2. Personal Statement
Amber V. Cordero
Personal Statement
Argosy University, San Diego
Degree Objective: Forensic Psychology
I have been fascinated by the human mind for a long time now and my interest in
forensics dates back to my high school years. While studying law as a senior, I was elected
to participate in a mock trail, and then attend an actual trial where a mentally ill man was
convicted and sentenced to life in prison. My interest in the human brain and why convicted
felons commit crimes has only grown from that experience. Although I have only officially
been studying psychology for two years, I can now see what I have learned though both
society and from personal experiences.
After I attended the trial, I wanted to learn more and I read everything I could on
mentally ill convicts. This is where I was first introduced to the books of Sigmund Freud
about the unconscious mind. I found him fascinating. This also lead to my belief that there
is something special about a criminals mind and I want o explore this theory further.
3. Personal Statement cont.
After high school, I enlisted in the United States Navy in 2002 and worked as a
Personnelman. My entire job focused on working with people and attention to detail. If I
missed an important step, a sailor did not receive his pay. If I did not report an award
received in combat, a sailor might miss the opportunity to be advanced. If I failed to
update a security clearance, he could be left behind on a mission. I believe everything I
did in the United States Navy has prepared me to excel in the Argosy University Forensic
Psychology program.
My commitment to the study of psychology was only enhanced while studying my
Bachelors of Arts at Argosy University-Schaumburg. Through my professors, I have not
only grown as a student, but also as a wife and mother of two young children. I have
become more knowledgeable, confident, imaginative, and hard-working. They have
instilled in me a curiosity for psychology that has me yearning for more education.
I am aware of Argosy University’s outstanding name and reputation for teaching
some of the best counselors in the state. I want to be a part of a team that shares my
passion of psychology, and I want to be taught by these exceptional teachers.
4. Resume
Amber Cordero
1803 Georgia Ave
Great Lakes, IL 60088
585.703.4814
ambercordero@att.net
Profile
Professional administrative assistant transitioning from the US Navy Personnelmen (PN) to civilian administrative position -- tour of
duty ended July 2010. Highly motivated to use four years of achievements during PN career to provide committed service for a professional
administrative department. Qualifications include a BA in Psychology; security clearance; comprehensive clerical training; and a broad
knowledge in computers, payroll, and record keeping.
Key Skills
-Payroll -Data Entry -60WPM
-Efficient in MS Word -Efficient in MS Outlook -Efficient in MS Office
-Efficient in MS Powerpoint -Attention to Detail -Communications
-Supervisory Position -Data Collection
Experience
US NAVY -- Previous Assignment: Buffalo, New York
Personnelmen Third Class, 07/02 to 07/10
Awarded PN position at the culmination of 9-week basic training and an additional 6 weeks of specialized PN training. Served as a
Personnelmen providing administrative assistance to superiors and payroll to reservists.
Attend three PN refresher courses (2003, 2005, 2006)
Recognition & Awards
-Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2003)
-National Defense Service Medal (2003)
-Navy Good Conduct Medal (2005)
-Graduated #2 in PN school
Education & Credentials
ARGOSY UNIVERSITY – Schaumburg, IL
BA in Psychology -- Degree Earned: 12/11/ Current GPA: 3.5
5. Reflection
I have had a wonderful time here at
Argosy Schaumburg. I have made
many friends, learned from wonderful
teachers, and graduated with my BA in
Psychology with a 3.5 GPA. I am the
first in my family to receive a higher
education and I am very proud of that.
6. Table of Contents
*Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and
Information Literacy
*Research Skills
*Communication Skills: Oral and Written
*Ethics and Diversity Awareness
*Foundations of Psychology
*Applied Psychology
*Interpersonal Effectiveness
15. Professional Recommendations
To whom it my concern:
I am writing to ask whether it would be possible for you to provide a letter of reference for
me. I am in the process of applying to graduate schools and a positive reference from you
would enhance my prospects of achieving my education goals.
If you are able to confirm my qualifications for applying to graduate school, and the skills I
attained during my time at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, I would sincerely appreciate it. Below,
I have listed the information that might be useful to you, should you agree.
I attended your US History 101 and 102 classes in 2009, as well as, Communications 101 in
2010. Not only did I have a perfect attendance record, but I received an A in all three
courses.
Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide regarding my
experience to assist you in giving me a reference. The due date for this letter is April 1,
2012. I can be reached at ambercordero@att.net.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Amber Cordero
16. SSAL
BA PSYCHOLOGY
Learning Outcomes Rubric
Limited Exposure: If the student does not demonstrate that he or she has received college-level
instruction in this area, check this box.
Moderate Exposure: If the student shows some competency with this outcome, and shows recognition
of some of the discussion points in this area, check this box.
Significant Exposure: If the student can fairly easily address some of the major themes and their
application to theory and/or to their own life, check this box. These are abilities beyond those described
under Moderate Exposure.
Extensive Exposure: If the student demonstrates expertise in a given area that sets him or her apart
SSAL
from their peer group, check this box. These are abilities beyond those described under Significant
Exposure.
Section 1a: Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking: Given a psychological issue, employs skeptical
inquiry and a scientific approach.
3 = Extensive Exposure
Able to formulate reasoned opinions on a wide range of psychological perspectives and theories within
written and oral presentations.
When presenting (in written work or orally), assesses a given topic from multiple perspectives and
evaluates merit of each perspective.
Able to systematically analyze and appraise the complexities of a given issue.
17. Section 1b: Cognitive Abilities: Information Literacy:
3 = Extensive Exposure
Able to collect and arrange information from a variety of sources pertinent to the chosen topic, integrating
reasoned appraisals of such information into the work of a project in psychology.
Section 2: Research: Understanding Research Methods:
3 = Extensive Exposure
Able to correctly summarize the research design, statistical and other evaluative tools, and findings of the
article.
Able to use sound reasoning as a basis for criticizing the research results. SSAL cont.
Section 3a: Communication Skills: Oral:
3 = Extensive Exposure
Possesses extensive ability in creating, organizing and delivering oral presentations. Exhibits the ability
to design, develop, and defend appropriate levels of organizations and clarity of presentation, thus
allowing the listener to following the line of reasoning. Exhibits the ability to design, develop, and defend
appropriate level of presentation for audience, correct use of grammar, word choice for precise meaning.
18. Section 4a: Ethics:
3 = Extensive Exposure
Effectively engages in ethical thinking and action, evidenced by the ability to articulate best-practices
pertaining to case examples and/or other specific problems associated with the field.
Recognizes more subtle breaches in ethical practices in psychology and can construct alternative
analyses and choices of behaviors.
Claims ownership over the prescribed ethical principles for the field, and works to promote ethical
decision-making and activity accordingly.
SSAL cont.
Section 4b: Diversity: Identifies the issues and challenges related to diversity in the field of
psychology.
3 = Extensive Exposure
Effectively engages in multiculturally-sensitive thought and action, evidenced by the ability to articulate
best-practices pertaining to case examples and/or other specific diversity issues and populations
associated with the field.
Recognizes more subtle forms of discrimination and prejudice within and around psychology and can
construct alternative analyses and choices of behaviors.
Claims ownership over personal biases, and works to increase awareness and respect for diverse
populations.
5. Knowledge of Psychology: Recognizes the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical
findings, applications, and historical trends in psychology.
3 = Extensive Exposure
Exhibits consistent recognition and exceptional comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical
perspectives, empirical findings, applications and historical trends in psychology or within a specific area
of study in the field.
Able to synthesize and evaluate various psychological theories, and apply them to explain everyday
events and experiences.
19. SSAL cont.
6. Knowledge of Applied Psychology: Applies psychological principles to personal, social, and/or
organizational issues.
3 = Extensive Exposure
Provides comprehensive explanations that incorporate psychological principles, as well as, empirical
data and best practices.
Demonstrates the ability to use psychological principles in solving problems, explaining social issues,
and dealing with everyday life situations.
Section 7: Interpersonal Effectiveness: Active Listening Communication Skills:
3 = Extensive Exposure
Able to consistently and effectively apply active listening communication skills in interpersonal and
organizational scenarios to establish empathetic, collegial relationships that facilitate consensus building
in working toward common goals and is appreciative of diversity and culture.
Able to consistently analyze the importance of effective nonverbal communication skills in developing
strong interpersonal and organizational relationships that are culturally sensitive and respectful of
diversity.
Actively solicits and utilizes feedback to develop adaptable strategies of facilitating dynamic interpersonal
and organizational relationships.
Consistently & actively demonstrates an understanding of the impact of technological advances on
communication within interpersonal and organizational relationships.
Consistently demonstrates strong utilization of effective communication and relationship skills in order to
promote the growth of others and effect change.
20. My Future in Learning
When I think about my future I envision
myself learning something new everyday. I
have learned something new everyday and I
do not plan on stopping anytime soon.
I am always ready to learn although I do not
always like being taught. ~Winston Churchill
21. Contact Me
Thank you for viewing my
ePortfolio.
For further information, please
contact me at the e-mail address
below.
ambercordero@att.net
