Graduate / "Raised in a resource poor region" - Essay to Masters of Public Administration [5]

Please help me proofread and comment any changes before I submit by October 15. Sorry for short timeframe. Questions: Describe your career goals and how the MPA Program would enhance your professional development?

Raised in a resource poor region where the services are lacking, I was struck by polio in early years of my childhood which left me with compassion and innate desire to help others. Today, I want to further my career in order to help others who are not so fortunate. To succeed in my endeavors and desire to impact the public life as a public servant and in creating and implementing policies and programs capable of alleviating the problems faced by the public, I realize that a combined master's degree in Public Administration and Public Health is essential.

I first discovered my interest in the human services arena through my work with Somali Disabled Association in 1986. I remember the President of the organization telling me that I had leadership traits and that I will someday be a leader. Over the years, I worked both for the government and nonprofit sector in various capacities including my current position as the president of Somali Community Center of Illinois (SCCI). I found work in the health and human service sector is more satisfying as a career and through my experiences have developed a true passion to pursue a career as a public servant in order to help others achieve their true potential.

To explore my options and solidify my choices, I took graduate-level courses in Public, Human Services and Health Administration at Minnesota State and University of Minnesota. I found the course work quite stimulating and rewarding as the vast range of courses allowed me to develop a wide perspective of the field and as such further promoted my career desire. I want to earn my master's degree at UIS because the MPA-MPH program will provide me with the educational foundation and extensive background to excel and achieve my personal and professional goals. I expect to gain a set of core analytical and technical skills and solid knowledge of the management of public and nonprofit entities. As a student, I will bring a wealth of real-world experience from my current and previous work. The past experience will also certainly enhance my absorption of theoretical knowledge in the field. I look forward to completing the degree that will ultimately allow me to greatly contribute to the current or any future institutions.

Thanks, Mohamoud