shelved

Sorry for the delay in response! I work at a local credit union. So that's sort of community-based and certainly people-focused.

Hey all. I have been struggling to address my academic history in my SOP in a way that is not all-consuming. I am applying to MLIS (Library Science) programs and so many scholarships and funding opportunities. I am writing this post to explain what happened, how I see that it has affected my life, and ask for help in how to spin it in a positive (but brief) way. TW for sexual violence and mental health issues. I was raped and abused by someone in Spring 2014. My grades slipped, that whole summer I was really struggling and constantly anxious. By the second week of senior year, I had to drop out because I kept seeing him on campus and I was breaking down. I moved back home, tried to get my health under control. I kept trying to go back to school at different local schools and kept leaving. I was diagnosed with PTSD and finally started getting my sh*t together. I was working a retail job and got promoted to Assistant Manager. I left for greener pastures and am at my current workplace. I've been here for almost 3 years and have been promoted three times in two different departments. I know this will look strong and I know, in conjunction with some volunteer work and other past involvement in mentoring/camp counseling/other youth-oriented programs, I have the ability to prove that I have the intention, drive and ability to handle a graduate program. I learned a lot about listening to myself, knowing my limits, etc. I also got diagnosed with ADHD which explains a lot of why I was having a had time with my academics through all of that as well. Obviously, those aren't like *great* things to come out and reveal to an admissions team. But there is absolutely no doubt that these things have affected both how I grew as a person and how they will view my transcript history. I'm a little nervous to post this, but could really use some help (and kindness, please). Thank you!

I am applying to University of Michigan, Pitt, Simmons and SJSU. I am a bit worried because I took medical leave that looks a bit chaotic in my transcript history. I am looking to address it in my statement of purpose without letting it take up the whole word count. I do have a lot of professional experience under my belt and I know that my recent work history will really help me! I'm looking to go into YA/Children's services.