Statement of Purpose

As part of the application process for graduate school I was asked to write a very brief (500 words) statement of purpose. I wrote as honestly as I could and I figured I'd share.

It took a few years of experimentation and failure, but by the end of my first course in ethical theory I understood what passion and purpose were. My passion was philosophy and my purpose was to learn how to think. I realized that I should not attend college merely to satisfy the expectations of my family, my community or myself. There were ideas out there I could connect with; ideas that were not easily defined or categorized as good or bad; correct or incorrect. The black and white academic world that I knew with its sharp corners and comfortable separated spaces was shattered. I was allowed and even encouraged to think for myself. I was taught that my view mattered as long as it was based on reason and supported by logical argument.
I made my decision and declared philosophy as my major. It was not always an easy decision to explain to people outside of my small academic bubble. College is widely viewed as a necessary step on your journey to a high paying job, professional success and financial stability. This was not my view, it still isn’t. I understood, even then, that a bachelor’s degree in philosophy was not a money maker however I was compelled to follow my passion. I was confident that the rest would fall into place.
I graduated in December of 2006 and was confronted with the consequences of my decision. I watched friends with accounting and finance degrees climb corporate ladders. I had worked my way through school in sales and this is where I remained. I was unfulfilled and frustrated yet I knew that had I chose an accounting or finance degree I would not be happy. I was one of the only people I knew who could honestly say he used his bachelor’s degree every day of his life.
I made another decision. I did not want to be one of the people who settled for a life they did not choose. I decided I wanted to help others have the same academic epiphany I had. I decided I wanted to teach at the collegiate level.
I have experienced how difficult and important our college years are and I want to teach students that it is okay to find and follow their own passions.
The Master of Arts in Humanities external program will allow me to follow my own passion for philosophy and history while giving me the proper knowledge and credentials to teach at the community college level. I am very excited for the opportunity to both learn and to share what I have learned with students who are beginning to seek their own paths.

I sincerely thank you for considering my application.