Graduate / Statement of Purpose for Grad School in Anthropology; 'Martin Luther King, Jr' [6]

Hello all,

I am applying to grad school in anthropology. I am, of course, having trouble with the statement of purpose. I am writing a statment of purpose that I can edit to fit the requirements of all the schools I'm applying to and this is the first rought draft. Any help would be appreciated.

Here is the assignment:
How has your educational experience in anthropology and other fields prepared you for this program?
How does your previous work experience relate to this application?
What professor would you like to work with?

Thanks!

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge..." This statement holds especially true for me as I have faced several challenges in my life. Each difficulty one has taught me that I am a strong, intelligent and determined individual.

Perhaps the most difficult challenge I have confronted was when my mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer. As it was only my mother and I at home it was up to me to care for her while she underwent surgical procedures and innumerable chemotherapy treatments. While this was a difficult time in my life, the challenge of battling cancer with my mother taught me not only who I am, but also that there are no limits as to what I can accomplish in my life.

My first semesters at the University of Tennessee where especially challenging for me as while attending undergraduate courses I worked two part time jobs in order to fund my education. I quickly recognized that my position at a local hospital was a great learning experience, and decided to take it upon myself to use my spare time to shadow physicians in order to gain more in-depth knowledge of medical pathologies and treatment plans. In addition, I was a regular volunteer at a local elementary school, and I aided a local high school for delinquent children raise money for an annual school sponsored trip to Germany. While my busy schedule was at first challenging to manage, I learned to use my time efficiently. Working fulltime did not prevent me from successfully completing my undergraduate education having not only majored in anthropology, but also having studied abroad twice, and having learned the Italian language fluently. Overall, the challenges I faced while attending the University of Tennessee not only added to my education, but also enriched my life.

I was provided with a clear sense of the enrichment and liberation that my studies of anthropology have brought to my own life experience when I studied abroad. It was not until I was in the throes of my year in Italy that I understood that I had studied abroad for more than adventure; for me it was an opportunity to obtain the kind of knowledge that that comes only from experience. Through my life experiences and my education in anthropology I have gained a deeper appreciation for mankind. I have learned that anthropologists can make a real difference in the world which is why I am now looking to further my education in anthropology. I have had a few years to consider my options for my future and I am certain that academia is where I will be most fulfilled. I am now able to take the opportunity to pursue my goal of becoming a professor in Anthropology. I intend to combine my knowledge in anthropology and medicine in order to study medical anthropology in graduate school. While I am predominantly interested in and traditional healing practices and prescription drug abuse I am also looking forward to exploring other topics.

As I aim to develop a master's level expertise in cultural and medical anthropology, I am seeking to complete a graduate program that emphasizes my strengths and interests. I believe University X would be great place to combine both my professional and personal experience into fruitful academic research. The program has an excellent....

Furthermore, it is my objective to develop expert level research and writing skills during my master's program, so that I am well prepared to transition into doctoral level research in medical anthropology. I am confident that my professional experience as a technical clinician in medicine and my life experience will serve well to inform the scope and depth of my master's level research as well as guide my interactions and mentoring relationships with my professors.

Given my research and self development objectives for my master's studies in anthropology, I am decidedly looking to build and establish strong academic mentoring relationships with my professors. While I look forward to developing solid working relationships with many professors in the anthropology department at UCLA, I am particularly interested in being challenged by the expertise and insights of Dr. X will be paramount to the development of my research. Dr. X's knowledge of women's studies combined with his/her experience in XXXX would be a great asset for me to inform my research projects in medical anthropology. Our consultations and cooperation regarding her/his expertise in XXXX would clearly facilitate my research and self-development goals.

Thank you for your time and attention to my application for master's studies of anthropology at the University of XXXXX. I appreciate your generous and kind consideration of my application, and I look forward to being in touch with you soon.