2. Personal Statement What elements encompass Meghan Vargo? Ambition, empathy, emotions, passion, structure and loyalty. How did I become the person I am today? Growing up in a military family has set the foundation. Being born in Germany, having moved five times in my childhood and living life being required to be 15 minutes early for everything had a major impact on my work ethic and determination in life. I would not change a single aspect about it if given the opportunity because every moment of the strict, structure and regulated life has given me the amazing drive and high expectations I have for myself. As long as I can remember, I have been the person that friends turn to for support, advice and help. The human psyche, decision-making process and the thought process that evokes actions have always interested me. I have been fortunate enough to have a relatively “easy” childhood without having parents’ divorce, or stepsiblings, or death, or major life-altering events. There have been bumps and bruises along the way, however nothing that has impacted the person I am today. With the stability in my childhood, I have been able to help those that have had to deal with such events while growing up. My best friends in adolescence all had a common characteristic of traumatic events having happened previously, or going through them during our friendship. I firmly believe that our life paths crossed specifically for me to help them and for me to grow into the counselor that I am meant to be. When I began the 6th grade and met Nicole Schuler, the middle school guidance counselor, I knew what my passion in life was called, Psychology. Watching her passion with helping others gave me the same desire. I have known since the 6th grade that I would major in Psychology in college. My fellow classmates senior year of high school were still undecided on where to go to school and what to major in, I knew what my future held for me. The path that has brought me to Argosy University for Undergraduate and Graduate programs was not apart of the initial plan, but a pleasant surprise in life.
3. Personal Statement Cont. I have been a nanny for 5 years and found the shear simplicity of watching a child learn a new concept or skill, grow and develop a personality has been a true-life amazement. Learning where social problems, or mental disorders can be triggered in development stages, can lead to ways to combat these problems and have an impact in the Psychology world, science world. Recently, in the past month, I have developed a passion for Cognitive Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. With my “fix-it” mentality and aspiration to help people I know that are struggling, “OCD” suffers intrigue my Psychology mind. After graduation of my Undergraduate program, I am attending Graduate School at Argosy University, Bay Area campus for a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in order to fully decide what to do with my education and start working with children, OCD patients, or child with OCD tendencies to see if there is preventative measures in a young age. I will complete my Undergraduate Bachelor’s Psychology degree in the summer of 2011, and am very eager to start my Graduate program. I am full of anticipation to start helping patients with personality disorders, of all ages. As complacent as my life has been, with pleasant surprises in the end, I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and dedicated to help other those that have not been as fortunate as I.
4. Resume Meghan Vargo Address: 875 Tamalpais DriveUnit #3 Novato, CA94947 Phone: 510-610-9361 Email: Meghan.Vargo@gmail.comObjective: Objective: I am seeking a position where I can develop and excel while giving my best to an employer. Experience: June 2010-Present Stage Academy Marin, San Francisco, NV 94115 Administrative and Production Assistant Responsible for administrative tasks such as filing, sorting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, networking contacts for future productions, creating schedules for meetings, rehearsals, finding venues for shows and assisting where needed for production; costume choices, set design options etc. August 2009-June 2011 Schuler Family, San Rafael, CA 94903 Nanny Full time caregiver for twin boys; from 3-5 years old. Tasks include but not limited to: Getting children ready for pre-school in the morning, preparing meals, transportation of children (to and from preschool, play days and activities), provide educational activities for growth and development of children January 2008- May 2009 Dr. Jack Abrams, Las Vegas NV 89148 Office and Personal Assistant Office duties: Responsible for scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, handling a 6- line phone system, maintain filling room, greet patients in friendly demeanor, “checking-in” and “checking-out” patients which includes cash handling and determination of co-payments and deductibles. Personal Assistant duties: Taking care of 11 and 8 year old daughters which included transportation, homework assistances and maintenance of daily diet and nutrition. In addition to the nanny duties, I am responsible for personal errands such as grocery shopping, dry cleaning and assistance with schedule keeping.
5. Resume Cont. Education: 2009-2011 Argosy University, San Francisco Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology Degree Completion: Summer Semester 2011 Nevada State College 2004-2009 Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology Chaparral High School Las Vegas, NV 2000–2004 General Education, Honors Diploma Personal achievements that I am proud of are taking all honors classes in high school, while maintaining a full time job. I also received awards all though out high school and middle school honor role and have volunteer with Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas during various occasions through out the year. I am well verse in Window’s programs and MAC computers. I am very knowledgeable of Microsoft office on both PC and MAC computers along with standard MAC programs. I am a quick learner of computer programs and challenge myself to learn something new on a regular basis. References: Available upon request
6. Reflection To sum up the last 4 academic years of my life seems impossible because of the amount of life and scholastic lessons that I have learned. I transferred to Argosy University, San Francisco campus my junior year from Las Vegas. The quality and valuable education that I received at Argosy University in a year and a half trumps the three years combined from my Las Vegas education. As I finish my Undergraduate program, I am confident in my knowledge and ability in Psychology. I understand my weaknesses and my strengths balance them out. I am a visual learned who recognizes, comprehends and can communicate the concepts of Psychology with written word. I am at a disadvantage if I have to communicate my knowledge orally without having time to prepare with a written piece. Having been raised in the military lifestyle, I firmly believe that my childhood has given me a great advantage to comprehending and understanding Ethics and Diversity. After completion of the course, I am confident in my ability to be welcoming to diversity and remain ethical in my Psychology practice.
7. 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
8. Critical Thinking Several work samples described in the Table of Contends can be found on my LinkedIn profile page: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=128011516&trk=tab_pro
9. My Future in Learning Learning is a continuous process; learning new life skills or ways to look at the world. The type and style in which people obtain their knowledge and learning varies from person to person, however it is human nature to never stop learning new skills, concepts and abilities throughout a lifetime. I’ve been in school since I was 4 years old. I graduated High School at 17 years old and entered college before my 18th birthday. I identify myself a student. As I graduate my Undergrad program, the next step is my Master’s Program with consideration of a PsyD degree. My career goals require advanced education. The world of Psychology has so much to offer to those that are willing and eager to learn.
10. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. Meghan.Vargo@gmail.com
