HANNAH ELLIS

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the internship position offered with the Hamilton County Department of Education! My name is Hannah Ellis, and I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in May 2024. Although I don’t have direct experience in the Psychology field yet- I am passionate and committed to pursuing my career- while bringing a strong work ethic, optimism, dedication, and willingness to learn. You will not see psychology-related positions on my resume, but I have consistently held a job since I was fifteen, demonstrating my strong work ethic and commitment to responsibility.

My educational background provided a solid foundation, boosting my confidence in understanding the complexities of human behavior and the unique dynamics each person presents. By completing courses such as; Research Methods, Developmental Psychology, Skills for Counseling, Abnormal Psychology, and Cognitive Basis of Behavior, I have developed effective communication skills and a deep understanding of psychological concepts and perspectives. These experiences strongly enhanced my critical thinking and problem solving skills, which have already been useful in everyday life- in both academic and personal contexts.

For instance, while taking the Skills for Counseling course, I participated in a “mock” counseling session with other individuals in the class. We had to listen for fifteen minutes, and then speak as the client for 15 minutes. These assignments taught me the value of not speaking when I think I should, active listening, letting clients own the silence, how to be vulnerable to receive vulnerability, showing empathy, and overall working towards uncovering core issues that are hidden by surface level concerns.

In addition, I completed courses like Social Inequalities, Race/ Ethnicity/ Crime/ Justice, Criminal Justice, Feminism, and Multicultural Psychology, which provided me with insight into the different barriers individuals face in their everyday lives- regarding race, income, religion, etc.. These courses have equipped me with many diverse perspectives essential for working with people from all different backgrounds.

To take it a step farther- I completed six semesters of Spanish. While I am not yet fluent, I can hold conversations and comprehend well. I used the knowledge to my advantage, and have served in three Mexican restaurants throughout college. I have submerged myself with another culture- and this has helped me with my Spanish speaking abilities and understanding others from completely different backgrounds.

I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to the Hamilton County Department of Education. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity of discussing how I can contribute to your team!

• Most Likely to Make Someone's Day- Recognized for extending positivity and uplifting others in the school community.
• Homecoming Queen- Elected by peers, demonstrating leadership and strong social connections.
• Prom Princess- Acknowledged for participation and involvement in school events, reflecting a commitment to community engagement.
• Miss Junior- Honored for showing leadership and involvement in the school community, contributing to a positive school culture.