Essay on How have your academic work, professional work, and/or life experiences prepared you for graduate school?

One of the proudest accomplishments of my life was earning my college degree from Life University, despite the fact that I had to travel miles away to receive it. Throughout my childhood I lived on the edge and didn’t have a clue what I wanted to be when I grew up. I worked for low-paying jobs; receptionist, waitress, housecleaner, etc.

There is nothing like scrubbing someone else’s bathroom to inspire one with determination toward obtaining an education. Because of my commitment toward earning my degree, I got a flexible job at a restaurant which enabled me to acquire my degree while supporting myself financially.

I enrolled at a local community college, where I experienced a different world opening to me; excited by a new encouraging environment; however, frustrated because it only made me do circles and left me lost for my first few years of college.  I felt discouraged, I went through hardships with my family which caused me to be depressed. I knew I had to excel academically and move towards University Life so I could excel in a major that I am passionate about and would enjoy doing outside of school.

I learned that if I tried hard, I could succeed; if I wanted something badly enough, I possessed the ability to take advantage of these opportunities. I worked a minimum of a 40-hour work week for two years until I could afford to move to Marietta, Georgia and put myself through school without succumbing to the temptation of a student loan. With a lifelong passion of nutrition, I have developed an interest in healthcare. At the age of 14, I was diagnosed as an anemic and as I got older I dealt with manic depression.

Therefore, I never understood why one human should take medical drugs to cure their disease or disorder. I always wanted to learn how to reverse these diseases or disorders with proper nutrition. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, I experienced working with women at Allure Medical for five years. These women fascinated me, inspired me, and helped me become the best person I am today. I worked for a bariatric procedure for five years and was apart of a FDA clinical trial for two years. After my third year of working for Allure Medical, I was promoted as a wellness director. This is where I learned more about marketing, business, KPIs, and managing employees. I realized this was something I truly loved and would rather see myself doing long term.

The only thing that was holding me back was the proper education.

My focus as an undergraduate has always been with an eye toward graduate school and a career as a professional woman in the healthcare industry. Aware of the rigor of graduate study, I have not only completed my undergraduate degree in Nutrition but I also currently worked for a company that allowed me to work within my means for five years. In addition, I have become active in the healthcare industry. With the help of the FDA clinical study and the help of the doctor who I worked for, we created case studies, conference sessions to help me advance my position as a wellness director. The experience taught me that I have a flair for organization as well as mediation.

Under my leadership, Allure Medical has published written food and health blogs and hosted a variety of workshops and webinars regarding my activities. Due to the pandemic, I was laid off from my previous place of employment. My position as an authoritative figure both in classroom work and within my organization has awakened the desire to embrace learning and managing, for I enjoy sharing the excitement of health and wellness with co-workers, employees and peers, as well as helping them achieve their own health success.

I feel that my life experiences as well as my commitment to health education would be an asset to Baker’s MBA program with a focus in healthcare. Baker has an exciting interdisciplinary program that is exceptional. The combination of my work ethics and study habits is a great combination that will provide the background I desire in order to shape my future research interests.  I feel Baker is a premier institution as Allure Medical spoke very highly of, and offers a very competitive program.  However, I know the tools and the determination to excel. The combination of leadership and management from MBA and work experience in healthcare will provide me with a path to a vibrant career. It will help me to growth on personal and professional levels. The skills and knowledge obtained from MBA degree will open up doors for me and it will provide me with more options for advancing in a career. The fundamental understanding of accounting and logistics will provide me with a solid foundation to opt for health services management. my life long career in health management will be boosted with skills obtained by pursuing a business degree. I find myself in future as skilled health management and administration services provider. The benefits are worth to devote a career in the health service industry.