University of British Columbia
2136 West Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
January 25, 2019
Dear English, 301 classmates:
Please consider my application for a position on your writing team as posted on the English 301 blog. As an honors Psychology graduate of U.B.C.O., I have refined research skills necessary when composing abstracts, literature reviews, and a thesis. Your attention to detail with the design of your blog page encouraged me to apply. I am detail oriented and will provide thorough feedback accompanied by specific suggestions for improvement on your assignments. Below, I outline my previous research experiences and describe the relevant skills I have that will make me a good candidate for your writing team.
During my undergraduate degree, I was introduced to the cognitive issues surrounding unconscious shifts of attention. My current interest is studying human mental processes, including their behavioral functioning, and the impact of having deficits in these cognitive processes. For my graduate studies, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology researching the cognitive effects of neurological illness or brain injury.
Through a research internship at the Centre for Cognitive Development, measuring approximate number system acuity and confidence acuity concerning children’s math ability, I researched literature related to cognitive development, interviewed parents and siblings for data collection, administered tests to children, analyzed data, and presented my findings at lab meetings. Seeking to expand my research interests, I am investigating neuropsychological and behavioral characteristics of individuals affected by familial frontotemporal dementia in a study at the Centre for Brain Health. Conducting literature reviews, presenting research posters, and collaborative problem-solving with a research team
My previous experiences have enabled me to develop the tools to become a proficient writer. My strengths in terms of writing skills include my attention to detail and my ability to tailor certain documents in situations. My weakness in terms of writing skills includes organizational issues and fragmentation in the flow of ideas.
Throughout my academic and professional experiences, I have adopted a learning philosophy that focuses on both practice and revision. Thus, to achieve this, students and teachers must work together and provide each other with constructive criticism to allow students time to learn and improve. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to set a writer on the correct path.
Please email me at Brionne.mcwilliams@ubc.ca if you’re interested in forming a team together. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Respectfully,
Brionne McWilliams