Back to school... hopefully

So this last week... well, actually the last two weeks, I have been able to get out and do much. The weather is typical Washington spring... which means rain and lots of it. Work has been pretty fun and my big project lately was applying to the University of Washington (Bothell campus). The degree I'm applying for is a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Society, Ethics and Human Behavior. I had to write an essay on why I want to study this degree. With some help from mom, I think it turned out pretty good. In case you wanted to read it, I'll post it here:

Some might say I have taken the long road in obtaining my educational goals. I believe my life experiences have been instrumental in preparing me for higher education. This will serve dividends while completing a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on society, ethics and human behavior. In addition, life experience will enhance application of the content of classes and interaction with fellow students. Educational, personal, and employment experience have each played a significant role to influence my desire in finishing this degree.

My college education includes associate degrees in both Financial Management and Criminal Justice. In regards to the finance degree, one area I would enjoy studying is the vast difference in which each society values money and the reasons behind that behavior. The degree in Criminal Justice was a stepping-stone into my current field of work as a police officer. While taking courses for this profession, I was trained to interact with multiple types of human behavior. However, this training did not cover the reasons behind these actions. Completing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies would allow me to broaden my view of human behavior as it pertains to policing.

All but three years of my pre-college education has been outside of the United States, in Indonesia, Russia, and Germany. Even though the academic courses were taught in English, the indigenous cultures were evident within the institutions. Attending these schools and interacting daily with the culture of different countries has molded my life. These rich experiences have imparted both knowledge and a hunger to learn more about the world.

At the age of three, my family moved to a remote village on the island of Borneo, Indonesia. I grew up in a society completely foreign to most in the United States. During the eight years I spent living there, I lived in a developing world culture while still keeping the ethical values my parents taught. Each time I returned to America was like seeing our nation through the view of an outsider. Items that we consider normal and everyday, like our incredible freeway system and the multitude of choices at the local grocery market, were awe-inspiring and, at times, overwhelming. As I look back on these differences now, I realize how even the smallest items in each society can drastically change our lives and behavior.

At the age of fourteen, I moved again, but this time to Moscow, Russia, one of the largest cities in the world. As much as the skyscraper landscape contrasted from the bamboo hut village life, the greatest contrasts were in people’s lives. It was difficult to adapt to such a culture change. One element of the Russian society, which contrasted from that of Indonesia, was religion. While the latter was primarily Muslim, the Russian culture was predominantly atheistic and Russian Orthodox. The aspect of how religious values or lack of them can shape the lives of people, and in some cases entire countries, is a further element I wish to explore while studying my degree at the University of Washington.

A few years after high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving six years on active duty. I followed, led, and supervised a diverse group of people from all walks of life. Although challenging, I succeeded on every front and learned many important lessons, especially pertaining to leadership. These lessons trained me to become a fair and respected supervisor, regardless of differing lifestyles or ethical beliefs. After an honorable discharge, I began my current career in law enforcement.

I have had the privilege of serving as a police officer in the State of Washington over the past two years. I have seen first hand the vast differences in human behavior. More importantly, in working within a diverse community I desire to learn the driving force behind what motivates a human being to where they are in life. In essence, my work is the ultimate reason why I have chosen this program. I believe that a study of our society, ethical values, and human behavior can have a great impact on my development as a police officer.

Being a better police officer is obviously not my only aspiration in life. If the University of Washington grants me the opportunity to complete my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, I would join the Washington State National Guard as an officer. This leadership role would allow me to guide young members of the armed forces in the right direction while they begin their own path in life’s journey. This degree would also aid my career in becoming a detective, or even a sergeant within the police force. This position would offer multiple opportunities to better the community in which I serve. And that, after all, is what many of us strive to create.