Sample Personal Statement On Statement Of Intent

My desire to pursue a career in urban planning grew following the experience I encountered while working in East Scarborough community church while undertaking the community service course. On one occasion, a father a little girl was imprisoned, and the other another kid’s father committed suicide. Even though I wanted to help these kids, I had nothing to offer other than a mere comforting through wiping their tears. Furthermore, while undertaking research on policy analysis on the Priority Neighborhood Initiative (PNI) in East Scarborough, i came to learn the housing problems facing immigrants, particularly in Flemingdon Park, Toronto. I came to realize how tough it is for immigrants and Canadians to own a home in Toronto.
All these problems led me to realize the kind of challenges facing the society, most of which are not easily recognized by most people, especially those that are within the well-off class in our community. It is after this experience that I felt that I should find a way of providing solutions to such problems, and I could not find any better option other than being involved in urban planning in the society. Through planning, I will be in a better position in influencing the kind of policies that are implemented, which could effectively address most of the problems experienced by the less fortunate people in our society. Rapid urbanization contributed to various problems, including housing, crimes, water and sanitation issues, as well as many other problem; and it is only through effective planning that most of these problems could be addressed. While my other friends find stock exchange, going abroad and international internship appealing, I find the local societal issues are often overlooked.
The quality of life for all people in Toronto determines the prosperity of a city, which is fundamental in the current era of globalization. Social planning and policy analysis are, therefore, crucial aspects in building community capacity. It would be an honor to take part in this process, and this could only happen if I am properly equipped with MSc in Planning. I have already tried to make a difference by becoming a summer camp counselor at Toronto City Mission, an organization dedicated to community development through carrying out various social programs. The camp had five different camp sites across Toronto, and it was amazing to see how different all these camps are. The most “profitable” campsite with the best-behaved kids is based in Bridletown, a typical Chinese neighborhood; whereas the most “heahache” campsite is in Jane and Finch. I was fascinated by this geographically embedded ethno-cultural diversity. As minority population continue to grow, how do the planning profession in Toronto cope with diversity? Whether the diversity in our city translates into a competitive advantage or a never ending burden lies on the many trajectory of social policies.
Finally, following my community service in East Scarborough, I came to experience the misery of many people, especially immigrants’ life in the City of Toronto. I would therefore like to enter the profession of Urban Planning with a focus of social planning in University of Toronto. “No one rain drop believes it caused the flood, no snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.” My goal is to becoming one of the rain drops that would transform Toronto.