Personal Statement
Degree Objective: Master of Arts Leadership and Administration
I am an international student studying a Masters of Arts degree at Valparaiso University, Indiana. Prior to my post- graduate study, I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. Part of my undergraduate degree included a Fine Arts minor, in which I obtained a 3.7 GPA.
My earliest college studies began at Hang Zhou Normal University (China) in music education prior to transferring to the United States to study. These early studies earned me a scholarship to both Valparaiso University and Hang Zhou Normal University.
I have always been involved in music and arts, both academically and personally. My passion for the arts is evident in my many accomplishments. My depth of my stage experience was significantly enriched as a result of my participation in Chinese music performance throughout my time in China, especially at Hang Zhou Normal University. I also earned an award as the youngest opera competitor in an international vocal festival.
During my recent study at Valparaiso University, I held several positions in the Women’s Choir and with the University Symphony Orchestra. These included a position as first soprano with the Choir, as the Co-Principal Second Violin and I also played in the First Violin Group. These have been most valuable experience that have not only improved and developed my musical performance ability, but that have also strengthened my skills at working as part of a team.
My enthusiasm for music began when I was six years of age with violin, solfeggio, and singing lessons. I embraced all these enthusiastically. My passion for the arts is also expressed through my artwork (drawing and photography, for example). I raise this as a valid point as part of this application, because I feel that my passion for art is self-motivated and I will take opportunities where I can find them.
Graduate courses completed at Valparaiso University have allowed me to explore future career opportunities in some depth. As a result, I have improved my arts administration skills and discovered that this is an area in which I am very interested in. For example, I had the opportunity to be a stage manager in charge of the “Q- sheet”. As part of this role, I mentored local high school students to be more efficient in their rehearsal times. In addition, I assisted a regional non-profit organization by conducting an audit, strategic plan, marketing, and rehearsal work in another course. Moreover, I worked as an event planner to bring to the stage a performance of “A Wish at West Lake”. As well as managing this event, I also co-shared the responsibility of adapting the script for the stage and also took part in budget-planning for the performance.
Overall, these varied busy administration opportunities have led me to discover many other facets of arts management and shown me how much I enjoy this component of my chosen career. management and shown me how much I enjoy this component of my chosen career. I feel I have developed many important additional skills as a result. My future career plans include the possibility of working with non-profit organizations related to the arts, such as theatre and museum.
My passion for the arts is very much part of my personality. For that reason, I seek further academic opportunity which will enrich the career path I wish to pursue. I now have substantial experience and exposure to many sides of the arts – from performance, stage management and administration. Because of my passion and experience, I am certain I can be a valuable and contributing participant of the Colorado State University - LEAP Institute for the Arts program. I believe this program will provide the challenges and stimulation that I need on my journey to achieve my career goals in Arts Management.
