My Journey Towards Becoming a Doctor...of Philosophy!

The most difficult thing to do is talk about yourself. I'm quite serious when I make this statement. Have you ever gone on a job interview and had to answer some variation of "Tell me about yourself."? The Statement of Purpose, in a way, is similar. I am finding this to be a challenge to write. I've never really enjoyed answering that question in a job interview, so I suppose this is a natural struggle on the writing front. I have researched what a statement of purpose is for academic pursuits. I have looked up examples. I have read and re-read what the University is looking for in submissions. I have even asked colleagues.  I am stuck. But, I will prevail!  Because I am determined to suceed. And one day, I will be the  Dr. Hayes in my family; unlike my great-grandfather who was simply "Doc" Hayes. 

So, I have decided to go back to school and finish my degree path in History. I began this journey back in 2001 at Lansing Community College as an undergraduate student in Humanities. In 2004, I transferred to Michigan State University and continued in Interdisciplinary Humanities focusing on Middle East Studies. I graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and moved to Florida.  In 2007, I decided it was time for graduate school and began a Master's program with Union Institute and University out of Cincinnati. This was a completely online program. What sold me was the fact that it is accredited through the same institution as MSU. What a lucky break! I knew my degree would be good!! In 2010, I completed my program and graduated with a Master of Arts in History and Culture of the Middle East.  Here we are, 10 years later, and I am ready to put the application in to the local university and commit to full-time graduate study in History. Although I want to change my focus...