Art Therapy Personal Statement

Widened with amazement, my eyes watched as my fingers swirled the blobs of red and blue paint into a deep purple. The smell of tempera paint and wet wood-chips surrounded me that rainy day in the small playground of De Colores pre-school. I vividly remember feeling that astounded thrice more; first, when I roamed the aisles of Michael’s craft store for the first time, secondly, when I perfected my favorite shrimp dish, and lastly after my first psychology course. Though I have had countless positive and exciting experiences, I have also had some pretty impactful negative ones. Dropping out of high school was the biggest blessing in disguise of my life. It led to my enrollment in a concurrent enrollment program at a local community college that changed my life, through which I met some resilient people that I will always remember. Art therapy is my number one career choice and the Master of Arts in Art Therapy program at Notre Dame de Namur University

To speak up for those who cannot do so for themselves, to question that that is unjust, to accept the differences in others without judgement, and to do good by others. My father taught me to value life and enjoy the simplest things like breathing, enjoy the sun’s rays as they warm the soil beneath our feet, and appreciate the cold air when it gives me goosebumps because it means that I am alive. He taught me to do everything as best as I can or not to do it at all but also not to accept anything less than excellent. And my former jobs have taught me the importance of accountability and how my actions directly and indirectly affect those around me. The required courses for the Master of Arts in Art Therapy such as Communication and Counseling Skills, Methods of Group and Family Therapy, and Professional Ethics and Law will give me the skills and necessary to be a competent and successful art