9, 2015
Why I am in College
Everybody has reasons behind the choices they make in life, whether they realize this or not. It does not matter if the reasons are good, bad, strong, or weak, because it is up to the individual to decide what will truly motivate him or her. With that being said, I have been asked the question, “Why am I in college?” At first glance, the question seemed simple to answer. However, upon reflection, I found there were a myriad of reasons behind my choice to be in school right now. As I thought about why I am here in the first place, I realized there are both external and internal motivators behind my decision. The most compelling reasons for me to be …show more content…
in college are: to be a good role-model for my children; to get a better job; and to prove to myself that I am capable of earning my degree. My strongest motivation for attending college is to be a good role-model for my two young children.
I have an eleven year old daughter, named Annabella, who has been a straight A student most of her life, and a seven year old son, named Jaiden, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD. Although it could be said that my children are on the opposite sides of the spectrum, they excel as individuals and make me very proud. Unfortunately, their father (my ex-husband) has no intentions of pursuing a college education. Even though he does well for himself, I would prefer that Annabella and Jaiden continue their education beyond high school. As a result, I feel earning my degree is of the utmost importance. I hope to inspire my kids to go further in life by being a strong role-model and continuing my …show more content…
education. The second reason I have for being in college is to get a better and more lucrative job. Previously, I worked for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office until March of last year when I resigned. Granted, working for Camden County was a good, stable job, however, I was very unhappy. I felt like I could do more than be a bi-lingual clerk for the rest of my life, and that I was worth more than I was being paid. My solution to these dilemmas was to resign and enroll in college courses to pursue a degree in a field which I love. Since the Information Technology industry is constantly growing, and because I am a fan of anything related to computers, I chose to major in Computer Science. With some research, I was able to determine approximately how much I could expect to make upon graduation. It is my hope that a college education will not only lead me to a higher paying position, but that it will also make me a happier employee. The last reason I have for attending college is so I can prove to myself that I am capable of earning my degree.
After I graduated high school, I was accepted into Rutgers University with a partial academic scholarship. Unfortunately, in the spring of 1998, my mother became very ill so I had to return home and work full-time instead. Shortly thereafter, I met and married my former husband. We were together for about thirteen years before we mutually decided to divorce. Around that time in my life, I felt somewhat lost and a bit like a failure. So, I decided to make school a priority for my own personal satisfaction and as a self-esteem booster. My parents have always told me they believe I am intelligent and capable, but I have a desire to show this to myself as
well. In summary, I believe that I have satisfactorily answered the question of why I am in college at this time. It is my intention to follow through with my plans, keeping in mind the reasons I have stated in this essay. Using external motivators, like my children, and internal motivators within myself, I am determined to stay focused and succeed. Thankfully, I am reaching a point in my life where I am realizing that I have the strength to persevere, regardless of any obstacles in my path. As I said before, everyone has reasons behind the choices they make in life. I truly believe that my experiences have influenced my choices and strengthened my resolve to obtain my degree. To that extent, I also feel that my reasons are strong and will continue to carry me through until I achieve my final goal.
Writing III
Instructor: William Lewis
February 9, 2015
Why I am in College
Everybody has reasons behind the choices they make in life, whether they realize this or not. It does not matter if the reasons are good, bad, strong, or weak, because it is up to the individual to decide what will truly motivate him or her. With that being said, I have been asked the question, “Why am I in college?” At first glance, the question seemed simple to answer. However, upon reflection, I found there were a myriad of reasons behind my choice to be in school right now. As I thought about why I am here in the first place, I realized there are both external and internal motivators behind my decision. The most compelling reasons for me to be …show more content…
in college are: to be a good role-model for my children; to get a better job; and to prove to myself that I am capable of earning my degree. My strongest motivation for attending college is to be a good role-model for my two young children.
I have an eleven year old daughter, named Annabella, who has been a straight A student most of her life, and a seven year old son, named Jaiden, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD. Although it could be said that my children are on the opposite sides of the spectrum, they excel as individuals and make me very proud. Unfortunately, their father (my ex-husband) has no intentions of pursuing a college education. Even though he does well for himself, I would prefer that Annabella and Jaiden continue their education beyond high school. As a result, I feel earning my degree is of the utmost importance. I hope to inspire my kids to go further in life by being a strong role-model and continuing my …show more content…
education. The second reason I have for being in college is to get a better and more lucrative job. Previously, I worked for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office until March of last year when I resigned. Granted, working for Camden County was a good, stable job, however, I was very unhappy. I felt like I could do more than be a bi-lingual clerk for the rest of my life, and that I was worth more than I was being paid. My solution to these dilemmas was to resign and enroll in college courses to pursue a degree in a field which I love. Since the Information Technology industry is constantly growing, and because I am a fan of anything related to computers, I chose to major in Computer Science. With some research, I was able to determine approximately how much I could expect to make upon graduation. It is my hope that a college education will not only lead me to a higher paying position, but that it will also make me a happier employee. The last reason I have for attending college is so I can prove to myself that I am capable of earning my degree.
After I graduated high school, I was accepted into Rutgers University with a partial academic scholarship. Unfortunately, in the spring of 1998, my mother became very ill so I had to return home and work full-time instead. Shortly thereafter, I met and married my former husband. We were together for about thirteen years before we mutually decided to divorce. Around that time in my life, I felt somewhat lost and a bit like a failure. So, I decided to make school a priority for my own personal satisfaction and as a self-esteem booster. My parents have always told me they believe I am intelligent and capable, but I have a desire to show this to myself as
well. In summary, I believe that I have satisfactorily answered the question of why I am in college at this time. It is my intention to follow through with my plans, keeping in mind the reasons I have stated in this essay. Using external motivators, like my children, and internal motivators within myself, I am determined to stay focused and succeed. Thankfully, I am reaching a point in my life where I am realizing that I have the strength to persevere, regardless of any obstacles in my path. As I said before, everyone has reasons behind the choices they make in life. I truly believe that my experiences have influenced my choices and strengthened my resolve to obtain my degree. To that extent, I also feel that my reasons are strong and will continue to carry me through until I achieve my final goal.