It may not be good enough, but it’s sincere enough.
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APPLICANTS TO GEORGETOWN COLLEGE: Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your future goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study? (If you are applying to a major in the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics or a science discipline, please specifically address those interests.)
When I was in grade school, to visit my grandparents, I was sent to the rural village where there was no electricity , and people had to go to the nearest well for water. That summer was hot, and I was bit by a cranky snake. I ran to my grandmother for help. But she did not take me to a doctor, instead, she poured alcohol on my hand and set it on fire. I survived from a lethal bite without seeing a doctor. But a burn mark was left on my hand forever. Not until I started to study biology in middle school did I learn about the science that saved my life: Heat denatures the protein of the snake’s venom. That was when I was amazed by the power of Biology.
Later on, I went to college where I got to examine Biology at a closer level. In a Microbiology class we did an experiment to test how long E. coli would evolve resistance to highly concentrated antibiotics. The result was astonishing: 11-day is all it takes for E. coli to develop super resistance. On the contrary, it took us human 65 million years to become who we are. Watching the plates really is witnessing evolution happening at warp speed. Amazed by the vigor of life and the wonder of Biology, I find resonance in Georgetown’s learning goals: the process of science enables students to understand and appreciate the epistemology of science.
Then, I went on and explored more as an undergraduate research assistant. When I long thought genetic engineering is human’s brilliant patent, however, bacteria have been expert on this project for 30,000 years. When scientists first found out that bacteria make their molecular scissors to replace and insert DNA segments, they borrowed this technology and used it as our benefit to correct genetic diseases. It is amazing that solutions to problems that confronted modern technology have been implied by nature. From then on, a door was opened in twentieth century for biologists to go further on genetic modification. And a door was opened for me too: I was fascinated by the application of biological science and the secrets of nature. Through Georgetown’s RISE program, I will be able to conduct in-depth researches with world-leading experts and obtain hands-on introductory experience of graduate studies, which will prepare me well for my expecting PhD career path. Also, the vigorous fusion of seminars and field courses offered by Georgetown’s biology department will help me develop more comprehensive understanding of real-world problems as well as the ability to solve them.
Now, I love to ask questions about biology, but half of the time the answers are not known. My curiosity inspires me to explore more and hopefully apply what I learn for human happiness in the future. In this age of accelerating technology, there are better and less painful treatment than setting my hand on fire like what my grandmother did. But the unequal distribution of medical resources still troubles me. After graduation, I will go back to the rural villages so that when the next girl gets bit by a snake, there will be a doctor available.