Iraolyn S. Humphreys

Grad School Personal Statement Writing Sample

Someone once told me that you will find your true livelihood when you discover what it

is that you do with ease, what you would do for free, and what it is that moves you to the point of

going against the grain, taking leaps of faith, and challenging yourself beyond all previously set,

self imposed boundaries. For me, it’s applying the writing gift that I’ve developed over the years

towards a lucrative career as a communications specialist. Most of my writing experience is

derived from drafting effective correspondence to clients and colleagues, helping peers with their

writing, providing insight on how to intelligently convey thoughts and ideas to senior level

management, and developing solid business relationships among chief level executives. Pursuing

a master’s degree in communications would not only allow me the opportunity to utilize my gift

as a writer on a more broader, professional scale, but I’d also evolve into a more natural and

crafted communications specialist by delving into every area of the communication spectrum.

I really do believe that the best barometer of what we ought to be doing with our lives is

locked up in our hearts, in our passions. The ability to speak and to write congruently has always

come rather naturally for me, thus causing me to take it for granted, and never really considering

it as a gifting or a talent. Needless to say, I was never driven by my ability to write well or to

work in public communications until my last semester in college. Before then, partying and other

various forms of immaturity distracted me from taking my future seriously; consequently, my

grades suffered. The summer before, I had taken an expository writing course and was taken

aback by the many distinct writing styles that there were and how I was able to quickly grasp

them, and successfully communicate messages by using more concise, yet detailed writing

variations. Even though I didn’t pursue a graduate education right away, the longing for a more

agreeable, suitable career never dissipated. Upon graduating, I took the time to reflect on what I

had learned, and whether or not I wanted to pursue the usual career paths of a political science

Iraolyn S. Humphreys

major. The answer was no. It’s comical to me how one often searches scrupulously for their

purpose and passion, only to inevitably find that it was right in front of them all along.

Naturally, as a political science major I took quite a few courses within comparative

politics and international relations, and became aware that the world’s prosperous, diverse, yet

oftentimes conflicting political systems rarely agreed upon topics that were intended to impact the

good of the world. So once the revelation set in (and it did take some time) that my ability to

write well was actually a Godsend, I became consumed—almost to the point of an obsession—

with figuring out what exactly my writing niche was and exactly what I needed to do to perfect it

and turn it into a budding career. The more I wrote, the more praises I received for my writing,

the more driven and determined I became.

Most of us thrive in the job or career that opens the door to our creative zeal and deep

fascination—when we can enjoy our employ and see our salary as a benefit rather than the

objective. It was coherent communication, both oral and written, which allowed me to excel in

business development by building lasting rapports between Fortune 100 companies and

consulting firms. Through studying and understanding the attitudes, practices, and concerns of

both the client and the customer, I developed business, and generated and increased revenue.

My post undergraduate accomplishments are completely opposite of what my degree

suggests that they may have been. Having a work history comprised of mostly business

development positions; I think it’s reasonable to assert that I’ve gained the foundational skills

necessary to become an accomplished public relations specialist. While I have made a decent

living working in that field, the idea of acclimating it as my permanent career has never been an

option for me. I wasn’t getting the sense of fulfillment that one should gain from a career. The

pining for more, which I have oftentimes delayed confronting, remained a sputter that permeated

the truth of my dreams and desires.

I don’t believe that the things we are good at are all a matter of happenstance. I believe

that they all intertwined in order to reach a desired outcome, a purpose. It was a light bulb

Iraolyn S. Humphreys

moment for me when I realized that I shouldn’t categorize my success in business development,

my ability to effectively communicate, and the happiness that I feel when motivating and

uplifting others as random things that I happen to do well. They are all fundamental elements of a

clear, efficient communications specialist. I assert that these attributes have laid a solid,

forthcoming underpinning which will soundly lead to a gratifying career in public relations.

As a business development professional working in the helm of the political landscape,

witnessing the influence and persuasiveness of effective of political communication, I more than

welcome the chance to study at one of the area’s most prominent and revered learning

institutions. Entering the master’s communication program will perfectly position me to

transition careers and become a better rounded communicator. The program affords working

professionals and alike the chance to get ahead and to go after those dreams and ambitions that

may have lain dormant, or that they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to pursue.

With its diversity among students and faculty, Trinity Washington University

differentiates itself by offering a rigorous, comprehensive program designed to help students

excel, all while ensuring that they are well equipped to address the demanding and ever-changing

public relations arena. My determination to succeed in this program is fueled by a passion that

demands more from me than the mundane and mediocre. Moreover, I am driven by a passion

that won’t allow me to become deterred by the incessant demands of life. In retrospect, I believe

that it is the zest that I have for my purpose and my destiny that qualifies me as being capable of

successfully tackling the challenges that will undeniably come with all of the rewards that the

communication program will bring.

I’ve recently taken a couple of major steps that are strategically aligned with my decision

to change career paths. I have started writing for the Magnificent View magazine, which is a

quarterly published Christian magazine produced by Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in

Washington, D.C. There is no pay associated with writing for the magazine. The fulfillment is in

being able to serve, without pretense, while simultaneously crafting my writing skills.

Iraolyn S. Humphreys

I am also involved with a local Toastmasters Club. Their commitment of helping people

to develop and refine their oratorical and speechwriting skills has helped me to more aptly deliver

speeches and sales presentations. I am hopeful that the skill set that I am gaining and the graduate

program will place me at a great advantage to compete with some of the best PR specialists in the

DC metropolitan area. I respectfully look forward to the challenge ahead.