Personal Contract

I began my studies of Anthropology with a deep-seated interest in archaeology and evolution. That interest encompassed the Paleolithic period up to the rise of agriculture and civilization. During my studies, my interests shifted dramatically. Today, as I look back on my undergraduate experience, I have discovered a much deeper –and intimate- interest in cultural anthropology.

My interests in cultural anthropology are within the applied and urban anthropological subfields. The courses taken that have stimulated this interest are applied anthropology, urban anthropology, development of anthropological theory, field methods of ethnography, and participation in the 2013-2014 MURI project. These courses put me face to face with issues that are intimate and to my own personal experiences, further nurturing my interest.

In this transitional phase from undergrad to professional, I am more certain of the direction that I wish to take for a career. I would like to continue exploring issues of poverty, race, social welfare programs, and there interplay within the larger urban framework. It is this focus that I would like to create a career on.

My short term goals to meet this purpose are to first, for the summer 2015, participate in an internship that focuses on one or more of these issues. During the fall 2015, after attainment of my bachelors, it is my hope to being my masters studying applied anthropology.

My long term goals are to conduct and continue my research on the issues of poverty, race, social welfare programs, and urban abandonment. If necessary, I would like to acquire a doctorate in the field. Long term goals, it is understood, are non-permanent and can change dramatically. Thus, the most important long term goal is to continue to apply myself to study and practice within and without the field.

In closing this personal contract I am reminded of the individuals I encountered during my research into urban abandonment on the Near East Side of Indianapolis. Their stories of hardship and perseverance serve as a reminder of where I began my adult life 15 years ago. The constant struggle to survive within the fabric of poverty and structure hampered my ability to climb out of the entangled web created by my parents. Like those interviewed, I persevered and continued to strive for self-improvement. This year, some 15 years later, serves as an accomplishment in that climb and a precursor to a long, and fruitful, career.

Amendment I: Masters: Given my stated areas of focus in issues of poverty, race, social welfare programs, and urban abandonment, it is in my interest to focus on public policy. My goal in this regard is to devote a year to immersing myself in community development and organization. My goal includes participation in an internship (or volunteer work) at a community organization. Following the year, I plan to enroll in a masters program focusing on public policy.