MS Psychology Personal Statement

Asian American graduate student in Psychology, flanked by her traditional Asian parents.

Educational Background 

My interest in Psychology and my passion for dedicating my life to Mental Health Counseling began with the course “An Introduction to Psychology” at Palomar College, which I completed while still a senior at Escondido Charter High School. As I delved deeper into understanding the brain's function, the role of genetics, and the influence of our social and physical environment, I started analyzing my daily human interactions. I was captivated by the depth of Psychology, which led me to choose it as my undergraduate major. Now, I aim to make Psychology my career by pursuing an MA Degree in Psychology at ____ University, preparing to become an MFT. Your program is my top choice for graduate school due to its outstanding reputation and convenient location, allowing me to dedicate ample time to my studies.

My parents were not supportive of my decision to pursue a career in Psychology. As traditional Asian-immigrant parents, they valued careers in Finance and tried to steer me in that direction. I stood firm because I wish to dedicate my life to understanding the human mind, aiding those suffering to enhance their mental health and lives, rather than spending my days in front of a computer crunching numbers for a paycheck. They wanted me to become a banker or economic analyst for financial security, but money cannot buy happiness. I chose a career that fuels my passion and provides a sense of fulfillment. I am thrilled by the growing societal recognition of mental health's importance as part of holistic well-being, and the appreciation for self-awareness and actualization. Nothing excites me more than learning about cultural impacts on human relations, multiculturalism, and societal issues. I love learning, growing in emotional and intellectual intelligence, and preparing to support those facing serious mental health challenges.

During my three-and-a-half years as a double major in Psychology and Economics at Pepperdine University, I thoroughly enjoyed every class, especially those in Psychology. In my study of lifespan development, I had the privilege of observing elementary school children's behaviors weekly and writing detailed reports on the application of Piaget’s cognitive theory, Kohlberg’s six moral stages, Erikson’s theory of industry versus inferiority, and more. In psychological testing and assessment, I received comprehensive training on commonly used psychological tests, their implications, the importance of confidentiality and ethical sensitivity, and using SPSS for data analysis. My courses in psychology and religion, as well as social psychology, provided me with a deeper understanding of how society, culture, and religion significantly impact self and group identities, personality development, and changing perceptions of family and marital relationships. In my counseling theories and techniques course, I developed a strong interest in family therapies and learned the importance of selecting a suitable approach for clients. The more I learned in Counseling Psychology, the more determined I became to pursue MFT licensure in the future.

To gain research experience in my chosen field, I worked as a research assistant at Pepperdine University for eight months. My responsibilities included data collection, working on an article for submission to The Journal of Positive Psychology, and coordinating events for a student focus group, such as Waves Weekend, the greater Los Angeles alumni discussion in Spring 2017, and the Washington D.C. alumni gathering in the summer. I was responsible for coordinating sponsorships, conducting and delivering pre- and post-event surveys, analyzing and reporting survey data, and liaising with Pepperdine University's alumni office regarding alumni participation rates.

Alongside Professors Don Thompson and Cindy Miller-Perrin, this project focused on Pepperdine alumni aged 30 to 40, aiming to shed light on their lifestyles and the extent to which these were influenced by religion or religious faith. During my time at Pepperdine University, I was also a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a global business fraternity that offered opportunities to fundraise for the homeless and elementary school supplies. I volunteered with America Reads, a national literacy campaign, assisting in teaching English at a Chinese elementary school. These experiences helped me excel as an undergraduate Psychology student.

After graduation, I accepted a position as a project associate for SCG America Inc., a real estate development company, where I took on leadership roles, learned and practiced project management concepts, and acquired human resource management skills. I assisted the HR Department by interviewing new employees, writing and executing office procedures, and testing marketing strategies for company-owned restaurants. This position allowed me to appreciate the complex ways Psychology applies to the workplace. When colleagues seemed on the verge of emotional breakdowns due to unsatisfied customers, I offered to listen and helped resolve issues. I now look forward to using my counseling strategies and skills as a graduate student to contribute to maintaining a conflict-free, low-stress workplace. I am eager to be accepted into the M.S. in Traditional Counseling Program at California State University Fullerton, pursuing a career in helping people within a scientific, emotionally secure, and controlled environment.

Personal biography and its relevance to the counseling profession  

Born and raised in Shanghai, China, I moved to the USA at 16 to attend high school. Before that, I had read numerous novels about America and was eager to explore it out of curiosity. As a left-hander, my parents encouraged me to use my right hand due to the emphasis on social conformity in China. I found this logic flawed and decided to assert myself. Despite the pressure, I retained my left-hand skills and developed right-hand abilities by age 10. I played piano for over a decade and received professional training in Chinese vocal music and R&B in the U.S. Participating in musicals, school choirs, and gospel choirs has enhanced my appreciation for teamwork and effective communication. Another aspect that I bring to my Psychology studies is my experience overcoming an eating disorder, which has helped me personally understand how Psychology can heal and empower, highlighting the noble work of a Psychologist.

I have faced challenges head-on. As an exchange student in my Freshman year at a public high school in Plainwell, a small town in Michigan, I was one of only three Asians in the town, the only girl, and the only non-native English speaker. This situation was beneficial for my assimilation, especially in learning English, but initially felt like a nightmare. No one spoke to me for a week at a school that had never hosted an international student. With the unwavering support of my American host family, I began conversing with people in my imperfect English, joined the choir, and gradually learned to enjoy my surroundings.

I believe that strength is built through growth and self-awareness, transforming failures into challenges. One key motivation for pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling was my experience with my parents' marital issues. Helping individuals navigate their marital problems seems to be a win-win situation, as children can potentially benefit from such interventions, regardless of the marriage's outcome.

For instance, I never saw my parents show affection towards each other. My earliest memories are filled with tension and arguments. Growing up, I was often the intermediary between them, allowing them to avoid direct interaction. During therapy for my eating disorder, I realized its connection to my parents’ constant hostility. I felt deceived. Visiting my girlfriend's loving family, I often wondered why I couldn't have the same. My mother once told me that they would have divorced if not for me, a revelation that struck me deeply. At 17, I felt the burden of her manipulation and resolved to help others in similar situations. Studying Psychology became a natural choice, and I began exploring Marriage and Family Counseling (MFT) in high school.

Once I experienced the satisfaction of gaining weight quickly, I became obsessed with checking the scale daily and motivated to continue gaining. This is when I truly felt the power of Psychology. I freed myself from a distorted mental state and an underweight body. A course on body image and eating disorders prompted me to seek help at the school counseling center. Each session was a safe space where I could explore the roots of my issues and restore my healthy self-image. During my recovery, I reflected on what worked and am eager to assist young people dealing with eating disorders stemming from trauma, shame, social withdrawal, cultural ideals, or family dynamics.

Strength and weaknesses  

My greatest strength lies in my curiosity for learning, whether it's about our history or today's tech-savvy generation. Learning from the past propels our progress into the future. I am fully committed, from professional training in singing and piano playing to participating in national typing competitions, learning to write with both hands, and earning double majors for my Bachelor's Degree. Currently, I am pursuing certificates in project management and digital marketing, fields that will also help me understand the needs and resources of the counseling profession. 

My long-term involvement in the performing arts has built my self-confidence and poise in front of large audiences. As the director of my company’s annual Christmas party, I managed the staff decorating the ballroom, organized and rehearsed events with all attendees, coordinated with a third-party DJ and lighting company, and controlled the stage throughout the event.  

I am now highly adaptable, which I consider crucial since each new client represents a new environment for both the therapist and the client. Quickly adapting to the client will smooth the process for both parties and strengthen their bond, thus facilitating successful therapeutic outcomes. As my career advances, I look forward to increasingly tailoring my practices based on different communities and demographics, making my practice as culturally appropriate as possible. 

(Other backup strengths:) 

I consider myself persistent, as shown by my dedication to music. I've also been tenacious in building my social media portfolio, which allows me to spread positive energy globally. I write travel and food blogs, produce short films, and take part in music videos. Additionally, I strive to enhance my awareness and achieve greater balance and harmony in my life. I am straightforward and deeply passionate, especially regarding my professional goals. 

Understanding of the counseling profession and motivation behind it  

What I consider especially crucial to the counseling profession is the obligation to do everything possible to support each client holistically, tailored to their individual needs. Ideally, this approach will lead to a transformation of feelings through storytelling and sharing, using logic that enables clients to address their issues independently with the tools we help them uncover, illuminating paths in the darkness. Counselors offer knowledge, patience, warmth, understanding, and guidance in the pursuit of empowerment through self-management, whether in group or individual counseling therapy. 

Long term professional goal? Where do I see myself in 10 years? Ideal professional job?  

After earning the M.S. Degree in your esteemed Traditional Counseling Program at CSU_ and gaining experience as a professional mental health counselor specializing in MFT, my long-term plan is to return to graduate school. I aim to apply everything I've learned up to that point—as both an experienced practitioner and student—towards achieving excellence as a doctoral student. At this point, I'm uncertain whether my focus at the doctoral level will be on education or practice. For now, I intend to concentrate almost exclusively on counseling practices.

Currently a 24-year-old international student who enjoys the California sunshine, the freedom of personal expression in American culture, and a growing passion for counseling psychology, I envision myself in 10 years as a family-oriented individual with a husband, children, and pets. I see myself as a therapist or a professor in Psychology, continually exploring effective and practical solutions to stress, relationship challenges, and mental disorders, and as a life enthusiast who cherishes every small and big moment of joy.

Contribution to Society: 

I am eager to support immigrants facing unique mental health challenges that frequently accompany the immigrant journey, such as loneliness, stress from language barriers, difficulties in relationships due to shared living spaces, prejudice against minorities, and culture shock. As the number of Asian immigrants in the United States grows, there are extensive opportunities for professionals trained to address their spiritual and emotional needs, aiding in the recovery and maintenance of their well-being. Being Asian myself, I can relate to and creatively address the Asian tendency to hide issues from public view and the overwhelming pressure stemming from an excessive focus on social appearance. Asians often wear masks in public and convince themselves that "everything will be okay as long as I keep studying or working hard," even when they are struggling.

In the digital world, with the widespread use of social media, people are increasingly susceptible to the fear of missing out, the influence of distorted beauty standards, and often superficial and ultimately unsatisfying lifestyles. Technological advancements raise concerns about the mental well-being of regular Internet users. Are we truly more connected with the world through the information we encounter daily? Are we improving our communication with those around us using these additional tools? Is our mental and emotional well-being enhanced by the Internet? I consider these questions to be crucial in counseling psychology today.

(My special interest that might appeal to the admission committee) 

I plan to enhance my presence and engagement with both practice and networking in our digital world, using both traditional and innovative methods. I see significant potential in social platforms like blogs, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter for people to learn to differentiate and reject what lies behind all the beautifully curated posts that entice ordinary people into purchasing unnecessary items and ideas. As a blogger, I aim to use my influence to highlight the importance of mental well-being in an enjoyable, approachable, and easy-to-understand manner. I am convinced that the long-term positive impact on society is worth my effort. Therefore, I am thrilled at the prospect of dedicating myself to studying research counseling methods that are relevant to today’s younger generation. I am eager to commit my professional life to raising public interest in mental health, promoting self-reflection and open discussions with therapists, and ultimately having a positive impact on society as a whole.

Research Interest 

I aim to establish a primary focus as a counseling professional in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), addressing the needs of both extended and nuclear families requiring therapeutic support. My personal journey makes me well-suited for the study of eating disorders, and I am eager to contribute to research in this area, especially as these disorders increasingly impact younger populations. 

Whether working in a hospital, as a private practitioner, or in a school or business setting, my passion for counseling psychology will continue to grow, driving me to become a better individual and a team leader. I aim to empower decision-making skills, stress management, trauma coping, and relationship strategies while promoting holistic mental well-being. 

MS Psychology Personal Statement