Professional Goal Statement

I am a lifelong learner who aspires to learn, lead, and apply ideas that will advocate new  policies and programs that focus on the  21st century older adult.  My decision to return to  a graduate program  has  stemmed from a desire to understand and learn more about the specific characteristics of the identity of the 21st century older adult .

Since I began my educational journey at a community college, I felt that there was a need to share my experiences with other older adult students to assist and support their academic and social participation as they engage in higher education. My  prior research  has  focused  on exploring the  lifelong learner and their educational experiences. My doctoral research examined more closely the college experience of the older adult learner who was 50 years of age and older at the community college as it pertained to their educational success and completion.  I discovered that institutions may play a significant role in developing and shaping older adult students’ identities within various student organizations at our educational institutions.

Finally, I want to add to the body of knowledge by conducting research that will explore the needs and programs that will support the 21st century older adult by including  the sociological perspective on aging by applying its emphasis on the interconnections between individuals and macro-level forces that will provide a better understanding of  the 21st century older adult identity and the society in which they live. I believe that my professional experience and  research intertwine, which will allow me to be an ideal student but also; a social advocate and leader who will apply and advocate policies and  encourage practices that will support access, equity, and opportunity for the varied older adult populations within our communities.

Planning for  the future , I would seek to work collaboratively with others in either an   Osher Institute or senior community. I believe that my learning and research has allowed me to continually grow and develop as an advocate and educator of lifelong learners who will lead, collaborate, and apply practices that will stimulate and support the  older adult and their personal and social needs of the 21st century. As a scholar and researcher of lifelong learners, I will continue to advocate the need for institutional policies and resources that will support  diversity within these platforms  for the 21st century older adult.

Program Goals

1.     Acquire advanced education and professional training in gerontology in order to assume leadership    positions in governmental, for- profit, and non-profit programs and services at the federal, state, and/or local level.

2.     ​Enhance cultural and intergenerational competence regarding age, cohort, gender, race and ethnicity, and/or diverse abilities.

3.     ​Acquire expertise in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating programs for older persons based on systematic needs assessment at the individual, community, and/or agency level using appropriate technology.

4.     ​Demonstrate the ability to evaluate or conduct appropriate research.

5.     ​Exercise sound professional judgment based on ethical standards and expectations of the field.

6.     ​Develop professional identity as a gerontologist to effectively work with an interdisciplinary team.

7.     ​Participate in professional field experiences in gerontology to apply concepts and skills related to aging at various life stages.

8.     ​Develop advocacy skills to participate in policy formation, implementation, and analysis on the local, state, and federal level for aging related issues.