Research Articles Base: Personal Statement Samples

Sample Personal Statement Essay and goals for PhD In Clinical Psychology

In order for me to achieve my goals and realize my dreams I do believe that I should possess better knowledge and skills for the practice of PhD in Clinical Psychology requires good academic experience in doctoral study and I believe the principles and standards of fulfilling my study at Walden and that my research experience has helped me see the better side of life in service to people especially to those mentally-ill inmates as my intention to assist the mentally-ill who are imprisoned and mental Homeless. Thus, while I was working in a youth institution for two years for BA and MA that both pertains to the same research I can really say that my desire to discover and learn more being a Behavioral Specialist enhances my capacity to engage more on it as a means of rejuvenating my professional experience. Moreover, my internship in a Domestic Violence Shelter Doctorial level will amicably allow me to develop a large program for the just release mentally- ill inmate and be able to produce further research activity in which I am the primary researcher dealing with mental illness in penal system focusing more on the mentally-ill inmate through having enough capacity for self-directed work at the doctoral level. In pursuing my purpose for this chosen academic career I need to know, lean and apply long-range professional and scholarly goals on the mentally-ill inmate.                               I do agree that the clinical PhD concentration is duly accredited by the American Psychological Association and is committed to the scientist practitioner model of training and that my goal is to achieve the needed training just like any other clinical psychologists who are capable of integrating research and applied clinical activities, with an emphasis on clinical interventions that are empirically based. I have goals to acquire the flexibility to fill the evolving functions of clinical psychologists, including research, direct provision of clinical services, supervision, program development and evaluation and consultation in relation to certain program approaches of clinical psychology from social psychological and community perspectives. Furthermore, a social psychological perspective uses theory and research from social psychology to understand emotional, cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal as well as group functioning, such as the functioning of community and its respected approach as it provides the mutual relationship between the individual and social, cultural and community influences. In realizing my passion to serve, it is crucial for me to employ cognitive behavioral and interpersonal approaches to clinical research and interventions.               I have to understand and apply important goals for this PhD in Clinical Psychology such as the following: Ø      The evaluation and application of the key theories and research findings Ø      Be able to use appropriate conceptual frameworks in describing and understanding the critical applied issues Ø      Be able to critically analyze empirical research and technical material Ø      Be able to conceptualize a research problem in clinical psychology and design an empirical study that addresses the problem Ø      Produce observations regarding future directions of clinical psychology Ø      Apply knowledge and research skills to design, evaluate interventions in clinical psychology Ø      Understanding of the principle and application the psychologist’s code of professional ethics Ø      Design and deliver formal instructional experiences involving material from the field of clinical psychology appropriate for various audiences                  I have high hopes that the doctoral program is unique in approaching clinical psychology from social psychological and community perspectives as I will be evaluated on the basis of grades, comprehensive examinations, research and communication skills and must successfully complete comprehensive exams administered with the primary commitment by both faculty and students to research and clinical work. I have to learn that I must be able to create new knowledge and apply new discoveries to clinical problems and committed to evaluating the services provided to consumers and be aware of a range of perspectives on psychopathology, assessment and intervention to ensure flexible and creative approaches to problems they encounter. A recognition of the need for skills for provision of service to special populations and opportunities for working with such groups. There suggests that the clinical process models exist to provide specific tools and practices to enhance its effectiveness as the theory suggests that clinical educators and students should engage in a structured process of changing roles during the course of the education experience and that competencies such as communication, collaboration, and reflection are crucial for effective practice and may be developed in the clinical education setting in the use of the available models and tools that addresses unique needs.                       I agree that a consistent and effective approach to clinical education requires a guiding philosophy that is clearly communicated, understood and embraced by the groups and individuals involved in the education process. Basically, learner centered approach helps unify the diverse perspectives and approaches of different clinicians by focusing on the goals and learning needs of the students as the expectations for goals and processes must be clearly understood to be necessary to facilitate such communication. Through involvement with more clinicians and students during fieldwork, students could develop a diversity of relationships, experience a range of perspectives and approaches, identify appropriate role models and benefit from the unique strengths and interests of a number of individuals to assume responsibility for their learning and seek out appropriate resources to meet their individual needs that will enhance skills and attitudes of lifelong learning. Nevertheless, most students studying for a PhD in psychology will have to complete an accredited sequence in Psychology which is highly competitive with a further selection into postgraduate programs. In order to illustrate, a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology would include courses on research methods, ethics, interview techniques, clinical assessment, psychopathology and therapeutic approaches. In addition, some exposure to specialized areas such as aging, rehabilitation and childhood disorders would be likely to be provided. A placement consists of supervised professional activities, where the supervisor must be a registered psychologist with expertise in the specialized area of the student’s training.                 Henceforth, clinical psychology doctoral programs explicitly blend religious faith with professional training, there has been a steady increase in the number of integrative programs, yet the mission-relevant training outcomes of these programs remain largely unknown (Malony, 1995). As early clinical psychology doctoral programs were experimental in nature and applied clinical training actually took place (Thorne, 1945). There solidified the “Boulder Model” (Raimy, 1950)  as the essential structure for training and credentialing clinical psychologists. Boulder Model programs thoroughly dominated the clinical psychology training landscape as the practitioner programs award the PhD and emphasize the integration of science and clinical practice, meaning that graduates should be both competent researchers and competent clinical practitioners. (Raimy, 1950) Goal statements for clinical psychology doctoral programs articulate a clear and intentional desire to prepare psychologists who will serve the global community. (Bouma-Prediger, 1990) as the programs share the training goal of preparing psychologists to serve individuals, local communities and organizations as a form of ministry. Beyond this broad mission, specific doctoral programs have unique foci. It is clear that integration is not an one-dimensional activity, but that each program offers a slightly different angle to integrative training (Bouma-Prediger, 1990). Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Sample Personal Statement Essay and goals for PhD In Clinical Psychology

In order for me to achieve my goals and realize my dreams I do believe that I should possess better knowledge and skills for the practice...

Personal statement for applying the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) programme in the City University of Hong Kong

Hi, I need to write a personal statement for applying the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) programme in the City University of Hong Kong.  The personal statement should be 2 pages long. The PCLL Programme: The PCLL was established to provide the necessary professional qualification for LLB graduates. PCLL graduates can enter the legal profession as trainee solicitors or pupil barristers.  The aim of the PCLL is to prepare students to enter the legal profession and to learn from experience and instruction so that they may fulfil the professional and social responsibilities they will be required to undertake What is required in the application form: In the application form, the admission committee wants me to tell them why I’m interested in the programme (i.e. why I want to be a lawyer).  The admission committee also wants me to tell them about my relevant legal experience (e.g. as a legal assistant) and law-related studies (e.g. a degree in Criminology) to show that I’m really interested in the legal field.  The committee also suggests that I should tell them something about my non-academic achievements (such as involvement in extra-curricular activities, prizes I’ve won, leadership abilities…etc). Something like why I’m qualified for them. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!   Education 2003 – Aug 2006          University of London                (External) H.K. Bachelor of  Laws (incomplete) 1999 – 2002                  University of Toronto                          Canada Bachelor of Arts – Major in  Criminology (Graduated with B average) Criminology courses covered: Criminal Law, Prosecution Process, Youth Justice, Young Offenders, Crime and Delinquency, Deviance and Control, Representing Crime, Criminology. 1998 – 1999        Great Lakes College of Toronto                Canada OAC Grade 13  (Equivalent to HKALE) (completed with A in all 6 subjects) Subjects included: English, Cantonese, Economics, World Issues, Family Studies and Drama. 1991 – 1998                St. Rose of Lima’s School                         H.K. Form 1 to 7 Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination, Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination. English Proficiency   HKCEE English -                           B HKCEE English Literature -          B OAC English -                                A (93%) IELTS score (2006) -                     Band 7.5    Awards 94 – 95    Champion and Best Speaker- Inter-School Debate   95 – 96      1st Prize – 47th Hong Kong Schools Music & Speech Festival                                  (Solo-Verse Speaking competition)   96 – 97  Champion – Inter-House Debate                 1st Prize – 48th Hong Kong Schools Music & Speech Festival                                  (Bible Reading competition)                       3rd Prize – 48th Hong Kong Schools Music & Speech Festival                                  (Solo-Verse Speaking competition)                  1st Prize – English Role-play/ Skit Competition                  2nd Prize – Poetry Writing Competition   97- 98     2nd Prize – 49th Hong Kong Schools Music & Speech Festival                                   (Bible Reading Competition) Musical Qualification Passed ABRSM Grade 7 Piano in 1995   Working Experience 2002 – Present          Jimmie K S Wong & Partners                    H.K. Legal Assistant (IVA Marketing Department Head) IVA = Individual Voluntary Arrangements.  IVA is a voluntary debt restructuring arrangement for an individual with his / her unsecured creditors aiming at mutual benefits for both parties.  The scheme requires the adjudication of court and its implementation is closely monitored and executed by an appointed Nominee. The job is meaningful because it helps debtors to restructure their debt without resolving to bankruptcy. General duties: -Interview and advise clients and assess their case -Explain the legal procedures of such an arrangement -Coordinate with creditors especially bankers   Other duties as a Department Head: -General administration and management work such as resource management, records management, presentation, project planning, collection and analysis of statistical information, compilation of reports and complaints handling etc. Volunteer Work Experience   1994 – 1998               St. Teresa’s Church                                H.K. Church Choir Pianist Duties include: Singing and playing the piano for the church.   1999                           Jane & Bloor Physiotherapy               Canada Part-time Assistant Duties include: Customer services work such as dealing with clients’ enquiry and filing. Responsibilities 1994 – 1998                St. Rose of Lima’s School                         H.K.   Year                Extra-Curricular Activities   Position   1997 – 1998       School Functions                       Mistress of Ceremonies 1996 – 1997      English Club                              President                         Music Club                               President                         School Functions                       Mistress of Ceremonies                                     Representative   Year                Responsibilities                                    1997 – 1998      Class Monitress 1996 – 1997      Class Monitress 1995 – 1996      Class Monitress 1994 – 1995      Class Monitress   Award 1995 – 1996      Service Award 1996 -1997    Sr. Lucylia Award (the school’s most honoured award presented to students in recognition of their dedicated and devoted service to the school).   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Personal statement for applying the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) programme in the City University of Hong Kong

Hi, I need to write a personal statement for applying the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) programme in the City University of Ho...

Personal Statement

I agree that the epitome’ of Law will remain important and society will expect their legal experts to be the best as they can be such as in analyzing and organizing the mass of information confronting them. Moreover, quality education could be a difficult concept to assess as there is no critical way of postgraduate students and students can lose heart and feel isolated working alone but for myself, I am more challenged and motivated for the possible situation. I am interested and willing to be a part of this prestigious program because I want to achieve not just my dreams to serve the people but also to help others fulfill their dreams in small ways I want to inspire people that being a lawyer is not about lying in court hearings but it is about the deliverance of truth for justice within the appropriate service to the people and my beloved Hong Kong. I have good desire and passion to make every situation real in the eyes of people. I love to serve not just the reachable ones but also those unreachable ones that could be possibly innocent of how the law works and why should be followed in legal aspects respectively. As a graduate of Arts in Criminology, I intend to pledge my life for the service of justice and maybe help solve certain cases of crimes with fair and enough justice without taking sides and without biases in providing legal actions of such decisions to be made. I agree that human rights – the civil rights of people should be considered at all times and must have the needed protection they deserve to act and live according to the law of God and laws of mankind.     I’ve wanted to be a lawyer of service to people, my heart speaks of love for human service and it arises up to my senses to fight for freedom that might lost and restore good values and attitude that is of critical need and importance as of today’s generation. I do believe that principles centered on law education are essential for students like me to fully understand and imply to the policy procedures as provided by the school officials convene to focus on how such federal laws impact local decision making and affect local spending. Law, involves crossroads, a true moment suspended between the familiarity of the past and the uncertainty of the future, between memory and hope and given meaning only through its relationship to people and makes the solidity to change for the good of all. Moreover, my experience as a legal assistant at Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) being a Marketing Department Head as I believe that my job at IVA has molded me to become a better individual as well as it is amicably meaningful because it helps debtors to restructure their debt without resolving to bankruptcy. I have learned how to interview and advise clients and assess their case properly, explain and give legal procedures of such an arrangement.         Thus, I can say that Postgraduate Certificate in Laws program in Hong Kong is at a crossroads, pulled in different directions and expectations for the future creating better channels of communication in order to attend to the most important concerns of the people and the society as a whole. It is true that few significant substantial contributions to legal knowledge including those involved in Criminology which is basically professional and specialist in nature, devoted rather to the imparting of established knowledge than to the development in students of the capacity to undertake new research of their own. My other achievements aside from academic was a wonderful experience for me to explore life’s greatness and blessings as it gives me the inspiration and the courage to soar high and prove to people that the talents and abilities I have are for worth keeping and with good intentions to discover the fulfillment of rendering service in lieu of unleashing thy power within. It is fair to say that what attracts students to postgraduate study at a particular institution has to do with the belief that their study can be functionally supported there, together with an intellectual connection to specific academics in their chosen field, rather than any style adopted by the university as a whole.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Personal Statement

I agree that the epitome’ of Law will remain important and society will expect their legal experts to be the best as they can be suc...

PERSONAL STATEMENT

PERSONAL STATEMENT     According to  in his book entitled ‘Day in Court’ (1940) that ‘’life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities, we strive in vain to look beyond the heights. We cry aloud and the only answer is the echo of our wailing cry’’. (, 1940,) and that in my desire to become a full pledged lawyer in your institution and be able to receive the certificate in law program, I agree to Wellman that ‘’the general public should be interested in the correct methods of sifting out the truth of any controversy’’ () but I think it is impossible to overstate the importance in any society to perform upon the legality it requires. Well, I always wanted to become a lawyer because I want to help victims of oppression, discrimination, inequalities and other forms of injustices and probably inspire them to continue to fight for real justice and inculcate in them self confidence and firmness regarding their actions. Thus, in order to reach my dreams I need to have the ability of concentration within my whole mind as well as the power of clearness and the simplicity of expression. I think I have a better common sense and a good professional reputation and I transact business well because I believe that I can finish this law program with pride to myself and to my associates and maybe urge those men who aspire to become a lawyer like myself, to read – read everything what it takes to read. I am positive and hoping that your high standard law school will provide and give me opportunity to reveal to the world my ample right to be recognized as an effective and able lawyer in the future.   Moreover, I graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems in 2002. Upon graduation, I joined a local law firm as a system administrator. The firm grew and expanded very quickly, to the extent that even a non-legal staff like me had to handle legal documents and had to interview clients. As time goes by, I got use to be familiar with various legal services, especially insolvency cases like bankruptcy and individual voluntary arrangements (IVA). Most of the clients I met are those in financial troubles and some of them even think of dying in order to “solve” the problem. Through providing legal knowledge and service to them, I saved many people’s life by legal means. I discovered that this job is much more meaningful than only writing computer programs and working with machines. My desire to earn an LLB rooted in the recognition that individuals with personal or family problems require advocacy to realize their solutions. After a serious discussion with my boss, I have changed my career as a legal executive in the firm and continue to interview clients and solve their problems. On the other hand, I joined the part-time LLB program offered by the University of London in order to achieve this meaningful career goal. Although my boss supported my legal study in financial means, the job nature requires me to stay up late in the office since most of the clients are only available after office hours. This make me missed some of the classes and rendered my study more difficult, but I have never thought of giving up in these three years, I even found myself more interested in law as I continue my legal studies.   I was a basketball team captain in both secondary and university school life. As a captain, I have to be a solution minded player, think accurately and quickly because I have to work things out within a very limited time. In daily interaction with lawyers, I realized that these qualities are the same as what a lawyer should possess. Some of my clients become friends of mine and the meaningfulness behind this friendship has inspired me to cope with any obstacles and has strengthened my faith to help more others in a greater extent to realize their human rights and help them find better solutions to their problems. Lastly, my experiences in life had transformed me to become a better person as I am motivated and inspired by the power of love for the service of the people and be able to share my skills to others and give them a service that can never be paid under the table because I believe that money is not everything for if it is then, it can buy dignity and principles of the affected people like the oppressed as they are hungry and craving for justice. I want people to value life and share to them that for every good action they do for others deserves a just reward and not injustice, for the truth prevails no matter how long the time is.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT

PERSONAL STATEMENT According to in his book entitled ‘Day in Court’ (1940) that ‘’life is a narrow vale between the cold and barre...

Personal Code of Ethics and My Strategic Plan

Personal Code of Ethics and My Strategic Plan   Mission Statement   As a woman of an accounting profession, my mission entails the promotion to live a purposeful life that would be filled with meaning not just for the benefit of oneself but for others as well.  With the best of my knowledge I intend to serve the community through sharing my knowledge and the blessings that I have especially to the less fortunate such that I will be able to touch their lives in my own special way.  I will lead by example in accordance to my ethical principles and the core values I hold on as I go through the journey of life.  As part of this mission, I want to leave a legacy that I am a woman of commitment and integrity.   Core Values   Values serves as my guiding light in being able to carry out the ideals that I believe in life.  From the abyss of values cradles the core values I want to incorporate with my everyday as part in fulfilling the mission that I have made.  The values of Integrity, Independence, Fairness, Respect Honesty, Loyalty, Dependability, Confidentiality and Hard-work are among the values that are central and the focal point to the belief system I firmly believe in.       Personal Code of Ethics   In lieu to my mission statement wherein I want to promote a purposeful life, the primary purpose of my personal code of ethics is to inspire me to be the best person I can be to others and to myself.  The personal code of ethics will mold me to be a better person to the community and the society that I belong into.  Life would be dull unless you put meaning to it, by the personal code of ethics I will embrace the essential meaning of my existence and makes me able to partake to the obligations I want to return to the community and the society in general in which I owe something and as one of the many reasons that made me whole.               Drawing inspirations to the people that surround me and in which I get to have a connection with, whether good or bad, pain or in comfort, the experiences I have with them contributes to the essence of what makes me as a person.  Indeed, personal experiences are the best teacher in life, either you learn it from the hard way or easy way, the important thing is you learned something that is not being taught in school or anywhere else that eventually would make you a strong person in the process.  Among the things that they see of me that correspond with my self-concept are that I am a person of trustworthiness, possess good interpersonal skills (developed as part of my profession in dealing with other people), the value of confidentiality that I rightfully adhere as a sign of my respect for every client I get to have business with and that I am dependable with the responsibilities being asked of me.  The strongest point I consider that I possess is that I am being the real me.  Not building a façade when I am in front of other people has equipped to make a genuine and sincere connection with others in a personal level rather than impersonally. The strengths that I have will empower me; at the same time improving on my weaknesses will make me become a better person in the future.  The challenges of everyday is not just about achievements but it is knowing that you did something right cultivates within the person an internal good feeling of himself or herself, thus, fostering a well-being of a person.   I have always believed that being good to others even though they have not been good to you is a tough challenge to deal with.  However, retaliating of being bad to the people who have done you wrong will not do anything good as well. Just like the people who done you wrong, you are being good to yourself.  As what a God says in the bible, “If they throw you with stones, throw bread back at them.”  Similarly, I believe that respect is often demanded especially to people who are in higher status.  But I stand on my belief that respect is something earned and not asked.  In fact, showing more respect to people who live life with dignity amidst the intricate problems that engulfs them is deemed more appropriate than respecting the people who exploits their power and influence.                   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Personal Code of Ethics and My Strategic Plan

Personal Code of Ethics and My Strategic Plan Mission Statement As a woman of an accounting profession, my mission entails the promo...

Personal Statement

(1) The year 2001 marked a significant turning point in my life.  I faced the most difficult challenge in my life when I left Hong Kong to attend high school in the United States. That August, when I arrived in the United States, I faced the personal challenges of adjusting to life in a new country as well as the loss of close family members.  In March of 2001, before I came to the United States, my beloved aunt died from cancer.  I was still suffering from that loss when I arrived in Michigan in August. At the same time, I was also hampered tremendously by my difficulty in speaking and understanding English in the new environment. As I coped with my personal problems, the world faced the crisis of September 11th.  I watched the terrified, crying people of New York and I felt their pain.  This was the most devastating event that had happened since my arrival in the Untied States. I couldn’t have anticipated further tragedy, in October my much-loved uncle died of a heart attack in Hong Kong.  Losing two family members in the same year was one of the greatest trials I have ever experienced. I was very close to my aunt and uncle, neither of who had children of their own.  Now they are gone, it fills me with great sorrow that they won’t be able to see me graduate.  I responded to all the death with tremendous sadness.  At the same time leaving Hong Kong was a great personal sacrifice for me.  Not only did I have to learn a new language but also I was separated from my friends and family.  I felt insecure of my new environment and how meaningless life seemed!  That December, I returned to Hong Kong for the Christmas holidays, gloomy and overcome by my difficulties.  My father, upset to see me so depressed, reminded me that, “Life is short.  We should be more tenacious and concentrate on living more meaningful lives.  Contribute what you can to society, help others and do your best in order to be thankful for the love you received from your aunt and uncle.”  That night I dreamt, conjuring up the memories of those now dead who once meant so much to me.  I realized that I, too, had to adjust.  I had to stop mourning, accept the challenges of my new situation and get on with my own life. As a result, the expatriate experience was a blessing.  I learned to value another culture, have become much more independent in both my personal and academic life. My high school grades and acceptance into University reflects my renewed effort and enthusiasm.  I also recognize that any obstacle, no matter how great, can be overcome.  (2) Since I was 5 years old, I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to a variety of countries and cultures.  Before I moved to the United States at fifteen from Hong Kong, I often traveled with my parents when there are local holidays and sometimes accompanied my father on business trips, attending exhibitions and trade fairs.  Throughout my journeys, I learned and encountered many different cultures and found out we live in a dynamic and diverse global business environment.  No matter what the difference in culture and nationalities, in our ,global community, most modern careers in business, politics or education involves working and interacting with people from a variety of cultures; in order to communicate and solve problems and market the business, it is essential to be able to understand the world from a multitude of perspectives.  My experienced in traveling and coming to study in America and learning to think and act in new ways has certainly broadened my own ability to communicate and empathize with others who are different from me.  (3) This winter quarter, I enrolled “COM 499” class and participated in a research project called “Ethnic Media in the United States”. America, being the melting pot of all ethnicities in the world saw a steady growth in number of ethnic media that caters to many different ethnic groups. I, in particular belongs to a large population of Asian ethnic group. The diversity of ethnicity is very evident in my class. There are black Americans, Europeans and Asians. My groupmates assigned me as the leader and the over-all coordinator for the project. I was not expecting the role, but since, as they reasoned out that the Chinese ethnic media be a good starting point for our study, they picked me to lead the group since I would have more connections and I can provide in depth understanding of the topic. I was at first hesitant, for to be honest, I never really had connections with the Chinese ethnic media industry. But taking this as an opportunity to practice my leadership and social interaction skill for bigger roles to come, I accepted the challenge and the role. Being the leader of the group, I was responsible for almost everything from coordination, assigning of tasks and even acting as moderator when we do discussions about the project. I was able to meet and actually interviewed people from the ethnic Chinese media industry, the very same people I sometimes saw on T.V when I watch Chinese programs here. The experience was so helpful to me because it actually developed my personality by gaining lots of self confidence. (4)  I am the first child of the family to get into college.  Not only to keep the promise of my parent, but also it feels like I am dedicating my study to both my aunt and uncle, who just recently pass away, where I saw and experienced from them kindness, warmth and love. Both my parents are very supportive and encouraged me to study abroad to have a wider perspective and gain a very quality education.  I lived and studied in two vastly dissimilar cultures – Hong Kong and America. To me, pursuing a career in business is a very pragmatic solution to my future welfare.  My father, being a businessman in Hong Kong, seems like I am following his footsteps.  I have had numerous opportunities to watch him work. And thru him, I have discovered my own interests in the business field.  I find it intriguing and exciting to know the differences and similarities the way business operates in the East and West.  I hope that with my global citizen outlook, I can use this as leverage to my future career in business by understanding cultural trends between East and the West which is significant to my own business. At present, I’m hoping that I can share my knowledge and unique experience of the East and West culture and serve as a bridge as my own contribution to my academic community. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Personal Statement

(1) The year 2001 marked a significant turning point in my life. I faced the most difficult challenge in my life when I left Hong Kong to...

Personal Statement

Personal Statement   Human beings are no less than the planets, the comets and even the space station are governed by the laws of inertia.  The quality of inertia is that an object or a person will tend to keep on doing what they were doing before.  According to one of my science teachers, Newton just observed the effects of inertia on earth then looked up at the stars to see what the consequences would be up there. A billiard ball on a table traveled in a straight line when struck with the cue in time as well as in our own. If there is no strong external force to change the inertial pattern of our lives we follow the expected paths through life. In my own case, there is a very strong external force that acts on me and that has pointed me at a higher education in economics and business studies.  This is the general force exerted on me by a close and supportive family and the very particular force exerted on me by the example of my father. Like many Chinese people who left their native land to seek their fortune in another country my grandfather left his home in China and traveled south to Malaysia in the years before the Second World War.  He worked hard and was successful in creating a shipping business, when he took over this business he extended his operations to the export of hardwoods from neighboring Indonesia.        My father was not the man to sit in his office and let others do the hard and dangerous work.  Instead, he led his crew into the jungles of Sumatra in search of the fine tropical hardwoods he wanted to send all over the world.  Although our family divides its time between California and Singapore and despite the fact that, running a large shipping operation takes a lot of time and energy, my father still does this today. With this kind of example of courage and determination before me there is little doubt in my mind about the nature of the external force that has acted to shape my life and my ambitions. I have applied to the University with very high hopes.  It is my goal to study the history of art in this University, I have received support from my father and my family.  If I will be accepted as a student for the class of 2007, I know that I will continue to work very hard in my classes and that I will make a strong personal contribution to campus life. Moreover, I believe that my personal background has played a major factor in my growing passion to learn about the history of art since, I am a bi-cultural individual and spent most of my life living between the two cities of Singapore and Los Angeles as I moved to Singapore because of the nature of my family’s business and travelled in the South East Asia region .           As a result, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to the sights and sounds of countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. I grew to love the temples of Thailand, the batiks and ingenious wood sculpture of Indonesia, the music and dance exhibitions and the Southeast Asian art collection in Kuala Lumpur’s famous Petronas Museum. Even with an asian heritage, these experiences were still overwhelming and meaningful to me. Now, I have decided to follow where my heart leads me and devote my last years in college to study Art and History in particular.  My choice of concentration, will be in the History/Art History area. I am a person who has much to offer and is seriously keen on returning back to the society as I would enhance my interest in the Arts by dedicating time to cultural activities in the arts, music and dance realities. I am enthusiastic and optimistic person who looks forward for a good future not only in my academic career but also have better participation in the artistry and cultural ways in the University campus.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Personal Statement

Personal Statement Human beings are no less than the planets, the comets and even the space station are governed by the laws of iner...

PERSONAL STATEMENT

In wrapping up this very challenging and interesting class, or should I say one of the best courses I took for the rest of my academic pursuit, I learned many things. Fulfillment is an understatement for me to describe the existing emotion within my being. The learning experience that I had in relation to my own intellectual development and not to mention my overall personality is worth remembering. Several weeks of learning the basic and as well as the complexities of this course led me to realization that the world we lived in is truly amazing. There are many great things that are hidden within the limits of books and other information that are now known by me. Through this class, I explored the wonderful horizons of knowledge and identified facts. I experienced the immeasurable excitement and enjoyment as interact with other people and not to forget, the alluring feeling of appreciation of to my educator. There are many teachers in this world but only few have the ability to inculcate true knowledge and touch people’s lives. The kindness, patience, and understanding of my teacher will always remain in my thoughts. All in all, the knowledge as well as the experiences that I acquired all throughout the duration of the class contributed to the enrichment of my total being.             On the contrary, I wanted to share my opinion on some things that should be taken into particular attention in order for this course to be more enjoyable. There should be more efficient application of school facilities and materials. For instance, the blackboard must be high-end and automatic. Relating to my experience, the blackboard ran slow, so when we tried to answer our discussion question and post them, it took so long. This distorts our attention and focus to learning.     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

PERSONAL STATEMENT

In wrapping up this very challenging and interesting class, or should I say one of the best courses I took for the rest of my...

SPEECHES

Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy   The rhetoric of John F Kennedy was mainly concerned with the problem of collective energy or the need to incite the commitment, responsibility and the obligation of individuals. In his inaugural speech he summoned the American people to a sense of national mission. He focused on arousing the citizens to raise the opportunities and the challenges defined for them. The amount of effort he put in the public address manifest the sensitivity to words and the power to influence his audience. The themes of renewal and change are manifested throughout the speech. A sense of continuity was achieved through the renewal of commitments where the president urged the old allies to cooperative ventures. The speech was consistent in encouraging unity, change and a sense of patriotism. It was revolutionary in nature as it provides an impetus for transformation in both national and international life.             One of the most forceful elements of the address is the power to define the issues and set the agenda for the people. He also expressed the ultimate achievement that lies in the hands on the people rather than their leader: “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” This line fulfilled the normal expectation of an address in which the president expressed humility. He must lead but also keep in mind the people from which his mandate and powers is derived.             In placing his confidence and deriving power from the people, the president reinforced the interdependent relationship between the leader and the people in a participatory democracy. He asked the people to find courage, faith and conviction with selflessness and self sacrifice for a larger purpose that encompasses a community of nations. The idealism proves to be attractive especially the most famous line: “And so, my fellow Americans:  ask not what your country can do for you –ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”             The eloquence of this line was made powerful by the audience’s participation in the hope that what was expressed was not merely to discuss the problems but instead an insight to national and international solutions. People within the nation and outside are asked to hold the administration accountable. This signifies an effective leadership. In the closing, the moral nature of the new leadership is stressed. The president expressed his dependence in the higher power and asked the country to unite to get the country moving again: “With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”             Generally, the speech evoked the power of the speaker to communicate and persuade the audience into action. More importantly, it inspired not only the national audiences but also the international communities to take collective action and practice a sense of nationalism. The remarkable rhetoric used in throughout the speech made it a powerful political address. I have a Dream by Martin Luther King   The historic speech by Martin Luther King spoke of the desire to bring forth equality among black and whites. It educates, inspires and informs the audiences as to the central theme of the speech. The rhetoric is iconic in nature with the used of bibilical sources. With the device of allusion it made use of phrases from significant cultural texts. For instance, it alluded to Psalm 30:5 in the second stanza of the speech. It also referred to the abolition of slavery in the emancipation Proclamation: “This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.” Anaphora which is the repetition of the similar word is a rhetorical device used throughout the speech. The phrase ‘now is the time’ have been repeated several times in the sixth stanza: “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”  This rhetoric tool is used to put emphasis to the concept which in this case is the sense of urgency to promote justice and equality. Another example of anaphora used was found in the phrase “I have a dream” which was repeated at least eight times in the speech.   The key theme of the speech was the attempt of the African Americans to realize their freedom in a society pervaded by discrimination. It basically spoke of the dream shared by blacks like King to live in a place of peace and harmony free of judgment. In this sense, the speech depicted the personal lives of the people. It spoke truthfully enough to inspire not only those who experience racial discriminations but all kinds of inequality. The speech inspired people to take actions and resist wrongdoings. The soaring rhetoric that demanded justice and a unified country is strong enough to encourage action.  The words proved to be a hallmark for recognizing the social and political turmoil during that time and gave the audiences a vocabulary to articulate their predicament. The key message is that all individuals are created as equal and although it was not the situation that time, King argued it must be the case for the future. Certainly the speech was researched well as it included references from the bible, the Gettysburg Address and the Declaration of Independence. All of which were used in the address. In terms of style, the speech is a political piece, a work of poetry and a sermon that bursts with biblical language. The repetition of phrases was also used to focus on the key points of the speech. The format was simplistic. The first half depicted the idealistic dream but a picture of the American injustice. It summoned action in the series of lines with the phrase’ now is the time’ coming first. The second half presents the ultimate dream of a better and a fairer future of harmony and unity.  Indeed, the speech was an incorporation of a political treatise and an emotional sermon. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address   The organization of the speech is chronological. The first part provides a foundation on which the remaining parts of the speech will depend, identifying the birth of the nation: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are equal”.  It emphasizes almost immediately the virtue of equality and freedom. The second stanza emphasizes the testing of the nation that has grown. This period is portrayed as a time of sacrifice for the protection of the nation. The last part sets the task of the audience to devote themselves in the unfinished task of those who sacrificed.             In the address, the bible was not directly mentioned although there appears to be a significant amount of biblical allusions. The first example was the choice to use “Four score and seven years ago” rather than commonly used eighty seven years ago. Abraham was fourscore and six years old when his first son was born. The phrase ‘our fathers’ was used to identify the immediate audience. By connecting the founding fathers with the audience, he made the tradition of freedom like a family tradition. Just like a son needed to preserve the honor of his father, the citizens also needed to preserve that of their country. This phrase was also used repeatedly in the bible.             The use of the word ‘new’ indicates brand new or original concept and also had a chronological meaning. According to Lincoln, the audiences at the Gettysburg cannot truly dedicate the grounds because the soldiers already did it. With the inclusion of both “living and dead” when describing “brave men”, he made it clear that dying was not required for bravery.             The phrase “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here”, reiterates the importance of not of the ceremony but of the battlefield. Repetition was also used to reiterate the responsibility of the living: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us”.             The most notable phrase in the speech was the last line: “the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”.  The use of the word people compliments the theme of birth and death which was developed throughout the speech. All throughout the speech, the similarities between inception and the struggle of a person and that of a country are stressed. The emphasis on the word ‘people’ also indicates the recognition that it is the people who will win the war and not the government itself. Finally, the speech was concluded with a biblical term. The word ‘perish’ is frequently used in the bible.             In terms of format, the speech was chronological and very short. It employed analogy with the life cycle as it uses birth and death. The choices of words used are rather problematic since they carry multiple meanings and some were even unusual. For example, the phrase ‘fourscore and seven years ago’ cannot be immediately recognized as referring to eighty seven years ago. Indeed, the beauty of the conceptions and phrasings can only be appreciated if the reader can pause and review the nuances and interconnections. Infamy Speech The infamy speech was brief and was intended to evoke strong emotional impact. It appeals to the outrage felt by the Americans during the Japanese attack. The speech was purposefully framed to indicate the low moral of the Japanese. It employed a contrast between the “righteous might “of the Americans and the deceitful characteristic of the Japanese. The most notable line in the speech: “a date which will live history”. Roosevelt replaced the phrase “world history” with “infamy”. The speech was intended to express the response of the president and that of the entire nation.  It also emphasized the response of the country to a collective resolve. The first stanza reinforces the portrayal of the US as the innocent victim of the Japanese. The choices of words are passive rather than taking active voice. It was intended to emphasize the status of America as the innocent victim. The phrase “innocence violated” strengthens the recounting of the diplomatic negotiaitons with the Japanese government. Generally, the tone of the speech was that of determined realism. It made no mention of the significant damage that the attack has caused the armed forces. The absence of figures like the number of casualties was not included instead the phrase “very many American lives have been lost” was used. the confidence with the strength of the American citizens was also stressed in the speech. The use of the term “unbounded determination of our people” indicates the acceptance of the challenge posed by the Japanese government.   The speech also emphasized the theme “our people, our territory and our interest are in grave danger” highlighting the attacks within the Pacific. This speech was remarkable that its call for cooperation was immediately recognizable.  The speech was composed of simple declarative sentences. It is effective not with the use of hyperbole but with the straightforward account of the damages caused by the Japanese. The desired effect was achieved with the infamy line. The brevity of the speech has gained it a dramatic effect. The central theme for the speech was the call for patriotism instead of idealism. The framework of the infamy speech was a narrative of the American defeat. It followed the rhetorical tradition in which a president assumed the power as the commander in chief during a war when thousands of lives are lost in defending a nation united under God. Indeed, the speech has gained a remarkable effect on the audience especially during a time when the country is in trouble. The direct calls for unity complimented by emotional impact have proved to be effective. Also, the portrayal of the US as a victim and the Japan as the aggressor further strengthens the emotional impact of the speech.  The analogy to a victim and the deceitful characteristic of the Japanese as represented in the speech brings forth a sense of nationalism to each American reading the speech.  Lastly, it provoked the retaliation and the attack against the Japanese troops and also sought the help from the almighty.   INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF JOHN F. KENNEDY WASHINGTON, D.C., JANUARY 20, 1961 Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens: We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom–symbolizing an end as well as a beginning–signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forbearers prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God. We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans–born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage–and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty. This much we pledge–and more. To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do–for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder. To those new states whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom–and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside. To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required–not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge–to convert our good words into good deeds–in a new alliance for progress–to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house. To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support–to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective–to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak–and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run. Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed. But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course–both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind’s final war. So let us begin anew–remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us. Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms–and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths and encourage the arts and commerce. Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah–to “undo the heavy burdens . . . and let the oppressed go free.” And if a beach-head of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved. All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin. In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again–not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need–not as a call to battle, though embattled we are–but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation”–a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself. Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort? In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility–I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it–and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own. Martin Luther King at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (August 28, 1963) “I Have a Dream” I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men – yes, black men as well as white men – would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check that has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and security of justice. We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children. It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end but a beginning. Those who hoped that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges. But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “for whites only.” We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no we are not satisfied and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today my friends – so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification – one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning “My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my father’s died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!” And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi – from every mountainside. Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring – when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children – black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics – will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”                     Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address     Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation: conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war. . .testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated. . . can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate. . .we cannot consecrate. . . we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . and that government of the people. . .by the people. . .for the people. . . shall not perish from the earth.                           Infamy Speech   Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: yesterday, December 7th, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounded determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.                                                   References                             Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

SPEECHES

Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy The rhetoric of John F Kennedy was mainly concerned with the problem of collective energy or the ...