Please critique!! MA in IR SOP! for GWU

[Blbarron]

While the two subjects may seem entirely unrelated, my experience as an English major was the seed from which an interest in International Relations evolved. As an undergraduate, the wish to study English was influenced almost as much by a desire to learn about seemingly exotic cultures as it was by a love of literature itself. My penchant to use literature as means to educate myself on global issues was sparked by the much-publicized fatwa issued by Ayatollah Khomeni upon Salman Rushdie. As a fairly new Rushdie enthusiast I had read many of his works, but had yet to read controversial Satanic Verses. After reading Verses, my opinion of Rushdie’s literary genius did not diminish in the least, instead I became interested in the controversy surrounding both his satire of Islam, and its effect on the Muslim population. It was in this moment that I began to realize my fascination with the Middle East— a region filled with not only with conflicting religious, ethnic and political tensions, but also boasting a rich and complex cultural history. In an effort to demystify a culture that seems terrifyingly opaque to the average American citizen, I have read a vast array of works by Arabic, Iranian, and Israeli authors, covering topics such as the pre-Arab Spring tensions, the Israeli Palestinian conflict, to the Iranian Revolution. During my time at UCLA, I chose to take various courses in Middle Eastern and Jewish studies, which both solidified my interest in the region as well as intensified my desire to gain a more thorough and nuanced understanding of the Middle East as a whole.

I believe my desire to further my education in International Affairs will be best fulfilled at George Washington University. While at GW, I intend to specialize in both Middle East studies and International Law and Organizations. I appreciate the diversity of courses GW provides in both areas, and am especially looking forward to taking Politics and Religion in Post-Revolutionary Iran. Currently, I have a limited understanding of Farsi and wish to increase my knowledge of the language, as I feel the U.S policy towards Iran will become increasingly important in the years to come. I also wish to learn Arabic and Hebrew, and plan to participate in GW’s Aramex program in order to further my language skills while gaining valuable experience working for a non-governmental organization. I believe a secondary focus in International Law will be a perfect complement to my regional focus and will provide a solid framework for a rewarding career a career in International Relations.

The driving force behind my desire to study International Relations is the prospect of a fulfilling career in which I will be able to make at least a small impact upon the world. As the first person in my family to attend college or graduate school, obtaining a MA International Relations will not only allow me to sate my yearning desire for a better understanding of the world, but also provide me with a means to move beyond my own experiences, and enter the political and or diplomatic sphere. I am especially interested in addressing issues regarding women’s rights in the Middle East, as well as working for NGO’s that combine a nuanced understanding of the region with innovative ideas in order to bring wealth to areas afflicted by poverty. The wealth of opportunities and knowledge George Washington University will provide me will more than adequately prepare me contribute to the international community.

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[Blbarron]

Additionally, if anyone wants me to review their's privately, send me a private message! I was an English major.... I just need a bit of help with outside perspective when it comes to my own writing. Ever feel like you're stuck inside your own head with these things?