Graduate / Letter of Application to Graduate School Rehabilitative Counseling program [6]

Assignment: Letter explaining why I want to attend this program.

All comments welcome.

Last week, I received a phone call from an old Army friend who commented on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. He submitted his application and was approved. When I mentioned that I too wanted to go back to college, but I couldn't afford it, he suggested I submit my application and see what happens. I submitted my application, it was approved, I received my Certificate of Eligibility and that is what brought me here today. The Certificate of Eligibility has given me the opportunity to return to school and earn my Master's Degree. So with that, I respectfully request admission to the Master's of Rehabilitative Counseling Program with Thomas University.

After doing a considerable amount of research to determine what college would support my decision to pursue a career in rehabilitative counseling, I selected Thomas University based on the educational value the program has to offer. Recently, I read a book about becoming a counselor. It was a basic guide for nonprofessional counselors by Eugene Kennedy and Sara Charles. I began reading the first page and before I new it, I was on page 92 and completely submerged in the author's story. The author explained how a counselor needs to understand their own personal feelings before they themselves can help someone else. This idea is relevant to understanding the responsibilities of a professional counselor. It made me realize that I need to reevaluate my experiences and determine to what degree I fully understand. In addition to education, counseling requires certification to perform professionally and a sound base of knowledge in the field of basic counseling skills. Thomas University's program is grounded in providing a thorough understanding of the profession of counseling, prepares the student for the national certification exam, and establishes a foundation upon which a professional career can transform.

My educational objective is to walk away from Thomas University knowing that I am prepared to assume the position of a Professional Counselor. Preparation will involve demonstrating my passion for understanding the emotional, physical, psychological, social, educational and vocational aspects of the person and the relationships that people share with others. Based on previous experiences, I understand the need to be actively involved in the classroom discussion, participating in the educational dialog, making suggestions, developing independent thoughts and listening to others ideas. I plan to do in-depth research, develop well-prepared astute ideas and create thought provoking papers. Thomas University's Rehabilitative Counseling program will give me the education I need to achieve certification as a licensed counselor and the means to grow and flourish as a professional rehabilitative counselor.

My career objective is to act as a Professional Rehabilitative Counselor and develop trusting relationships with patients demonstrating compassion, honesty, integrity and within the ethical boundaries of my profession. These actions are expected of all professionals and of military leaders. As a leader, It was a job requirement to bond with the soldiers and develop trusting relationships that eased the lines of communication and encouraged open dialogue. Through the use of open dialogue, I was able to listen to what the soldier had to say and we exchanged comments and ideas about the seemingly difficult situation. This exchange process allowed the soldier the opportunity to reason with what they were feeling, understand their emotions and develop an idea of what action needed to happen to correct the situation. My degree of previous experience in counseling soldiers, I will enhance the classroom discussion and provide insight to the other students.

So with that, I am drawn to gaining certification in Rehabilitative Counseling through Thomas University's Graduate Program. The program will provide me with education, knowledge and practical experience to move forward into a career of professional counseling. Coupled with my previous experience as a military leader, the knowledge I gain from this program will propel my career into the right direction. Who would have thought that a phone call from an old Army friend would such a blessing in disguise. A blessing that encouraged me to help others through counseling by first attaining the skill set offered by the Rehabilitative Counseling program of Thomas University.