American University Personal Statement

It is a tremendous honor to apply to American University’s School of International Service, Master of International Service program with a concentration in Global Security. American University has resonated with me since a young age, when I first heard John F. Kennedy eloquently deliver his Strategy for Peace speech. His encouraging words of peace and prosperity have profoundly affected my life, and inspired me to pursue a higher education in International Relations. Additionally, JFK’s speech and the many others at American University prompted me to research the school and its rich history further. My research on American University has only impressed me. I believe I would be a significant contributor to American University due to my professional

Moreover, my military career has also seen meaningful accomplishments. As a Non-Commissioned Officer, I have always received above average ratings on annual evaluations, which has led to increasingly greater leadership and responsibility roles well above my pay grade. I am fortunate to have had incredible opportunities in my life, which is why it is extremely important for me to give back as much as possible. This has been demonstrated through five years of volunteer work with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization. My duties primarily consisted of performing supplemental funeral services for Veterans who have passed away, but do not have full military honors. Assisting and supporting my education institutions is also a priority to me. For instance, I was invited as a guest speaker from my former community college to lecture four-hundred students interested in science fields on the concepts of battlefield forensics. Lastly, McDaniel College requested an interview, alongside my wife (who is also in the Army), in regard to my opinion and support towards the recent Department of Defense policy on women serving in combat roles. I was humbled by the college press publishing the article on the front page of

For example the courses, Causes of War and Conflict Assessment and Prevention, would balance my existing knowledge of conflict and security. Currently as an Intelligence Analyst, I am trained and experienced with operating within existing combat zones; in roles designed to support the War-fighters. I am excited at the opportunity to learn the other components of my field, which could give me an enhanced understanding of what drives a war and what could stop a war. Lastly, this program offers a unique learning environment that not only sparks my curiosity, but also seems to be designed for my situation as a full-time employee. There are other online programs available, but American University integrates the online learning in an intuitive and reasonable way, which does not sacrifice the material being learned. The web-cam appearances is great way to be involved with Professors and other students. Ultimately, my chief goals above all else is to protect the United States and make a difference, and I believe American University can help me obtain that goal. I look forward to finishing the application process and would like to thank American University for the chance to