The ability to overcome obstacles, to navigate dust, sand and rough terrain, and to lead brave men, has equipped me with the fortitude to face difficult circumstances. As a combat veteran of “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” I was able to fulfill my duty to our country; my duty to serve others, however, is not over. All of my life's work, personal, professional, and educational, seems to have brought me to this point in space and time. Professional Career Goals: I earned my bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with a 3.65 GPA in my major. Therefore, I am confident that I have satisfied the necessary preparation for the rigorous road ahead. Through wisdom, compassion, and integrity, and through the transferable education, skills, and coursework I have acquired over the years, I believe my accomplishments will fit well with the pursuit of a Master of Arts in Education within the Guidance and Development area of students at Point Loma Nazarene University. Over the next five years, I intend to devote maximum attention and dedication to my university studies and to put maximum effort into learning the basic knowledge of the subject within the courses and the fundamental skills within the practical work required. My career goals are to become marketable and secure employment within a community college institution where I can use my newly refined attributes to display exemplary counseling and communication skills, to promote student development and achievement, to facilitate transitions and counsel students toward their full educational potential, to recognize, appreciate, and serve cultural differences and special needs of students and families, and show support...... middle of paper...... nue to grow as a Christian, have communion with other believers and want help in my professional goals: if the spirit of the Lord shines on me, I will be able to help others to shine too. The important factors that appeal to me about PLNU are as follows: the university is spiritually centered in Jesus Christ, has a superior retention and graduation rate, has a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, is responsible in managing resources , its faculty have proven and effective teaching strategies, it embraces ideas, practices, and relationships that honor the ethnic and cultural diversity of those from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, and finally, the simple fact that the counseling and guidance program is Accredited by CTC, NCATE and WASC is a major plus. I would be honored to be called a graduate student at PLNU!