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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Marcella AndersonBachelor of Art/Psychology,

2009

Personal Statement

Personal Statement of Marcella J. Anderson

I returned to college at 46 years of age unsure if I could keep up with my younger colleagues. The purpose for my returning to school was to focus on gaining the education and bachelor’s degree needed in my state, for a position that would allow for field work in psychology. In the early 1980’s while earning my Associates degree, the field of psychology was my passion. I graduated in 1986 with a GPA of 3.86. It was during this time that Howard Gardner had written his book on the theory of multiple intelligences. The book was considered a recreational reading book and so during my free time from class studies I engaged in subsequent recreational reading. When I returned to college and discovered how this initial work and theory had influenced life-span development theory in a profound way I was amazed.

It is important for me to continue my education by completing graduate school. During my previous studies I have developed creative ideas and theories for study such as the brain pathology of Pedophilia and pheromone communication in the human species.

My ultimate goal is to complete a Master’s program in Forensic Psychology and a Doctorate program in Clinical Psychology. With this education I plan to engage in research and consulting services for court assessments in both civil and criminal cases where the mental health is at issue.

Resume

 Marcella Anderson605 W. Main St. 765-866-

0779P.O. Box 405

xfilesxfilesfan@yahoo.comNew Market, IN 47965  OBJECTIVE  To work in Consulting, Contractual, and/or Full or Part-Time &

Internship Opportunities in Correctional Psychology, Forensic Psychology Assessments, Court and Social Service Referral Programs and Mental Health Care.

  PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS LEGAL RESEARCH & ANALYSIS Skills & Experience:Extensive experience working in legal research, data collection and

information reporting.Excellent qualifications in extrapolating, analyzing and reporting legal

facts, precedents and case law.Proven success in meeting and exceeding all milestones and deadlines.  

TECHNOLOGY QUALIFICATIONS Proficient in the use of, Word 2003-2007, Excel, and PowerPoint Skilled in working with windows XP ,Vista and Windows 7.   COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY EDUCATION A.A., General Education (GPA 3.86/4.0), San Joaquin Delta College of California, General Education with a focus on Political Science and Psychology Legal Studies Curriculum (GPA 4.0/4.0), Southern California School of Law in Riverside California, 1st year student. B.A.(GPA 3.71/3.75), Argosy University Online, Bachelors of Arts in Psychology Graduation scheduled 12/09

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY Volunteer in Training for the Montgomery County Court Appointed Special

Advocates for Children

PERSONAL PROFILE I have a passion for social justice, equality and ethical leadership.

I have dynamic and persuasive communication skills. I have a record of performance excellence in fast-paced and challenging

projects and have received numerous outstanding achievement awards from previous employers.

I am detail oriented and quick to catch on to new skills._________________________________________________________________________

Previous Employment From 01/2006 I have been employed with various trucking companies the most

recent being Celadon Trucking in Indianapolis Indiana where I worked as a dedicated driver.

 From 08/2005 thru 01/2006 I was employed as a supervisor/accident investigator at Cobb County Transit in Marrietta Georgia.

 From 10/2000 thru 12/2004 I worked at Sunline Transit Agency in Thousand Palms California. I was a Union Shop Steward and represent fellow employees

in grievance matters arising from contract disputes. 

Most professional skills were developed in the educational environment which will transcend into a professional environment and help me to reach my

professional goals.

Reflection

As I reflect on my academic tenure at Argosy I reflect on a wealth of knowledge that I have gained. I experienced significant exposure in employing skeptical inquiry and scientific approaches to a wide variety of psychological perspectives. I was able to apply multiple perspectives to any given topic and analyze the complexities of any given issue. My strength in statistics and psychological testing principles allowed me to correctly summarize research design and determine the strength and weaknesses of various peer review journal articles.

It was difficult to work full time while being engaged in this critical learning process. However, many coworkers would ask about my studies and this gave me opportunities to present some of my work in oral presentations and increase my communication skills with a variety of audiences.

When I first began my education I was unfamiliar with the APA writing styles required for professional academics. I made significant progress in adherence and understanding of the writing style and engaged in student workshops to increase these skills.

Ethics across cultures gave me a unique insight on various ethical theories and religious views that are related to studies in the field of psychology. A task project required us to compare and contrast various ideologies and concepts in application to current events. The understanding and openness to cultural and socioeconomic diversity is an extremely important part of continued education in the field of psychology and to view issues and perspectives free of personal bias.

I have gained the ability to recognize the major concepts and theoretical perspectives involved in the field of psychology along with the historical and future trends associated with this field of study and practice.

Work Samples

PROFESSIONAL WORK SAMPLES INDEX

1. Cognitive abilities: “Intelligence Decline: A Darwinian Perspective” pgs 2-9

2. Research skills: “Hormonal Affects On Prenatal Development” pgs 10-19

3. Communication skills: “Serial Killer Power Point Presentation” pgs 20-21

4. Ethics & Diversity awareness: “Forced Medical Treatment For A Child”: pgs 22- 35

Ethics Debate”

5. Knowledge of foundations of the field: “Maladaptive Behavior And pgs 36-43

Psychopathology”

6. Knowledge of applied psychology: “Personality Assessment and Testing” pgs 44-53

7. Interpersonal Effectiveness: “Working in Groups Affectively: Post

Experience Analysis” pgs 54- 61

My Future in Learning

I envision my future as a lifelong learner by continuing to study emerging information from continued research. Lawyers continue their education by following case studies and changes in laws. Medical doctors also continue their education by keeping abreast of continued medical findings and discoveries. This need for continued education is just as important if not more so in the field of psychology. Seminars, research, and peer reviewed journal publications are a few of the resources available for this type of continued education. This student plans to be involved in research long after the completion of my graduate program, research that will make important contributions to the advancement of psychology as a science.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. xfilesxfilesfan@yahoo.com