Essay On My Dream Of Becoming A Chemical Engineering Student

Since I was a child, I have been strongly attracted by the natural sciences because they help me comprehend the complexity of nature. The principles of chemistry and physics play fundamental roles in scientifically explaining the interactions and the properties of matter on the planet. The interface between the molecular sciences of chemistry and the engineering applications of physics has inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. This major will enable to apply obtained knowledge of both disciplines in reality joining the community of chemical engineers worldwide. By providing some of my life experiences, I’d like to demonstrate my passion for the natural sciences and prove that I am the real candidate to get the scholarship from the university due to a number of reasons.
First of all, my goal to major in chemical engineering derives from my love of science and experiments aired in various educational television programs, such as The World of Chemistry and MythBusters. Due to their experiments being closely associated with life and having a “green” perspective, such as using ethanol to fuel an unmodified car or making a fruit battery to turn on a light bulb, they have always excited me intensely. Therefore, I am determined to achieve a degree in chemical engineering as this major will provide me with technical expertise to apply theories in practice serving humanity and conserving the environment.
Going back to my some of my educational background, my studying at Tennessee Community College (TCC) began in winter 2011. The success in advanced English classes at TCC has developed my language skills and facilitated the process of learning. To round out my education, I have taken courses that present basic concepts including an algebra-based physics series and general cell biology. Despite major subjects like math, chemistry, physics, and biology presenting an increasingly difficult language barrier, my instructors evaluated me as an “excellent” or “top-ranked.” Consequently, my current GPA is 3.97 reflecting my tireless efforts and enthusiasm to develop more and get higher education.
At Tennessee Community College, I have been employed as a math and science tutor for two consecutive quarters. I am also an active member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Center for Academic Support and Achievement, and the Engineering Club. Experiences working as a tutor and participating in student clubs encourage me not only better understand ethics in engineering but also develop essential skills supporting my future goals. The skills I have gained including professionalism, leadership, communication, time management, teamwork, and independence will inspire me to overcome difficult challenges awaiting me in the university environment and later in my career.
Besides tutoring in my subject material, I also keep up with the discipline of chemical engineering through extracurricular activities: I have attended seminars like “Energy for Sustainability” in November 2012 and “Chemical Swimming and Active Matter” in May 2014 held in the UW Physics Astronomy Auditorium. The knowledge accumulated through these seminars has not only provided me with invaluable learning experiences but also increased my passion for the field.
Although I am an excellent student, I have some unique ethnic background which has created financial and cultural obstacles in the US. I and my family are poor immigrants from Vietnam; we have received multiple benefits from food and energy assistance programs. Job opportunities were also scarce for us as most employers required basic English literacy while we could not speak even a single English word correctly during our first two months living in the US.
In addition to the above mentioned issue, the differences in customs, values and beliefs made us feel lonely in the large community. Adjusting to American customs and traditions was quite difficult and tedious process, and sometimes I pretended to be comfortable with them. Nevertheless, interactions with people representing various nations and cultures have helped us integrate into society and embrace diversity. Encountering such challenges has never scared me but rather strongly encouraged to study hard for further success enabling to improve my life conditions and make contributions to the surrounding society in general. Taking into account workplace multiculturalism today and my own cultural history, I believe my ability effectively interact with people of diverse cultures will eventually lead to outstanding solutions in the chemical engineering field.
Furthermore, I am currently a representative of Vietnamese youth in the greater Tacoma area. I frequently contribute my initiatives about conserving Vietnamese traditional heritage for younger generations living in the US and strengthening the Vietnamese-American community in Tacoma.
Even though the US is a wealthy country, there are still so many poor people around. Therefore, every week I spend three hours, joining other volunteers in the Emergency Food Network warehouse, to repackage bulk food into family-sized portions, which are then provided to poor people in Pierce County.
Last but not least, I am currently preparing to enter the intended major of chemical engineering. Specifically, I have completed the requirements to get the Associate of Science degree and acquire admission to the UW Department of Chemical Engineering by Spring 2015. After graduation I aspire to work for companies involved with production or application of chemicals since I am interested in research of discovering new substances and advancing existing production processes. My long-term goal is to work as a chemical engineer in the pharmaceutical industry and explore methods of producing more effective but less expensive drugs for people in need.