<p>Hi, im planning to study abroad, here is my rough draft essay, for security purposes i have changed or altered the schools names. Thank you for any feedback, comments..VERY APPRECIATED:) </p>
<p>Purpose Essay: "Please indicate the extent to which your course work and educational experience have prepared you to study abroad. Discuss how overseas study will contribute to your academic and career goals."</p>
<p>My immediate goal is to gain admission to study abroad in Italy. I know that studying Language and Literature in Italy would be a rewarding opportunity that will only enhance my knowledge to include more than what is available to me at my campus and surroundings and to explore a distinctive educational system and culture. It would be an outstanding locality for my minor in Italian, a place enriched with the Italian culture, surrounded by the art of famous Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. A place were I can learn Italian as well as gain a deep understanding of Italy. Studying a language is more than just learning the words and using the words, its taking an active role in that community and interacting with the people in that culture. I am interested in submersing myself in what it is to be Italian and observe the way Italians live, interact and communicate. I will discuss my educational background, academic interests and future plans. </p>
<pre><code>2. I grew up in the inner city and went to ******* High School in Los Angeles. Since I was in high school I knew I wanted to attend college and have competitive classes so I enrolled in the Magnet Program which was a preparatory program aimed at students who wanted to attend college after high school. I struggled during my high school years because my studying skills were weak, but never wanted to surrender myself because if I did I would just be affecting myself and my family. Graduating from high school was not my accomplishment but instead I saw it as a foundation for my future goals to attend a University and obtain my B.A. and Masters. I finished high school and went into community college since at the time I felt that this was the best thing to do. I went to several community colleges and did all my requirements and found myself struggling with Mathematics, I took the initiative to go tutoring everyday and was prepared to take the class as many times as I had to, after the third time in a Statistics class I successfully passed it and was able to transfer. I couldnt let one rigorous course get in the way of my present plans, which at the time was to transfer. Passing my Statistics class was not only a great relief but also gave me a great deal of self-assurance. It made me witness that no matter how tough something may be, or how much you may dislike it, if you stick to a goal and rid yourself of negativity you can and will overcome it. It took me lots of patience, self determination and motivation to continue, and being able to do it taught me to be stronger and gave me the willingness to have more goals to accomplish even those that seemed impossible. Seeing that I could pass my Statistics class therefore gave me that drive to believe in myself and know that I could confront the many more obstacles the future may bring.
- I then transferred to Cal State ****** were I began to study my major which is Communication Studies which I will be done with Spring 2006. Initially I was a Psychology major but decided to study Communication Studies to challenge myself. Since I was a child I had always been timid, and became nervous when talking to strangers, I realized how much it affected me and wasnt willing to keep living that way. For that reason, I decided to be a Communication Studies major so that I can make myself a better communicator and also to someday help children who are shy overcome their fear of talking. When I told friends and family about my major some became skeptical and some even made pessimistic remarks, but I didnt let that get in my way and instead used it to demonstrate to myself and them that I could change. From taking several Communication courses my shyness has subsided and I am more comfortable in speaking to people and giving class presentations than I was before I started taking these courses. I have learned that we can change or alter traits we dislike in oneself.
4.Majoring in Communication Studies gave me a curiosity in learning a different language and culture. Since Im half Italian but only speak English and Spanish, I decided that I would take a plunge and learn Italian. Due to the richness of the culture and through the language I want to discover my own Italian identity. Being a minor in Italian and learning about that culture, will only serve me in positive ways. I will be taking Italian 1 and European Literature for Spring 2006 and my current goal is to speak Italian and absorb the Italian culture. The way that the study abroad program will benefit me is that with my minor in Italian I will effectively learn Italian through the immersion of being in Italy for a whole academic year, which in my view is more beneficial than studying Italian courses at my current school. I have decided to delay my graduation by a semester, because I think that the immense opportunity to learn and study abroad is more important than an immediate graduation and has its effective benefits both intellectually and as an individual. Also, I have heard of famous Italian writers, poets, and artists yet havent experienced their work and would like to be exposed to it, like Italo Calvino or Dante.
5.Therefore, my school work which has provided me with courses which I have struggled with like Statistics and overcame, and my experience with my Communication Studies courses which have made me a better communicator have prepared me for the next level, the next aspiration which is to study Italian language and literature abroad. To separate from my habitual lifestyle and to commit myself to learning Italian and absorbing the culture. To consume as much as possible from Italy; their traditions, norms and language. My goal is to go into another country (Italy) and meet new people, master Italian, and come back as a more assertive, knowledgeable, and independent woman than what I am today. I know that studying abroad will open my mind and change who I am, and that I will come back to the United States as a different, more improved person
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