Personal Statement
A mentor of mine told me that dreams are not achieved by simply working hard—working smart is one of the keys to success. If this is true, then turning my passion into something lucrative definitely sounds like a smart thing to do. That is precisely why I intend to combine my love for computer science and programming with a full-fledged business.
When I was younger, my parents brought me a desktop computer that fascinated me to no end. My uncle was a computer engineer; he motivated me to learn how to use it. Thus, I taught myself strong computer operating skills and analytical skills. In high school, I grabbed any opportunity to learn and to use my abilities. I took part in computer-related competitions. I even built a forum website where my classmates could share stories and discuss campus news. I always felt excited about seeing people having a good, convenient time due to computer work that I did.
It came to the point where my peers called me the “Computer Master.” Even though I enjoyed their praise, I knew that I was far from being a true master. Therefore, I made up my mind to undergo professional computer training. My goal was to become the kind of person who can make invaluable contributions to the field of computer technology.
Around four years ago, I developed a strong desire to study abroad. That was the time when I met my cousin, Kelly, who was on her way back from the US for a vacation. She told me that she was working as a software engineer for Microsoft after she earned her Computer Engineering degree from the University of Washington. Something clicked deep inside me—I found that it was possible to achieve my dream after all! I talked to my parents about my idea to follow in my cousin's footsteps. Fortunately, they were supportive and my life abroad started.
I started taking ESL courses at Kaplan Highline. After half a year of language learning, I transferred to Highline Community College to strive for an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science. I passed the college test with good grades that allowed me to directly register for the English and Math courses at a high college level. I thought that I was ready for the upcoming challenges. However, when the first quarter arrived, I realized that I was still not good enough to keep pace with the native students, despite my efforts.
Fortunately, I made a lot of friends in college and they helped me out a lot with my English training. They also told me how to adapt to new classes and how to befriend the professors. Thanks to their help, I finally caught up with my classes and I felt like a real college student for the first time.
Thankfully, Physics was one of my strengths in Highline Community College—I was always among the best students in my Physics classes. Furthermore, I discovered the very interesting subject of Programming during my three years of study there. I had found my niche; life gave me feedback by consistently ranking me among the top three students in the classes.
Besides the academic knowledge and skills that I picked up from my courses, I also gained valuable experience in a variety of fields, discovered many things about myself and others and became more independent and self-confident. I realized that how fortunate I was to study in a country that promotes high-ranking, innovative education and cutting-edge research.
Outside the classroom, shooting films became one of my hobbies. In high school, I became the director of a video production team that produced a series of popular science fiction and comedy films. Being a director helped me to improve my creative thinking, develop leadership and collaboration skills and make new friends in school. I took these qualities with me when I volunteered as a tour guide and gift shop staff member for the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery in 2012. The experience taught me a lot about the life of salmon and marine ecosystems. As a bonus, I received the appreciation of tourists who thanked me for donating my time to the society.
Because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, I wish to continue my education at the University of Washington. I believe it has just the right academic climate and a unique mix of educational advantages for me. It is also the logical next step in my training as a computer science major and as an entrepreneur.
In closing, I strongly believe that I have the right combination of self-motivation, background, personality and academic knowledge to succeed in the Computer Engineering degree program of the University of Washington. Combining computer science with business will actually serve a variety of purposes. First, it will provide a way for me to demonstrate my creativity and my logical thinking capabilities to the rest of the world. Second, it will also allow me to do something I love and get paid for it in the future. Lastly, it will give me an opportunity to help other people, especially those from my native land. Ultimately, I believe that's what real entrepreneurship is all about: being the difference in the lives of people.
