Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Personal Statement

My passion to be involved in the medical field began at a very young age. In elementary school, my grades and interests excelled in science classes involving the human body and medicine. During my four years in high school, I have taken full advantage of the science classes, which has further increased my interests and my desire to become a part of the medical field after college. After graduation, I plan to attend South Dakota State University for two years of generals, and then transfer to the University of Lincoln, Nebraska, for four more years to earn my major in biology so that I can one day become a physical therapist.

In the past, along with studying medicine and the human body outside of the classroom, I have also done volunteer work. My grandmother is a First Responder in Currie, MN, and I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to go along on many service calls. Through that experience, I have learned the importance of an excellent knowledge of the human body, and how to handle emergency situations quickly. Along with volunteer work, I also have held many leadership positions. I was the section leader of the bass line in the Marshall Winter Drumline and the Marshall Marching Band for two years, along with the section leader of the bass line in the SuFuDu drumline for one year. Having held leadership positions in the past, I feel I know how to take control of certain situations and complete things successfully, while sharing my knowledge in the process.

I am not only a quick learner, but I am a passionate learner. Between my previous work and volunteer experiences, along with my passion and devotion to learning more about the medical field, I feel that I am a qualified applicant, and I would appreciate the opportunity to volunteer at the Avera hospital. This field of study has fascinated me for many years, and I look forward to devoting the rest of my life to learning as much as I can.

Cover Letter

1420 E College Drive
Marshall, MN 56258
April 8, 2008

Mrs. Stephanie McKee
PA-C Family Medicine
Marshall, MN 56258

Dear Mrs. McKee:

I am writing this letter, enclosed with my resume, in response to the advertisement “Volunteers Wanted”, April 1st, for part-time volunteer work at the Avera Hospital in Marshall, MN. I am currently enrolled in three science classes that are involved with the medical and health field, including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology. In the past, I have also taken Biology, A.P. Biology, Chemistry, Sociology, and other science and interpersonal classes I feel would help me to contribute to this hospital as a volunteer. I have a passion for the medical field, and I am planning to major in biology in college. With previous experience in a hospital, I feel that I will have a head start once I get to college. Along with my education, I feel that my personality would be suitable for volunteer work at Avera. I have done many volunteer jobs in Marshall and was a volunteer First Responder in Currie, MN, and I have volunteered with the Big Buddies program for two years. This opportunity would help increase my experience and open up my doors to a whole new type of volunteering.

I hope to see you for an interview soon!

Sincerely,



Meganne L. Torkelson

Resume

Meganne L. Torkelson
400 Mason Street, Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 828-8952
megda_21@hotmail.com

Objective: Opportunity to increase my knowledge in the health and medical field

Education: Senior at Marshall High School, Marshall, Minnesota
(Graduation June 2008) G.P.A.: 3.2

Activities and Skills:
Member of Concert Band freshman through senior year
Member of Jazz Band freshman through junior year
Member of Marshall Drumline freshman through senior year
Member of Marshall Marching Band freshman through senior year
Member of the Yellow Ribbon Club junior and senior year
Member of Show Choir (manager) junior year
Member of Youth Engagement Council junior year
Speech member freshman and sophomore year

Work Experience:
Perkins
The Schwan’s Call Center
K-Mart
Papa Murphy’s
Volunteer
First Responder (assistant)
Big Buddies Program
Customer Service
Sold Products
Cleaned
Helped Customers
Cooked
Baby-Sat
Volunteer Work
Cashier
Sales Representative
Took Inventory
Restocked Shelves

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Pg. 96 Critical Thinking Questions

1. What is the difference in form and in content between the model resume and the model cover letter?

While there are many similarities between the model resume and the model cover letter, there are also a lot of differences. The format of the resume consists of a list, rather than a letter. In the resume, there is also a list of abilities, whereas in the cover letter, there is not. The resume does not end with a formal closing, but in the cover letter, there is a reference saying they hope to meet soon, followed by a personal signature. The resume consists of an objective that is straight to the point, details about performance and programs outside of high school, details about abilities, and current and prior work experiences, along with a reference. The cover letter consists of a formal salutation, a body which connects the cover letter to the resume, a formal closing, and a signature.

2. Into what parts is the resume divided? The cover letter?

A resume is divided into 5 parts. It starts with the writer's name, adderss, phone number, and e-mail address. Then, the statement of the objective. After, details about performance and programs outside of high school, which is then followed by details about abilities. It is closed with current and prior work experiences, along with references.

A cover letter is divided into 7 parts. It begins with a heading, including the date. After the heading, there is the inside address, and the person's name and title or department name. After, a formal salutation followed by a colon. Then, the body, which is concise and courteous; it connects the resume to the specific position. Lastly, there is a formal closing, followed by a comma, a signature, and a typed name.

3. What do you think of Thomas's stated objective on his resume? What role do you suppose the objective serves on a resume?

I feel that Thomas's objective on his resume states exactly what he is looing for, and also qualifies him for the position in which he is applying for. The objective on a resume is a place to tell the person reading the resume exactly what it is that you are looking for. If the objective matches the criteria in which the employer is looking for, the person who filled out the resume is more likely to be considered for the position.

4. If you were the director of the day camp, would you invite Thomas in for an interview to discuss his qualifications for the job? Why or why not?

I would invite Thomas in for an interview. The fact that he had been a mentor, along with the Big Buddy Mentoring Program really shows that he would be qualified to work at the day camp, along with the fact that he is a strong swimmer and could give introductory and intermediate swimming and diving lessons. Lastly, being that he is enrolled in a Red Cross class, he would be qualified for CPR and lifesaving.