We all know how crucial personal statements are in graduate school applications. Back in 2017, I applied for a graduate program in Branding and Integrated Communications (Public Relations) at the City University of New York, City College.
I would like to share with you the personal statement I submitted to the admissions committee. Special thanks to my bestfriend, Bunny, for editing and proofreading.
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I was born and raised in Zamboanga, a city in Mindanao, Philippines, where Islamic secessionist groups and government forces have always been up in arms against each other. As a child, I was exposed to news of weekly kidnap-for-ransom activities in nearby towns, as well as random bombing incidents in and out of the city. It was almost a desperate situation for my family because of the persistent interfaith battle going on in my city for years now. I’ve seen poverty and desperation before my eyes.
I took up public administration in the country’s premier educational institution, the University of the Philippines. But I also had to make ends meet. I had to work part-time in the various offices on campus while simultaneously serving as research assistant. However, these challenges were nothing compared to a young man’s dream of earning a degree from the Philippines’ top university. I was immersed in public policy and volunteer sector management. I knew in an instant that I wanted to serve the people and apply the theories I have learned in class to solve contemporary social issues in my country.
After my undergraduate studies, I went to work with the Philippine Department of Budget and Management as a junior policy analyst, helping ensure that government systems and procedures were effective and efficient. Another milestone was when I worked for a member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines as the chief policy and legislative officer. I was tasked to work on policy formulation, legislation, and advocacy. In addition, I handled media affairs and public relations. This was the turning point of my career. I knew I wanted to take the path leading toward communications work in a professional setting. Mentored by my supervisor back then, Ms. Vanessa V. Unlayao, I saw how communications work played a very vital role in an organization.
After my government stint, I then moved to a nonprofit organization. This time, I functioned as the communications and advocacy officer of an international development organization based in The Hague, The Netherlands. Our organization focused on the eradication of child exploitation across the globe, with emphasis on the Philippines—the hot target of child sex offenders. I built networks with media organizations, government stakeholders, and other development partners. Because of my interaction with these key people, it was evident to me that most homegrown nonprofit organizations in the country omit the role of a communicator in their structures. Most community organizers do not see the value of a communications specialist in the organization thinking that this position does not translate to direct impact to the beneficiaries. As such, I am resolved to do further studies on communication as a discipline and strengthen my expertise on this area to help build a strong alliance of communicators in nonprofit organizations in the Philippines.
I started with only a desire to get away from the perils of interfaith confrontation. I went on to my goal of helping build back a better Zamboanga after all the effects of a long standing conflict. Now, as I move further and as I open my eyes to the many facets of the Philippine society, I am bound by my conscience to create significant change in my country using the most potent weapon man has ever encountered—communication.
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