ESSAY #1: In an essay of 300 words or less, please describe how your past circumstances and experiences (such as your upbringing, community, and/or activities) impacted who you are, your future goals, and your choice of major. If you haven't decided on a college or major yet, briefly explain your intentions and aspirations for your first year at Illinois.
The feeling of solving a mind-boggling calculus problem or discovering the structure of graphene for the first time is simply exciting. There is an inherent beauty in those feelings which bring out my deep analytical nature. I've chosen to pursue computer science for computers are endlessly fascinating. The possibilities are only limited by the human mind. But if I really 'just' wanted to learn computer science, why not go to a library? And borrow some books? Why did I choose to go to a university miles away from the comfort of home?
As Thomas Edison once said, 'Necessity is the mother of all invention'. For me, Ramu was my necessity.
In my hometown, Hyderabad, There was a boy, 2 years younger than me, Ramu, who sold storybooks by foot to earn money for his sick mother's treatment, toiling for long, arduous hours. I admired his bravery but it shattered me that our destinies were so different. He was never going to receive the education and opportunities I have. For some divine reason, I got the opportunity this amazing boy did not have and I had to make the most out of my life-not for myself, but for Ramu and for every other street kid.
It didn't make sense that the world I come from cannot give education to young individuals like Ramu. Inside me, I felt a genuine desire to grow and make the world a better place. I want to pursue an engineering degree in Illinois to shape the world into a beautiful place where all can learn and grow, with equal opportunity. I want to change this world. I wish to make sure that every 'Ramu' out there can get an education and fulfil their dreams for everyone is worth a shot.
The feeling of solving a mind-boggling calculus problem or discovering the structure of graphene for the first time is simply exciting. There is an inherent beauty in those feelings which bring out my deep analytical nature. I've chosen to pursue computer science for computers are endlessly fascinating. The possibilities are only limited by the human mind. But if I really 'just' wanted to learn computer science, why not go to a library? And borrow some books? Why did I choose to go to a university miles away from the comfort of home?
As Thomas Edison once said, 'Necessity is the mother of all invention'. For me, Ramu was my necessity.
In my hometown, Hyderabad, There was a boy, 2 years younger than me, Ramu, who sold storybooks by foot to earn money for his sick mother's treatment, toiling for long, arduous hours. I admired his bravery but it shattered me that our destinies were so different. He was never going to receive the education and opportunities I have. For some divine reason, I got the opportunity this amazing boy did not have and I had to make the most out of my life-not for myself, but for Ramu and for every other street kid.
It didn't make sense that the world I come from cannot give education to young individuals like Ramu. Inside me, I felt a genuine desire to grow and make the world a better place. I want to pursue an engineering degree in Illinois to shape the world into a beautiful place where all can learn and grow, with equal opportunity. I want to change this world. I wish to make sure that every 'Ramu' out there can get an education and fulfil their dreams for everyone is worth a shot.
