My Motivation to Pursue M.A. in Urban and Public Affairs

I am extremely interested in pursuing a Masters Degree in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco because of its continued advocacy in building alliances within the community and its discourse on race, policy and social justice. The University of San Francisco has the reputation, faculty and curriculum for me to gain the experience and fundamental knowledge to be apart of the discussion that advocates for marginalized communities and to help transform public policy.

My interest with this graduate program is to take a closer look at the relationship and connection between institutionalized racism and how government policies are enacted and implemented. And, how these policies disproportionately affect families with low socio-economic resources whose lives are fundamentally altered due to a system based on discrimination and segregation. Public policy based on race negatively affects people of color solidifying social inequality and social disadvantages. Essentially, my goals are that all citizens have access to public services that benefit the entire community not just the homogenous affluent neighborhoods. All citizens deserve access to well-lit paved roads, good schools and access to public transportation and are designed to be healthy, safe environments.

I have attained an Associates of Science Degree from City College of San Francisco with an emphasis on Hospitality Management. Affirming my commitment to public service and my ability to oversee a business and manage projects. Next, I obtained a Certificate in Human Resources from Cal State East Bay, which provided me with the know-how for implementing policy and procedures within my career in Restaurant Management. I then pursued an undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, East Bay that prepared me with a solid foundation to develop skills in critical thinking and complex problem solving. My background in this field of study has given me the opportunity to expand my mind and explore a variety of subjects related to Social Sciences, Ethnic Studies, History and the Arts. I have definitely gained a tremendous amount of respect for different cultures and perspectives including a broader understanding of the world around me.

I am currently taking courses in Construction Management and Architecture and design at Laney College in Oakland, CA. Through these courses, I have gained an extensive awareness on design practices committed to sustainability plus the requirements needed to construct new projects including building permits, materials, labor, contract documents and construction cost. Considering the rapid change in our climate the modern built environment requires strategic planning involving the conservation of natural resources, reducing waste to landfills, reducing green house gas emissions and a commitment to public service that will improve the standard of living for all citizens.

Essentially, I have been preparing for a degree in Urban and Public Affairs my whole life. My personal life journey has been filled with economic disparities. The surroundings from which I come from have not been emotionally or financially supportive. My background encompasses extreme poverty with parents who suffer from alcohol abuse. However, I have been able to overcome these circumstances and rise above this undeserved pain. And, because of these experiences, I have been able to change my whole outlook on life. Social Fairness has always been a passion of mine. We are not all granted the same opportunities in life. But through education I have been able to challenge myself and see the potential that lies within. When I first started taking college course I was not focused or prepared for the rigor of academia. In the later part of my college career I have been able to maintain a higher sense of purpose and increase my overall GPA. I can also proudly say that I am the only member in my immediate and extended family to obtain a college degree. Although I was raised in a divisive environment I am on a mission to challenge myself and continue to persevere.

This program suites my personal interest in giving a voice to those who have been systemically disenfranchised. Through my undergraduate studies I have researched racism and how it is a common everyday experience for most people of color in this country. Because of the intersectionality of racism and public policy, these policies tend to advance the interest of white elites. I am interested in continuing researching the ideology of how the dominant society maintains the historical, political and social institutions while discriminating against different minority groups. I am committed to dismantling racism and retelling our stories through scholarly resistance. My long-term career goals are to work within a metropolitan area and develop land use, revitalize run down buildings and neighborhoods and develop programs that help create community through social fairness.