Hi all!
I am applying to Masters in Social Work programs, and am wondering how personal is too personal. I tend to be an open book, and feel like my personal history highlights my ability to work with clients working through a variety of issues. However, one of the people who looked over my Statement said that some of the info might be TMI, and could send the impression that I don't have a healthy boundary between personal life and work. I've included the possible TMI section below. In the paper, it is followed by a description of my years of volunteer and professional experiences in direct service with socially vulnerable populations. If y'all could read and respond with your opinions on which parts, if any, are too personal, I'd greatly appreciate it!
"I have experienced socially constructed obstacles due to my sexual orientation and gender identity, battled clinical depression and social anxiety, and survived sexual assault. Additionally, my half-brother committed suicide over six months ago, much to the surprise of his friends and family. These experiences have provided me with prospective on the many ways that people cope with trauma. My personal experiences make me aware of our society’s inequalities, and I have committed my professional and volunteer involvement to serving the disadvantaged. "