Grad's guide to graduate admissions essays - Colleen Reding 2015
Georgetown university school of medicine - Department of microbiology and immunology
Medicine/nursing/health
From the time I was in fourth grade until I entered college, my goal was to become an orthopedic surgeon. I have always been a type-A student that had everything planned out; I knew exactly where my life was headed. Then I came to Georgetown University. Freshman year started on a pre-med path, but I began to question whether it was the right fit. Increasingly, I exposed myself to a wider variety of subjects and realized what a wealth of opportunities college offered. Although science remained a priority, I discovered government classes piqued my interest as well. When the Biology Department began offering the Biology of Global Health major my sophomore year, I embraced it as the perfect opportunity to combine both of my passions: basic science and international health. I was mostly intrigued by the magnitude of impact disease has on a global spectrum and how it is responsible for intertwining cultures. This process brought the realization that I wanted to focus increasingly on policy in combination with biology following graduation.
Subsequent work experience with the Facilities, Security, and Emergency Management department at the Department of Education underlined my increasing interest in emergency management and homeland security. Through my work I witnessed the field’s constant fluidity as well as need for a complementary blend of creative thinking and policy implementation to function efficiently. This field incorporated many of my interests, from the science of biological and nuclear weapons to international relations. As a team member, I addressed many situations including security threats and swine flu precautions. My time and experience with these two fields, in addition to hands-on crisis preparation and management, led me to the realization I wanted to enter the homeland security field.
Through my employment after graduation for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I have seen firsthand how scientific evidence can be used to help create and influence policy and procedures at a nonprofit organization. As part of the Operations Department, I grew to understand the internal process of the organization, from raising money for research and scientific trials, pharmaceutical transactions, public policy, as well as interaction with grant providers and the government. Through my work experience, I realize I have an affinity for the application part of the process. My goal is to be a part of formulating and implementing policies that will benefit the public and country as a whole, specifically in the homeland security field.
After completing my graduate degree, my long-term goal is to pursue a career in the government or as a government contractor. I desire to play a role in formulating the best policies and procedures that will help, protect, and serve the homeland security of the United States. I believe this is a very demanding, evolving, and unique field that will challenge me to excel and increase my knowledge on an ongoing basis. In order to accomplish this, I must acquire the knowledge relevant to the application of these policies. Having attended Georgetown University for undergraduate school, I know what a tremendous academic education it provides for the whole person as well as the numerous opportunities available inside and outside of the classroom. With my science background, firsthand experiences at a nonprofit organization, and strong drive to succeed, I am confident I would offer positive contributions in return to the Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases program at Georgetown University.
