Purpose
The purpose of my portfolio is to showcase my accomplishments, skills, experiences, and attributes to exemplify that I’m more than capable, qualified and motivated to get into graduate school for behavioral analysis. I’ve had the opportunity to implement my life experiences, values and achievements. Achieving my goal of been accepted into Florida Atlantic University behavioral analyst program will be the beginning for me. I will continue to succeed, help others, learn how to work with diverse populations and learn how to be a helper and listener before anything else.
Personal Statement
I, Shakyra Williams am a senior at the phenomenal University Central Florida where I study behavioral and social science as a Interdisciplinary student. My interest in behavioral and social studies began in 2016 while substituting an autistic class. While substituting I have developed leadership skills and solve problems by managing students in a classroom setting, managing conflicts in an assertive manner and also satisfying students needs. My effective communication skills helps me to work well with children and get them on task when distracted. Inspired by the substitute teacher experience, I have decided to become a behavioral specialist and volunteer at after school programs to help children with their academic studies. When I am not substituting and being an after school counselor, I enjoy bowling with my family and traveling.
Why Interdisciplinary Studies Is Important  to me
This hasn’t been an easy journey but I can finally see the light. I came here majoring in Health Sciences- Preclinical. I’ve had two ACL knee surgeries which impacted my decision on becoming a physical therapist. My recovery was incredible and I love the feeling of feeling brand knew after the surgery. I majored in health science to get me to where I wanted to be but than I had a reality check when I realized this what not for me. I knew I wanted to help those around but not in any type of medical field. I analyze what is was that truly makes me happy and something I was passionate about. So I changed my majors to Interdisciplinary studies where I major in behavioral and social science. While minoring in human services. I decided to apply both degrees to education where I can support, encourage and motivate children.
Interdisciplinary Studies degree is a program where students design courses in which interests them and take related to the field of their liking. Interdisciplinary studies degree allows you to be able to identify problems, find solutions to those problems and use critical thinking skills. I choose this major to allow me to have many options and choose the path that I want to take once I’ve completed my degree. Being able to decided what career best fits you and not be restricted to what you’re able to do is what I like most. If I knew about this program this would have been my choice from the beginning. I’ve learned so much material from the time I changed my major . The two fields I integrated were behavioral & social studies and human service. This way I can use effective strategies from human services to help me to be a better behavioral specialist. I felt that the two compliments each other well and give me more knowledge about people.
The skills that I’ve inquired in college has been interpersonal communication, flexibility in the two fields of study, and time management skills. With this major in particular, I learnt hat my biggest strength is to adapt to change and solve problems whether in a work place or in a family meeting. I believe being able to solve problems is a weakness because My friends and family are so comfortable with talking to me that they literally will tell me things that I rather not hear. But I know this will only help gain the knowledge I need for graduate school. I would like to go to graduate school to study applied behavioral analyst and get my masters degree. This will give me the opportunity to work not only in schools but clinics, hospital, nursing homes and make home visits. Thus expanding my horizons and working with all types of clients.