My intellectual love affair with chemistry and forensic science began in my high school years. I was lucky, during this formative period of my life, to have a series of excellent chemistry instructors and classes; my enthusiasm for chemistry grew throughout these years. I became more and more interested in the discipline; in my free time, I read chemistry books and learned the history of the subject. It was clear to me that I wanted to build a career out of this interest. After I graduated high school, I was accepted into the Abu Dhabi police force academy to complete a study in forensic chemistry. This was one of the happiest experiences of my life: I was able to study a subject that I love and make a positive impact in my city at the same time.
I believe strongly in the importance of education. To me, there are many different types of education and myriad different types of intelligence, but it is vitally important for everyone to find their passion and talent and cultivate it to the best of their ability. The journey from elementary school to high school is a long one, and sometimes a difficult one, but it can be very helpful for students who are searching for their talent and passion in life. I feel blessed in that I stumbled upon my passion while I was still in high school; it helped me choose the appropriate major for my skill set, and it gave me unique opportunities for my future. I knew that my chosen field was a competitive one, but I was determined to do well. I graduated high school with a cumulative average of 93.8%, putting me in a good position to pursue further education. Because I knew what I wanted to do and I fought so hard to make it happen, I was able to seek out the resources necessary to secure a study-abroad scholarship to study forensic science.
Once I secured the scholarship to study abroad, I had to choose a place to go. The choice, however, was an easy one: the United States offers some of the best forensic science programs in the world. In addition to studying forensic science, I am hoping to use my time in the United States to perfect my English, because having impeccable English skills is a talent that cannot be overstated in today’s world. I hope to use this experience to better myself and to expand my worldview in as many ways as possible; I understand that this is a unique experience not afforded to many, and I hope to absorb as much knowledge-- academic and otherwise-- from this chapter of my life as possible.
Sometimes, when I discuss my future plans with friends and loved ones, they ask me why I love science as much as I do. Some even seem surprised, because I do not seem to fit their mental image of a scientist; I am compassionate and outgoing, and I enjoy interacting with other people. I chose forensic science, I tell them, because it is the perfect way to marry my personal interest in science with my drive to make the world a better, safer place.
As a scientist, I will be able to satisfy my personal intellectual curiosity regarding how people, especially criminals, function; however, I will also be able to use the knowledge that I gain from this field of study to ensure that criminals are removed from society. I believe in making the world a better place, and studying forensic science is a fantastic way for me to help citizens of my country and perhaps even citizens around the world.
In addition, I’d like to study the causes of crime, and do further research into crime aversion and investigation. My overarching dream is to help humanity as a whole live safe, peaceful lives, protected against terrorism, fear, and violence. Even though the world is a dangerous place today, I am still optimistic that if enough people try hard enough to change the way humans interact with each other, peace is achievable. Studying forensic science and becoming a part of the police force is my way of helping to change the world.
When I first came to America, I began my studies in forensic chemistry at Ashland University. As a foreign exchange student, I knew I would face some struggles with culture and language differences, but I underestimated just how much of a change I was facing. I’m sure this is the case for many students who travel far away to study. Because I was so young, I was still unsure of myself; I found myself homesick, missing my friends and family, and somewhat overwhelmed by the differences in American culture. But I continued on, through the homesickness, and I found that I loved my courses, and that I was able to adapt quite well to American life after a short period of transition.
As I worked to overcome my difficulties with the transition to American life, I started to become more confident in my English and I began to excel in my courses. In my sophomore year, I took several chemistry classes that were challenging but incredibly rewarding. They really reaffirmed my love for chemistry, and gave me the assurance I needed to be certain that I chose the right path. During my time in these chemistry courses, I came to believe that everyone involved in police work, whether it is lab or field work, should be well-educated in science. Over my first few years in America, I worked through many difficulties, but still remained dedicated to my target: to complete my undergraduate study in the field of forensic science with good enough marks to move on to a graduate program in forensic science.
The higher education system of the United States is unparalleled in any other nation throughout the world. Every day, I am thankful for all the opportunities I have had to study English, forensic science, and various other courses at so many American schools: I’ve attended courses at George Mason University, University of North Florida, Ashland University, and the Capital School. Each of these schools have offered me something unique, and I have learned a lot from my attendance at each one.
I am optimistic that I can complete my postgraduate studies in the field of forensic science in a program with a high level of rigor. I hope to take what I have learned in the American educational system and bring it back to my home, where I will join the police force in Abu Dhabi. Because my performance has been good, the police force in Abu Dhabi has offered to sponsor me for graduate school-- an opportunity that does not appear every day.
I am honored to have had so many opportunities in America. I am aware that many people from outside the country do not ever get a chance to come and study at any of the fantastic universities and colleges that exist here, and I have had an opportunity to study at a variety of them. I have learned an incredible amount from my time here, and I hope to continue to excel in both my courses and my personal life.
As I’ve said before, my love for the study of forensic science does not exist in a vacuum. I love chemistry and forensic science on an intellectual level, but I also really love the fact that by studying forensic science, I am uniquely placed to make my country and, ultimately, the world a better place.
