Undergraduate /
'task beyond expectation' - Bioengineering Major [UC Prompt #1 transfer] [3]
Does my response answer the question, or should I make it more narrative form? Also, feel free to edit it, the more people the merrier! Thanks a bunch :)Prompt #1 (transfer applicants)
What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field - such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities - and what you have gained from your involvement.
At the age of seventeen, choosing a major might seem like a task beyond expectation; but, as youngster science and mathematics have always been my two favorite subjects, and it is due to the passion for these two subject I have been able to advance over my age group. I always enjoyed the challenge of using scientific and mathematical ideas when solving everyday problems. I now want to be able to implement my physical and mathematical abilities in real life situations, a personal yearning that motivated my selection. All aspects of applied science and engineering intrigue me, but I am particularly interested in the medical application of these two disciplines. I realized that the only field that appealed to me, other than engineering, was medicine. Having researched the crossover between medicine and engineering I decided that bioengineering provided the perfect blend. My choice of bioengineering has been enhanced and made certain by my minute, yet worthwhile exposure to the major's facets.
The realms of biotechnology unveiled when Mrs. Laila Shahrestani, my chemistry instructor, reserved me a spot in the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 53rd meeting in Los Angeles. It was tempting to reject this foreign offer as a 7th grader, but I seized the opportunity to skip classes for a few days. The material at the conference was overly complicated to comprehend; but, many of the booth representatives happily offered me over-simplified statement, about the function of their companies', and most concluded with "we'll see you here in ten years!" empowered by the energetic crowd and endless attention, I left the convention endeavoring one day to be a groundbreaking researcher with my own booth. I Revisiting the spark of my passion my senior year, I coordinated a trip to the (ASHG) 57th meeting in San Diego. Mrs. Shahrestani continued to facilitate my early exposures to experimental science, since; while working with her, I conducted a research project regarding "Alcoholic Content and Concentration in Biodiesels: Environmental Implications and Efficiency" which has received multiple awards.
For the past two years I have dwelled in a microcosm attempting to experience the 'research environment'. As a high school Lab Assistant, I have developed a fair understanding regarding laboratory management, while performing routine tasks such as ordering materials, managing safety protocol, organizing chemicals, student affairs, and custodial tasks. Conducting demos for chemistry students is always a satisfying feeling, especially when attempting to explain molecular reactions with sporadic body movement and hand gestures. This past summer, I worked alongside alumni and faculty to renovate the laboratory's system in preparing labs and secure materials for students My Laboratory work has helped me to develop time management, problem-solving and teamwork skills, as I encountered several problems along the way.
While shadowing Dr. Karim Shaikley, of Upland Orthopedic Clinic, at Alta Loma Hospital, I witnessed the 'hidden technology' embedded in many orthopedic patients, and I was informed that in many cases the technology used was vital to the success of the surgery. I realized that much of the technology used in the orthopedic sector was either new or under testing, from shoe designs to suture anchor pullout. Shadowing has not only offered me firsthand exposure to the practice of medicine, but it has made me truly appreciative of medical technology.