Statement of purpose – Clark university, Masters in Communication

After losing my sight for three years, I gained a new perspective on accessible health
information in a crisis era. I realized that traditional media channels often fail to reach
marginalized communities, including the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. I was
only able to use communication and my subconscious mind as my eyes to enable me get by
day by day, after I gained my sight in those three years, I started to think of those people whom
are not as lucky as I was to gain understanding about deadly diseases such as Ebola and Covid-
19 .According to recent statistics, people living in rural areas can barely understand Crisis
communication and this is due to (Dual sensory loss and illiterates) or lack of access to media
channels, My research goal is to develop effective Crisis communication strategies for rural
areas, addressing health disparities and misinformation in a crisis era. Growing up in Nigeria,
I witnessed firsthand the impact of healthcare disparities in rural communities. I am excited to
apply for the MS program in Communication with my interest in Crisis communication at clark
University, where I aim to explore the intersection of Crisis communication, health Campaigns,
health disparities and misinformation.
In my education years, I have focused my academic career on taking classes in advertising and
public relation with emphasis on media production like video editing, photography, camera
operator, copywriting in Western Delta University during my undergraduate. Given my sound
understanding of the subject matter, I was a teaching assistant for a class on; MCN 110- Film
and video workshop, MCN 102-intro to photojournalism and design, MCN 203-
Introduction to advertising. Communication is personal to me and this influenced my
decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mass communication, where I was privileged to
assist, Professor Samson Ibiwoye in his research into communication for a school magazine
and article, film and video workshop, my aim at this point was to learn the technical side needed
to disseminate communication, I gained mastery at camera operation, video editing and other
media departments, which has taught me the value of time management and value of discipline.
This will be vital as I embark on the demanding journey of my program

Furthermore, I have gained the ability of leadership by working on collaborative environment

as shown in my publication I where played the role of Production manager and co-author. I
have significant writing and presentation experience as shown in my publication and
presentation and invited lecture as shown in my undergraduate thesis defense at Western Delta
University and also a Content manager at kurioucity add limited. Additionally, during my
National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), I served as the President of my Community
Developments Group in the year 2022 has prepared me for the invaluable experience as I look
forward to learning and contributing within the Graduate students in communication program
at your university. Furthermore, I regularly read EJHC &CRISIS COMMUNICATION
SCHOLARS BLOG for articles on multimedia channels with the highest level of engagement
from the public towards health care, leading me to organize community sanitations under my
elected role as president of community development group during my year of service, which
gave me the ability to take prudent decisions under pressure. In my two-year tenure at Tayo
Olayeni Foundation (2018-2020), I spearheaded health communication initiatives in rural
areas (makoko, odua & ogharaefe) Nigeria, bridging knowledge gaps and addressing
disparities. As a Communication strategist, I crafted engaging content for diverse audiences,
including children and the elderly. This experience honed my ability to adapt communication
strategies to meet the needs of marginalized communities, leveraging cultural nuances and
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accessible formats. Notably, I successfully taught English to children and elderly individuals,
including those with dual sensory loss, by incorporating their native language and creative
approaches. This transformative experience, combined with my personal journey as a blind
individual, has instilled in me a passion for Communication. I am now eager to pursue a
Master's in Communication at Clark University, where I can refine my skills in research,
teaching, and mentoring, ultimately driving positive change in global health outcomes. My goal
is to acquire a high level of skill and knowledge in my chosen field and apply this to my home
country, with hopes of becoming a better Communicator that will tackle misinformation and
Crisis and health care communication, I hope to become a voice of impact and A Humanitarian,
thereby, I will also be able to give back to my society after my studies and goals achieved. This
would involve setting up NGOs, Advertisement Agencies, Seminars and scholarship schemes
for academically sound Nigerians that want to pursue a dream in communication and its likes.
Clark university provides excellent facilities and resources that are needed for a creative
research, the master’s program in communication provides ideal academic and research
foundation for my career cause I believe it will help me forge a career in a global, digital market
and media relations and also to help in the effective communication of the value of my research
through storytelling in multimedia & strategically shifting campaign users experience and
consumer behaviors toward crisis communication, I'm particularly drawn to the research
interests of Professors Bernardette Bowen whom has encouraged me to apply after I reached
out too given our aligned interest towards communication whose work resonates with my
passions. in Professor Bernardette Bowen research on the implications of source content and
style cues in curbing health misinformation and fake news, because I believe that my interest
aligns with my interests in leveraging communication to drive positive change,because i am
excited about the prospect of studying under their guidance and contributing to research that
addresses critical crisis issues.
In conclusion, human live is threatened in rural areas by healthcare disparities. Thus, there is a
need for coordinated efforts in communication so as to solve the health disparities,
misinformation content being put out the public through the multimedia channels are easily
and strategically understood by the targeted audience. Clark University Communications
program, with its emphasis on Crisis communication and cultural studies, provides the ideal
environment for me to explore my passion for developing effective crisis communication
strategies for marginalized communities. I am confident that the program will equip me with
the theoretical knowledge, research skills, and practical expertise to achieve my goals and make
a meaningful impact in the field of health communication in my home country Nigeria and also
get more engagement from the government and public towards health communication. I am
confident that my collective experience has sufficiently prepared me for this next step in my
scholastic journey. Hence, I look forward to the consideration of my application. Thankyou

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