Introduction
Spirituality plays an important role in people’s lives and should become an integral part of educational programs. In my opinion, intellectual development should complement students’ system of beliefs by stimulating their personal growth in all dimensions. I believe that my personal views and lifestyle are compliant with the requirements of Loma Linda University which integrates religious courses and chapel attendance into the curriculum of the institution.
Attractive characteristics of Loma Linda University
The most attractive characteristics of the clinical course at Loma Linda University include the opportunities for professional and spiritual growth for improving the results. The integration of religious studies into the psychological theories stimulates students’ comprehensive development and teaches them to use religious interventions for solving psychological problems. The integration of religious theories and psychological studies is a relatively new area that provides plenty of opportunities for experiments and research. Receiving an Advanced Degree in Psychology has always been my goal and combining it with spiritual development during enrollment would even exceed my expectations. Balancing the spiritual and intellectual sides of student life, Loma Linda is the right choice for me, which would allow paying proper attention to various sides of life.
The integration of religion and spirituality into the university programs is one of the main characteristics which make Loma Linda attractive to me. My primary goal is to learn how spiritual and religious interventions can help treat substance abuse, mental health problems, and various psychological problems associated with marital and family issues. I believe that religious interventions and appropriate changes in the lifestyle can be effective for solving people’s psychological problems by strengthening their moral values. I am certain that studies at Loma Linda would be valuable for my professional growth.
The impact of spiritual experience
My spiritual experience and personal characteristics are important factors that make my candidature suitable for applying to Loma Linda University. My spiritual experience helped define my purpose in life and choose the ways for achieving it. Prayer and meditation have become an integral part of my daily life and I believe that my predestination is to aid people in transforming their lives and bringing them to Jesus Christ. My spiritual experience is valuable for making various life choices and participating in this clinical psychology program I would be able to help other people to use their spirituality for solving their problems and making life choices.
The desirable personal qualities for considering my application
I believe that my set of personal qualities and my professional background will aid the commission in considering my application. I consider diligence, research skills, and knowledge of cultural diversity as the main strengths of my personality. Along with industry and tolerance, my experience of working on a substance abuse residential treatment program as a data analyst would become a profound basis for further development of my professional skills during participation in the clinical psychological course.
The correspondence of personal values and Loma Linda lifestyle policies
I consider the abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substance an important part of spiritual development and would like to abide by the lifestyle policies of the university. I have been practicing abstinence from alcohol and other harmful substances due to my personal religious views which coincide with Loma Linda’s requirements. I believe that my body is the temple of Jesus Christ and my responsibility is to preserve it by maintaining healthy lifestyles and minimizing the risks of harming this temple.
Abiding the lifestyle policies of the University
Significantly, enrollment into these religious courses would allow me not to change my accustomed lifestyle, attending church services and prayer meetings. The emphasis on the religious component of the program helps enhance the knowledge of religious theories and stimulating spiritual development. Continuing my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ, I would be able to aid other people in selecting the right ways for solving their daily programs and looking for the answers in the depths of their hearts by learning more about God. I try to take every opportunity for enhancing my spiritual development and attend church services every Sabbath. The chapel attendance as a part of the university curriculum is compliant with my system of values. It means that I would not have difficulties with allotting time to my continuing spiritual development and decided between attendances of classes and church services. The university curriculum corresponds to my values and would not only stimulate my professional growth but also guide me in following a spiritual walk.
Conclusion
The integration of spiritual values into Loma Linda’s educational courses is compliant with my system of beliefs and current lifestyle. Taking the clinical course in Psychology at Loma Linda, I would be able not only to develop my professional skills but also to enhance my religious knowledge and continue the spiritual walk.