SAMPLE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Kids with special needs are marginalized especially in underdeveloped countries like mine. I began my teaching career eight years ago and never thought I would come in contact with a child with special needs as a teacher. It presented a huge challenge; it was a new terrain in my teaching journey but it was gratifying. The experiences I have garnered from teaching kids with special needs and non-special needs, and the realization that there is a huge sidelining of students with special needs has greatly influenced my interest in the field of special education, hence, my interest in the postgraduate course, Education, Inclusion and Special need.

During my time as a private lesson tutor, I had the privilege of tutoring a kid with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Each day came with new challenges and experiences. I had heard about ADHD but had no feasible experience with what it was. Teaching this kid made created compassion in my heart and I found myself working with him from a place of love and zeal. As a teacher, I have my ‘proud teacher’ moments, whenever the parents of the child exhibit excitement over the development and performance of their child. A colleague who is experienced in working with autistic children who also have ADHD shared tips with me on how to impart knowledge to my special students despite the challenges and I found those ideas fascinating. This piqued my interest in special needs education. I began a Master’s Programme at the University of Lagos, Nigeria but was unable to complete it as a result of incessant strikes. Also, I did not get what I wanted in the program, that is, understanding the role I have to play in the development of children with learning and behavioural disabilities. In my country, Nigeria, the availability of special needs education is limited.

With a burning desire to still pursue an education in special needs regardless of the disappointment I had faced in the previous course of study, I decided to enroll in the MA Education, Inclusion, and Special Needs programme at the University of Hull, which will help me comprehend how to bridge the gap between non-special needs and special needs children. The University of Hull fits perfectly into my budget and the testimonials that have been presented concerning the university are mind-blowing. 

The statement that stands out to me the most is the school has a caring atmosphere that is almost family-like. I have no reservations about the University of Hull; I am sure that all my expectations will be met.