My audience for this E-Portfolio is the admissions office for a M.A. in Clinical Psychology at UCF. I am drafting a personal statement for graduate school.
Katey Bator
Personal Statement for M.A. in Clinical Psychology Program
University of Central Florida
From an early age, I was always interested in how the mind worked, and its effects on our perception, actions, and thoughts. I constantly wondered and tried to understand what made people act, talk, and do almost anything the way that they did. Though I did not know it at the time, I was rapidly developing a love for Psychology and the human mind. This interest followed me throughout my entire life and follows me to this day. It is a great passion that constantly pushes me to learn as much as I can about the field of Psychology so that I can help others down the road. That is why I am interested in pursuing a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida.
I majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Behavioral and Social Sciences as well as Letters and Modern Languages. The Behavioral and Social Sciences courses were fundamental in laying the groundwork for a M.A. in Clinical Psychology because I learned the fundamentals of Psychology through these classes, from Introduction to Psychology, to Abnormal Psychology. In addition, I developed my communication skills through my classes in Letters and Modern Languages, which has shaped me into an effective communicator and listener. Outside of school, I constantly perform my own research into different mental health issues that individuals face, whether it's through books or online forums. In addition, I also research different therapy methods and medications that help individuals with their mental health.
I believe that my work experience in Information Technology (IT) can be transferred to the field of Psychology. Success in the field of IT depends greatly on understanding individuals and the problems they are facing. Although the problems are technical in nature, the approach to understanding the problem, talking to and reassuring the individual, and finding solutions to the problem draw a parallel to Psychology. I have gained valuable experience in understanding the way individuals think and describe their problems and how to bridge the gap in what they are describing versus what they actually mean to say. In addition, I have developed successful communication skills through constant interactions, which are also vital to the field of Psychology.
Because of my research, I believe that the University of Central Florida has one of the most engaging and successful psychology departments. Given the experience, knowledge, and achievements of the program, it would be an honor to learn and help develop the program even more. I know that I would be an excellent candidate for the program because of my ever growing interest and passion, my appreciation and dedication to the field, my previous experience and skills, and most importantly, my desire to help individuals struggling with mental health issues.