In hopes of achieving my goal to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, I have applied and been accepted to Michigan State University’s Master's Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program with a commitment to promoting inclusive education and instilling positive behaviors to encourage independence in all walks of life. I am optimistic that Michigan State’s ABA program will assist in helping me develop the advanced skills I need so that I may better serve individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges.

My undergraduate years at Wayne State University were years of self-discovery and resilience. At first, I wanted to further my education because I have a deep desire to help others and was driven to pursue an education in nursing like my father, but after my first psychology class, I realized my own interests lay in understanding human behavior. However, it was when I finally decided to pursue linguistic studies that I realized my passion for understanding how language influences the human learning process and behaviors. I believe my linguistic background in courses like child language acquisition and phonetics gives me a unique perspective on how language impacts behavior that I can apply to ABA and better support individuals with developmental and communicative needs.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I became a part of the Gateway Pediatric Therapy family, a company that offers ABA clinical services. It was here I knew pursuing a career to become a Board-Certified Analyst would allow me to continue my passion and where I would best apply my talents and education. As a behavior technician and working directly with clients, I have gotten to see firsthand how impactful ABA can be for individuals with developmental and communicative needs. The rewarding feeling I experience after seeing clients make progress toward their goals keeps me solidified in my decision. After a year as a technician, I believe I am ready to take the next step and pursue my graduate studies in ABA so that I may become a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst. With this degree, I would be able to move up to a new role in my company and work directly with our head clinicians to develop behavior intervention plans, collaborate with families to ensure comprehensive care, and to keep our practice professional and ethical.

The biggest challenge I face now is funding this pursuit. I am currently pursuing scholarship and other grant opportunities to help cushion the cost of a graduate degree, but could also use your help. With your donations, you would assist in helping me cover my tuition and the cost of textbooks, but also relieving me of the stress many of us students face trying to further our education. This would allow me to concentrate on my education and career goals.

My background in linguistics and psychology gives me a unique perspective that I have been able to apply to my work as a behavior technician and allowed me to better meet the needs of my clients. With the help of Michigan State’s ABA, I am confident that I will obtain the knowledge to educate others, experience to better serve individuals with behavioral and communicative challenges, and the proper connections so that I may advance in my career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.