“The mission of the School of Social Work at San Jose State University is to prepare social work professionals for effective, ethical practice and leadership from a transcultural perspective with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities who are disenfranchised, oppressed, or marginalized. In the service of this mission, we are active in scholarship and professional leadership endeavors that advance a transcultural perspective in social work and promote social justice.
In writing your personal statement, please follow these instructions:
The personal statement has a 3,000 word maximum;
Address each of the areas below;
In addition to addressing each of the areas below, please write your statement as a “self-contained document” as if it were to be read independently from your other application materials. Our reviewers may be asked to review personal statements only, and without the context of your academic record, resume, letters of recommendation, and professional experience;
The format and organization is up to the applicant; your statement will be evaluated for content, critical thinking, and writing quality.
A. How has your personal background and experience influenced your decision and prepared you to become a social worker? If you have faced adversity and/or challenges in your life (e.g. trauma, addiction, immigration/acculturation experiences, mental illness, etc.) please explain how you have overcome these challenges and are now prepared for graduate studies.
B. How has your professional background and experience influenced your decision and preparation to become a social worker? More specifically, what have been your experiences with and/or thoughts about working with diverse populations to promote social justice? Examples of diversity may include, but are not limited to, people of different abilities, sexualities, races, countries of origin, genders, and/or levels of income.
C. Describe some of the harms and/or opportunities you have experienced because of your identities, as an individual and as a member of communities and groups. Examples may include, but are not limited to, experiences of privilege and oppression based on race, class, gender, sexuality, ability and/or country of origin.
D. What are your professional goals? In light of those goals, discuss what your contributions will be to society or the profession, especially in terms of our program’s mission emphasizing culturally competent (culturally sensitive) practice with Latinx, other minority groups, and those communities, groups, families, and individuals who are disenfranchised, oppressed, and/or marginalized?
E. What are the strengths that you will bring to the program? Please also identify areas of growth that will enable you to become an effective social worker. Examples of strengths include, but are not limited to, communication skills, leadership abilities, personal characteristics, unique experiences, etc. Areas of growth include, but are not limited to, needing additional experience with certain populations, character development, maturity, ability to deal with crisis.“
I am in African American I grow up poor i am the first person my families to ever join the military and earn a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Just to make it sound good! You know overcome lots of challenges being a black man in America etc. etc.
Any questions comments or concerns please let me know thank you!