Admissions Essay

My name is Arthur Townsend and I would love to be a part of the Applied Arts and Sciences Master’s Program here at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This whole program has me very interested. I see parts of the program that are based on things that are relative to what is going on in the world around us. I found some of the classes listed to have the most interesting titles. To begin, when I was accepted to UNCG, I wanted to graduate with a degree that would allow me to further myself at my current job.

When it came down to choosing a major, I wanted a major that would help me in the future but also allow me to advance and move up where I work. I started out as a Peace and Conflict’s major because Human Resources Management was something of appeal to me and I wanted to explore the option. I worked hard gathering my credits and passing classes, and then I came across the BIPS program. This program was appealing as well because it offered a well-rounded education. It was the type of education that could get me into many fields, not just one discipline. Thus, at the same time prepare me for different positions at my current job. So, I took classes and waited for the BIPS program to be approved. After approval, I truly felt like I had the right major.

Upon entering the BIPS program, I had somewhat of an idea of what to expect, but I don’t think I ever expected to be using the classes in everyday life like I am right now. For example, learning how to use inferences of data, media and self-awareness taught me how to be able to communicate with different types of people. Also, these classes are huge in breaking down the understanding of how society works. For example, everything in this age is digital. We need to be able to navigate the internet, and also we need to know how to use information like data. Data is everywhere. It helps us in travel, our health, our culture, and in keeping us safe.

            Coincidentally, this is why I am so interested in the The Applied Arts and Sciences Master’s Program. It is very similar to the BIPS program in terms of types of classes offered. The similarities in courses are huge for me because I feel I can pull knowledge and experience from my previous classes and apply it here. Similarly, this happens to be where I know I can further my professional goals and aims, as well. There is no doubt, my understanding of how these courses ask the participant to think critically only furthers my quest to ask questions and never just settle. I love being able to test a situation and apply different learning outcomes to it and then be able to find a solution. Like my Capstone project that I am currently working on.

I chose a topic that is relevant in society, and one that is personal, as well. My Instructor, Dr. Harrington, challenges me to do better and I love being pushed and not just thinking my work is done. I can always see room for improvement after talking and discussing things with her. Her ability to make me think critically is crucial to my understanding of digging deeper to finding that true answer to a problem, question, or even struggle.

In addition, my personal quest for an education that would strengthen my knowledge and ability to examine situations and then find a solution has definitely been impacted. I’ve had to find ways to solutions throughout my life and this university has prepared me to be able to find a common ground and resolution to them in a much better way than before I attended here. I’m sure the whole idea of going to college and pursuing a higher education is to prepare students for real-life journeys and situations that will arise. With preparedness and education, we can find solutions and common ground that gives us a better understanding about how the world functions and how the people who reside in it interact. So, if we further our education and professional skills in an academic setting. Then, the better we will be in terms of preparedness.

With that being said, there are questions about society, myself, and other parts of the world that I would love to research and answer. This program in Applied Arts and Sciences will get me there. For example, there is a class titled, “Food and Film,” which I noticed and immediately thought how inspiring. This is what I said. I would love to take this course. Not, because I love movies and eating, but because this course seems so well-rounded and relevant to everything we do all around the world. I pictured different cultures and people coming together like family and friends enjoying something in common. However, “Food and Film” are also two of those things that every society shares. Different parts of the world see those two things as love and communion, which I share a deep connection with.

Understandably, when we study the connections and beginnings of different people, we will see the similarities they share, as well. I attribute this to learning and gaining knowledge that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There was a time in my life where a college degree seemed so far off from reality. Not in a bad way, but when I was getting started with my schooling, graduating seemed like it would never come. As I enter my senior year, I am constantly reminded of how many people who would be proud of me. Some are here, and some are not. However, the time has come.

Then I look at all this program has to offer and I can’t help but feel full of hope. Professionally, this program can take me to places I have never imagined. There are courses in religion. This is one topic that is in every conversation amongst people of the church, leaders of organizations, and groups of people who feel their needs and demands should be met. Learning about how religions started and progressed could do nothing but help me in my professional endeavors.

Learning and studying Human Rights is a very big deal. As we all share a voice for what we want in feeling accepted and needed, we know the struggles that got us here. The country in which we live was founded on Human Rights and as time has passed, things were done so that everyone could be equal. It’s very important we know our Human Rights and express them with gratitude and humbleness.

I believe learning about the struggles of third world countries, as they strived to reach global recognition like the U.S, is very important in learning about our society and theirs, as well. To me, this is all about learning from other cultures and what matters to them. I ask the question. Are these people happy or sad? Do they have satisfaction in where they are as a whole? Then, there are the stories of a dark land or place in history. Is this essential to professional growth? Of course it is!

I can say in entirety that a well-rounded education in the arts and sciences is the way to go. There is absolutely no telling where this program can take me. Without a doubt, I know this program will bring everything together for me. My understanding in global communications and interactions will improve. My consciousness of what is going on around me will continue to become clearer and clearer. I will even have confidence, plus knowledge to know where I stand in this world. 

I want to be smarter. I want to transform how I think and look at situations. I do not want to have a singular approach to things. I want to include all options and ideas which can further my understanding of any situation. Therefore, whether at work, home, with my friends, out in public or just alone. I want to constantly be learning. This is why I chose to apply to the Applied Arts and Sciences Master’s Program. I need that connection to an institution of higher learning that is invested in its student’s growth and wants to help them be better citizens. Furthermore, this program offers so many of the tools that are needed in today’s society.

I hope the opportunity will be given to me so that I can continue to answer those questions which I seek answers to. There’s a big world out here. A world that needs educated people to fill it. Unmistakably, educated people who desire to attain knowledge and better themselves. I want to belong to those who seek understanding and to those who seek knowledge. I want to be a part of something special. Nothing could make me more thankful and humble than to be offered the opportunity to advance my learning and professionalism with the people of the Applied Arts and Sciences faculty here at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Thank you.