I have always had a creative ability and a fascination with how things work. The challenge of solving practical problems inherent in the field of engineering appeals directly to these traits.
I am particularly interested in electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) because it is such a rapidly evolving discipline. The potential to integrate new technologies into real life applications and the opportunity to develop practical skills in this sphere is exciting.
I spent a week within the Electronics Department at the British Geological Survey and was shown the diversity of the work they undertake. Their job is to use electronics to investigate the properties of rocks using invasive and non-invasive techniques. What most enthused me was the freedom the engineers have to use their creativity to solve problems. I observed them designing their own experiments and using their PCB layout and design skills to build circuits to achieve this.
In addition to my school work I have been studying an Open University science short course entitled 'Inside Nuclear Energy'. I chose this course because nuclear energy is a fundamentally important consideration in our future energy supply.
The module debated nuclear energy from an ethical and practical perspective as well as studying the technology and science involved such as calculating nuclear decay and how a nuclear power station works. Studying this module has broadened my scientific reading and helped my time management and independent study skills.
During my academic career I have been house representative and a member of my school council. I was a member of my school team for the national Bar Mock Trials and reached the final in Belfast. I was elected as a member of the UK Youth Parliament for South Lincolnshire where I was very fortunate to attend Stormont and debate in the House of Commons.
I was the Managing Director of a Young Enterprise group. This role involved managing a team of 10 of my peers and maintaining good relations throughout while ensuring that quality and time management was maintained.
As a team we designed our product and I negotiated with a local manufacturer who produced it using recycled plastic bottle tops. I gained valuable team work and management skills and we won both regional and national awards including one for 'Innovation'.
In my free time I play netball where good teamwork is essential. I play clarinet, guitar and have reached grade five in piano. I enjoy watching talks on TED.com and I keep up to date with Wired magazine which covers current and future trends in technology.
I believe it is important that an engineer has a wider understanding of the social, political and economic issues to better appreciate the context in which engineering impacts on the community it serves.
In economics I have learnt to consider the effect of negative externalities which include the environmental impact of individual companies. I am acutely aware of the need for science to explore ways of harmonising technology with nature. All engineering henceforth will need to consider its environmental impact.
EEE impacts on almost every aspect of our lives today and will only grow in importance. I want to be part of our technological future and make a positive contribution to future developments.
This personal statement was written by AJS for application in 2013.
AJS's university choices
Imperial College London
University College London
University of Bath
University of Newcastle Upon Tyne
The University of Sheffield
Green : offer made
Red : no offer made
This personal statement is unrated
Being nicknamed after sheep isn't something to be proud of, but the fact that most people in my neighbourhood know me as "Dolly" reveals my passion for genetic engineering. My fascination with science began in primary school and thanks to a desire to delve deeper into the scientific principles that govern this world and use them to develop.
The height of buildings, structures and natural occurring phenomenon has always put me in a state of awe. The first memory of such a moment occurred when I first viewed the Kaieteur Falls in my country of birth, Guyana which has the title of "largest single drop waterfall". At 741 ft or 226 m the sight of such a spectacle dazzled my mind.
Overcoming economic hurdles tempered by ecological limits requires innovative solutions. For centuries mathematical and analytical skills have fused to solve practical problems. The diverse nature of engineering has made advancements possible in an array of fields from the wheel to The International Space Station. I would be honoured to join.
I have always had an eye for how things work. I have a talent for being able to look at something mechanical and have a pretty good guess at what goes on inside. Even better, if not working being able to logically think through the problem and fix it. If not, I am happy to research online for information to solve the problem. This is why I.
As a young child I would often marvel at a feat of engineering, such as how a wing creates lift. However, frustrated at my inability to comprehend the nature of such sights I could merely only scratch at the surface. More recently my A level studies have equipped me with some of the tools required to deeper my understanding and question.
The use of mathematics and mechanics to create complex machines from simplistic theories is a wondrous art form, and something I have been passionate about since I was a child. My discovery and eventual love of engineering came when I would help my dad with the construction of the car garage in our garden. I was taught how to measure and.