Pursuing a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning to Address Low-Income Housing Issues

My firm decision in pursuing a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning has been molded by my experiences and enhanced by my earned skills and knowledge in diverse fields. Above all, my dream to be in the field of housing has been inspired by my desire to provide the less fortunate with their basic need of dwelling.

During my four weeks of visit in Ahmad Jordan, I have come to understand the real meaning of poverty. The issues on low-income housing system in the country further opened my mind about the importance of home and the consequences of system to the families earning low income.

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I realized that such situation can be worsen and is possible even in a rich country if development and redevelopment of older housing stock and commercial building into housing continues. Through the ever-changing economy and continuous innovations, housing system would possibly become a burden to the families earning low income. Hence, a new system or improvement should be initiated in the housing system.

It is of no doubt that serving in a housing field requires expertise. But I am confident that my experiences are quite enough in serving in the housing field. While studying in the Old Dominion University (ODU), I was already exposed to housing.

During that time, my friend and I purchased a duplex in Portsmouth, Virginia for the purpose of renting it to those earning low income at a low price. Being the property manager, I had the property repaired in order to make it decent and comfortable for the occupants. From there, I realized that maintaining an aged rental property is very arduous and expensive.

I was again given a chance to be a property manager of a 262-unit townhouse community which is known as the Hyde Park Townhouse. As a property manager, I was responsible for the overall operation of the townhouse.

During my service, I had a chance to learn the bidding for cost efficiency, maintenance, maintaining relationship with contractors, and dealing in a diverse environment. I believe that it was though efficiency, confidence, and determination that made me achieve fulfillment in such area.

In increasing my knowledge and challenge in housing, I moved to Real Estate Investment as a property manager. The property involve was over 60 single-family detached homes. Unfortunately, my service was short-lived because of the investigation against the owner of the property who was alleged to be involved in an unethical business.

However, I found a more challenging job at Jefferson Country Assisted Housing Corporation (JEFFCO), a contractor of The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). At JEFFCO, I had a portfolio of 28 properties with over 3,700 units.

Apart from that, I was tasked to work with other property managers and business leaders across the state of Virginia, with HUD and residents in my portfolio. Remarkably, JEFFCO offered me an opportunity to comprehend the aspect of low-income versus conventional housing system.

Being in a housing sector further requires knowledge about the sociological aspect of housing and skill in communicating with a diverse class. Hence, my Communications and Sociology degrees at ODU can relevantly help me in the field.

Communication trained me to communicate well while Sociology educated me about the sociological functions of our society. More importantly, my Individualized Studies major with a focus in Business Administration at Virginia State University has allowed me to combine various disciplines to create a well-rounded liberal arts approach.

Furthermore, I earned my confidence and courage in facing life’s struggles through my involvement in different activities and exposure to different responsibilities. While iat ODU, I served as a Resident Assistant. I was also chosen to be president of the Communications Club, ROTC cadet, and a participant in the Miss Norfolk Pageant under the Miss America system.

Apart from that my academic performance has made me a recipient of scholarship programs and of the Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities. At present, I endeavor my time as a volunteer in the Hunger Study organized by the Virginia Foodbank. By virtue of my experiences, educational attainment, community services, and values, I am confident that I can surpass the battles in my life including the adversities in taking my Master’s degree.

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