Personal Statement of Purpose for entering into a Graduate Civil Engineering Program

Civil war, suffering, death, and crippling poverty are things most Americans, and thankfully so, will never experience. Before I was **, I had experienced all four, fleeing everything I had ever known as a civil war tore apart my homeland of [Sub Saharan African country]. Living in refugee camps with my family, I finally gained passage to [Southeast Asia], where I finished my high school education. People do not often think about how refugees have hopes and dreams over and above survival and peace. While I pray for peace in [Sub Saharan African country], my parent's sacrifices to help me reach my dreams will never be in vain. Coming to America in 2000, and the University of *****, I have begun building my future, every day, one step closer to my dreams. Do not copy our samples.

I do not believe that my undergraduate GPA reflects the seriousness with which I approached my academics. It was extremely difficult as an immigrant, coming to America with a pocketful of hopes, and a family in [Sub Saharan African country] depending on my financial support. At first, I enrolled in part-time evening classes at college while working full-time during the day. I came to discover, though, that not all of the classes I needed were offered in the evening, and my plan and schedule needed to modified. I did not learn time management skills from a book; I learned them through need. While conducting my Civil Engineering undergraduate degree with U**, I had to quit my day job, working on the weekends and as a part-time student worker instead. I have done my utmost to bring my lifelong dream of becoming a civil engineer to fruition and not neglect my family's sacrifices so that I can give us all a brighter future.

A solid academic foundation and research opportunities in Transport Engineering combined with my practical experience with the ***** DOT will allow me to make valuable contributions to cities, states and even at national levels, in highway engineering capacities, facilitating the movement of goods and people. For me, there is no greater contribution that I could make to society's future, my knowledge and experience expanding the prosperity of communities. Indeed, my time with the ***** DOT has proven my ability to work autonomously or as a team leader. As a graduate engineer for the agency, I realized how much I enjoyed the working environment, and producing engineering designs. I felt most productive while working with my teammates, though, giving presentations on the development and progress of our projects, and solving problems. Our Samples are viewed hundreds of times per day!

My desire to help others and contribute to their welfare is evident through my volunteer work. I truly loved my time volunteering at the ***** Public Library as a homework helper, teaching student good research practices, offering project help, effective use of IT, and encouraging the use of library print materials. In addition to this, I have volunteered my time as a tutor through the non-profit ***** County Educational District which partnered with the ***** Learning Center, to provide family support and specialized learning opportunities for at-risk families.

Moreover, I have made constructive use of my international experiences, immigrant experience and education in co-curricular activities, such as through the ***** Somali Student Union, ***** Student Association of *****, and as a member and research assistant for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE U of *** Chapter). Indeed, in the spring of 200*, I led and supervised a group of fifteen students from different colleges in a research project aimed at addressing the staggering drop-out rate amongst immigrant students in ***** colleges and high schools. The experience was eye opening and beyond doubt gratifying for the volunteers and students that participated. Through this experience, we made use of a leadership style that allowed students to take lead roles, supervising their progress and only assisting when necessary. I feel that the students learned a great deal about themselves during this process, while simultaneously, I was able to apply my leadership skills to making a difference in my community. Anti plagiarism software utilized by schools, employers, program directors, and businesses are ALL fully aware of our samples!

University of ***** has been my sole choice for academic development since coming to America ***** years ago. It is my hope that I may continue my academic relationship with U**, up to the Ph.D. level. I have always been truly impressed with the school, am thoroughly satisfied and comfortable with the school, the amazing faculty and dynamic student body that has made me feel welcome.

I look forward to the opportunity to develop myself as a creative leader for civil engineering. There are many opportunities in the field of civil engineering and through a continued relationship with U**, I will be able to make that field larger. Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated and I eagerly await a personal interview.