If you're applying to NYU's master's program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness for 2014, you will need to write an essay in addition to your personal statement.
Describe a characteristic or issue of your own that could present a challenge in your work as a counselor. Explain how you address that challenge to become a more effective counselor.This was my response in full (2 pages, double spaced):
Counseling is a
very personal profession with many varying factors because there is almost an
infinite variety of people and situations. And thus, I understand it is
necessary to be self-reflective and self-aware so we as counselors can
understand the unique reference point from which we each counsel others. Among
my many characteristics is my adherence to what I believe is right and spurning
what I believe is wrong. Like most characteristics, this can be an advantage or
disadvantage, strength or weakness, depending on the situation and the degree
to which I exercise it. In the case of following the tenets of my religion, I
am generally very obedient to all the rules and commandments and do not have to
repent of any big sins often. This affords me a greater sense of peace and joy.
However, it can also cause me to be critical or judgmental of others who are
doing what I believe to be wrong or harmful. I do not usually express my
disapproval verbally, but I know it may be communicated non-verbally in various
ways. This negative tendency is actually against my religion. I acknowledge
that this could present a challenge in my work as a compassionate, inclusive,
and effective counselor so I am determined to address this issue so that it
does not negatively affect my future work as a counselor.
One
of the reasons I am applying to NYU is because of its dedication to diversity –
in its faculty, student body, curriculum content, and array of educational
experiences. It is located in one of the most diverse and vibrant cities of the
world. I am eager to be exposed to and learn from new perspectives that will
challenge, expand, and enlighten my mind. If I am accepted and choose to
matriculate into the Masters Program in Counseling for Mental Health and
Wellness, I am fully aware that I would encounter many people and ideas that
are different from my own, including ones that may directly oppose what I hold
to be true and sacred. In this situation, I think it would be best to use a
concrete example.
I
am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose
members are also known as Mormons. As Mormonism has spread to the national
stage through popular figures in politics, business, sports, and entertainment,
we have been able to share more about our beliefs and dispel popular myths and
misconceptions. We believe that marriage and family are central to God’s divine
plan of happiness, that marriage is defined as the union of a man and a woman
with gender being an eternal characteristic. We also believe in keeping the Law
of Chastity throughout our lives, which means sexual activity is reserved only
between a man and a woman who are married. These beliefs are often viewed as
traditional or old-fashioned and held by a decreasing percentage of the general
population. Nevertheless, we believe that changes in popular opinion or civil
law cannot change the moral law God has established. These tenets guide my life
and I am completely devoted to them.
With
that stated, I know with certainty that many, if not most, of the people I
encounter will disagree with me on some point of Church doctrine. But there are
other broader laws and principles that Mormons believe that prevent us from
designating anyone who disagrees with us as an enemy. The most basic of these
are: everyone is a child of God deserving of dignity and respect, and personal
agency is a gift from God. We are encouraged to share and stand by our own
beliefs, but to afford everyone else the freedom to choose for themselves.
Above all, the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people
with kindness, and to look for the best in others. There is always common
ground that can be found and shared.
Therefore,
my natural inclination to adhere to moral codes will most likely be a benefit
and advantage rather than a challenge or barrier to a successful and fulfilling
career in counseling. Christ sometimes disagreed with the actions and choices
of those around Him but He always treated everyone with humility, kindness, and
respect. He offered gentle, simple, and effective counsel to help improve the
lives of others. He is the ultimate exemplar I strive to follow. I know if I am
successful in doing so, I will become an excellent counselor who can truly help
my clients achieve mental health and wellness.
Direct sources:
Direct sources:
http://www.mormonsandgays.org/
http://www.lds.org/topics/same-gender-attraction?lang=eng
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/church-instructs-leaders-on-same-sex-marriage
***UPDATE***
I was accepted into their program!!! However, I chose to go to Columbia University's Psychological Counseling program instead for various reasons. 
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