So you want to be a librarian...

It's clearly been too long since I had to write an essay. Sometime between the last blog post and now I decided that what I'd really like to do is go to graduate school for Library and Information Sciences. I researched ALA accredited schools and found out that the number one ranked program in the country is right here at U of I. So now we start the process of applying. I need the general application, my resume, a personal statement, and an interview/career essay. Tack on to that three letters of recommendation and a February 15th deadline and I'm already agonizing. I decided the best thing I could do was write my personal statement.

Fuck.
Seriously?
Why is this so hard?

I wrote this florid, wordy, stupid sounding two-page statement. And I hated it. So I sent it to my mom in hopes that she would find something redeeming in it (because mom's are awesome at that). Instead she (very gently) told me that she hated it. And now I don't know what to do. This essay as to be 1-2 pages and I could sum it all up in three sentences:
I want to be a librarian because it is important to me that all people have access to information. With a degree in Library and Information Sciences I can help make more resources accessible. I think that this degree will help me to find a fulfilling career in the information field.

And that's it. So how do I draw that out into a full page without falling into that wordy, stupid trap? Maybe another list is in order? Skills and experiences I have that make me a good fit for becoming a librarian:

• I love books (I'm not allowed to include this one in the essay)
• I was at my library so often as a teen that EVERYONE who worked there knew me on sight if not knew my name
• I always want to know the answers
• I am good at customer service
• I want to share information
• I am early to adopt and learn about new technology
• I adapt well to change
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• I always have a recommendation for people

Maybe if I approach this like I'm writing a cover letter instead of a personal statement that will help. I have time and I just need to step back and take a breath.