Dear x:
I have always been brimming with questions about the how and why of theworld around me. In fact, one of my biology teachers once commented in responseto my constant questioning that I was an extremely curious student and apleasure to have in class.
When in the 8th grade we began studying the three sciences indepently, Ideveloped a special affinity towards biology and chemistry. Medicine was thefirst thought that came to mind when I thought about a career in Biology andChemistry but I could not foresee myself working in a clinic on a day to daybasis. I was then introduced to my first Robin Cook book, ‘Fever’, the first ofmany to follow. It was then that I realised how depent the medical communityis on research and that there are a myriad career options that are open to aresearch scientist.
Being a student of the International Baccalaureate program, I got a lot ofexposure to laboratory work which I thoroughly enjoyed. The InternationalBaccalaureate encourages its students to question knowledge and test theoriesfor themselves, an approach which suited me perfectly. The interdisciplinaryapproach of the program to science helped me broaden my perspective of the scopeof research and crystallised my decision to study a course in molecularbiochemistry. India is on the threshold of becoming a world leader in clinicalresearch, however, the fact still remains that the leadership in innovativeresearch still lies in the hands of scientists trained in the universities ofEurope is what prompted me to apply to the your university.
What amazes me about this line of study is how all living organisms whethercomplex or simple ultimately are a collection of cells, entities so tiny and yetso powerful that they determine the nature of the organism. DNA is nothing morethan a chemical compound but what is it that gives it the capability todetermine the characteristics of an organism? How is it that cells communicateusing chemistry? What molecular activity determines the genetic makeup of aspecies? The wide range of interrelated modules offered by your university willlay a strong foundation before I narrow down the scope of my education.
My love and appreciation of nature’s mysteries has been strengthenedthrough numerous treks, camps and equestrian training and has found applicationto this field of study.
Your university’s state of the art research facilities are what attractedme to apply to your undergraduate course since the line of study and work that Iplan to follow requires just that. The opportunity to meet and interact with theeminent scientists who are members of the faculty is something I really lookforward to.
My tenure as Head Girl and years in boarding school have honed myorganisational and communication skills and developed a sense of team spirit andresponsibility which will aid my academic and personal interactions atuniversity. Being in an international environment will contribute to the shapingof my ideas on moral issues like the ethics of cloning and stem cell researchwhich need to be addressed by the research fraternity, of which I aspire tobecome a part. I realise that the program requires commitment and hard work andassure you that I will make a positive contribution to your department/it. Ihope to have the opportunity to interact with other international and localstudents to further my interest in drama and theatre, my passion for music andmy love for sports. It would be a privilege to be an active and involved memberof the student community and to study at your university.
Li Ming