In need of help ASAp-- graduate school admission short essay

[Heather, BSN, RN]

Hi,

Please help!!! I'm in the process of writing several short essays for the application process into graduate school. I'm trying to get accepted into the MSN Administration program, and I am completely speechless on a particular essay question:

"Describe how your community involvement, activities and personal interests (i.e. memberships, volunteer work, and church involvement) have enriched you personally, your family and your professional life."

This should be an easy essay question for most people, but not for me. I obtained my ADN while working full time with two kiddos and graduated with a 3.7 GPA, worked full-time (lots of over time) for a year, went back to school obtained my RN-BSN while working full time, raising two kids and pregnant- Graduated with a 3.9 GPA in May 2011. Since, I have worked full-time and just accepted a job offer as ER Case Manager in which I am still training for.

My problem is, I have not participated in any volunteer work since ADN school, my family and I do not belong to a church, and I am not a member of any nursing organization. So..with that said, what in the world do I write about. I could easily make up an essay, but I want to be honest.

PLEASE HELP. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your time!

[KTSNurse2b]

i would write about exactly what you wrote about in your post. the question asked not only about community involvement, but also activities and personal interests. well-your family and school were your activities and personal interests and there is nothing wrong with that, especially given the situation you described. not only would crafting a well written essay out of this be true, but it would also show how dedicated, passionate, and hardworking you are in going after what you want, supporting your family, and bettering yourself despite your numerous personal commitments. you don't need to make excuses for not having time for volunteering in your essay, just focus on what you mentioned as being your priorities-family and excelling in school.

[Mrs Badcrumble, RN]

Hi Heather,

I think if you read the question again you'll see that the things they mention (church, volunteer, etc) are really just suggestions for you. I would focus on "activities" and "personal interests". For example, I've been involved in advocating for and rescuing cats and dogs for years so even though it's not a very "nurse-y" thing, it does tell them something about me. They wanna' know how you being you has contributed to your community. Doesn't have to be some big grand thing, maybe you've done stuff to help other moms, for example. Anyway, don't know if that's much help, but I know I try never to get too bogged down by over-thinking these types of questions.

[loriangel14, RN]

You could also talk about interests and activities that you engaged in before school and children. It doesn't say it has to be in the last 2-3 years. If your kids are in school and you had any involvement or even gave support during their school activities, maybe that would count.

[Heather, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much everyone! I agree, I was reading to much into the question. Just nerve racking becasue I was thinking volunteer and community help---have not done either in a while! But then again, there is no time frame! Thanks for pointing that out! Appreciate you all!

[33762FL]

I agree with the Loriangel14. Scrap the entire paragraph you wrote and just talk about the community work you HAVE done, regardless of when. You don't have to give dates or years, just write what the activities were. And under no circumstances should you disclose that you don't belong to a church, because you run the risk of being discriminated against for that fact. Finally, don't use slang or short cut text-speak words like "kiddos", just keep it to proper English.

[RNcDreams]

I would also add that you could touch on how the process of going through school has helped you to learn to multitask, time manage, and focus in your personal life as well!