Hello all, I am a prospective anthropology student applying to the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas, Fall 2010. This is my first draft and I would appreciate any constructive criticism and corrections. I am pretty happy with the essay, but you guys know better than I do! Thanks in advance!
Statement of Purpose
My Essay:
One vital component of being an anthropologist is exposing oneself to great and historical cultures. Immersing myself for the next few years in the culture of the University of Texas would be in itself, a grand step towards my goal of becoming an influential anthropologist. As a first generation Guyanese-Texan, I have been fortunate enough to grow up with an exposure to many cultures and subcultures, which has augmented my curiosity and passion for a career in anthropology. I have long been fascinated with the ethnological studies of human-environmental relationships - such as a society's interactions with ecological, technological, and social structures - and I am eager to accelerate my studies in the fields of ethnology, linguistics, physical anthropology and archaeology at the University of Texas before embarking on a career as an anthropologist. My interest in the environment's role on society and culture has also led to a desire to broaden the field of ecological anthropology by integrating it with information and applications from environmental science. During my relatively brief quest for knowledge, I have often been the victim of racial discrimination, which has fueled my ambition to enlighten others in ethnology and empower them with a holistic perspective of various cultures.
After visiting the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in Georgetown, Guyana, where my mother was born, I became intrigued by Guyanese ethnological and archaeological discoveries. With the proper guidance from the superb anthropology program at the University of Texas, I aspire to one day conduct fieldwork with the indigenous peoples of Guyana, specifically the Wai-Wai tribe. In a further effort to expand my knowledge and exercise my distinct learning perspectives, I aim to travel the world to societies typically unseen by the general public eye and depict their unique traditions through ethnographic periodicals, films, photography and other widely accessible media. By conducting fieldwork in various communities, I seek to acquire beneficial insight and develop innovative anthropological concepts based on the population's social, economic, and political structures. As a subscriber to National Geographic magazine and a member of the American Anthropological Association, I am committed to the ever-advancing field of anthropology as the discipline that analyzes humankind in all its characteristics.
The way to make my work meaningful is to make real contributions to the field of anthropology, as well as preserve lasting relationships with the distinguished professors at the university. This will begin with my studies in the courses of Ethnographic Theory, Introduction to Archaeological Studies, and Theories of Culture & Society at the University of Texas. I also wish to participate in a Gypsy Language and Culture course taught by Prof. Ian Hancock, as well as a Science, Technology, & Race course with Prof. John Hartigan. I can also make notable contributions to the university by encouraging extracurricular organizations and events focused on anthropology, such as an ethnographic film festival or an annual field trip. In doing so, I hope to increase the overall student interest in anthropology - a discipline that generally does not receive nearly enough recognition as it should.
Although there is much ahead of me, I am prepared for whichever challenges await me and would be more than proud to brandish the hue of burnt orange. Furthering my studies at the University of Texas would not only grant my wish to become a Texas Longhorn, but enable me to exceed my personal and scholastic goals by stimulating my creative intellect and enriching my approaches to learning - enhancing my capabilities as a student and aspiring ecological anthropologist. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to the field of anthropology from the internationally renowned faculty at the university, as well as make significant advancements in all of my prospective areas of study. With an unrivaled education from the University of Texas, I am certain that I would be best prepared for my career in anthropology and success in the real world.
Statement of Purpose
My Essay:
One vital component of being an anthropologist is exposing oneself to great and historical cultures. Immersing myself for the next few years in the culture of the University of Texas would be in itself, a grand step towards my goal of becoming an influential anthropologist. As a first generation Guyanese-Texan, I have been fortunate enough to grow up with an exposure to many cultures and subcultures, which has augmented my curiosity and passion for a career in anthropology. I have long been fascinated with the ethnological studies of human-environmental relationships - such as a society's interactions with ecological, technological, and social structures - and I am eager to accelerate my studies in the fields of ethnology, linguistics, physical anthropology and archaeology at the University of Texas before embarking on a career as an anthropologist. My interest in the environment's role on society and culture has also led to a desire to broaden the field of ecological anthropology by integrating it with information and applications from environmental science. During my relatively brief quest for knowledge, I have often been the victim of racial discrimination, which has fueled my ambition to enlighten others in ethnology and empower them with a holistic perspective of various cultures.
After visiting the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in Georgetown, Guyana, where my mother was born, I became intrigued by Guyanese ethnological and archaeological discoveries. With the proper guidance from the superb anthropology program at the University of Texas, I aspire to one day conduct fieldwork with the indigenous peoples of Guyana, specifically the Wai-Wai tribe. In a further effort to expand my knowledge and exercise my distinct learning perspectives, I aim to travel the world to societies typically unseen by the general public eye and depict their unique traditions through ethnographic periodicals, films, photography and other widely accessible media. By conducting fieldwork in various communities, I seek to acquire beneficial insight and develop innovative anthropological concepts based on the population's social, economic, and political structures. As a subscriber to National Geographic magazine and a member of the American Anthropological Association, I am committed to the ever-advancing field of anthropology as the discipline that analyzes humankind in all its characteristics.
The way to make my work meaningful is to make real contributions to the field of anthropology, as well as preserve lasting relationships with the distinguished professors at the university. This will begin with my studies in the courses of Ethnographic Theory, Introduction to Archaeological Studies, and Theories of Culture & Society at the University of Texas. I also wish to participate in a Gypsy Language and Culture course taught by Prof. Ian Hancock, as well as a Science, Technology, & Race course with Prof. John Hartigan. I can also make notable contributions to the university by encouraging extracurricular organizations and events focused on anthropology, such as an ethnographic film festival or an annual field trip. In doing so, I hope to increase the overall student interest in anthropology - a discipline that generally does not receive nearly enough recognition as it should.
Although there is much ahead of me, I am prepared for whichever challenges await me and would be more than proud to brandish the hue of burnt orange. Furthering my studies at the University of Texas would not only grant my wish to become a Texas Longhorn, but enable me to exceed my personal and scholastic goals by stimulating my creative intellect and enriching my approaches to learning - enhancing my capabilities as a student and aspiring ecological anthropologist. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to the field of anthropology from the internationally renowned faculty at the university, as well as make significant advancements in all of my prospective areas of study. With an unrivaled education from the University of Texas, I am certain that I would be best prepared for my career in anthropology and success in the real world.
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