<p>I would really appreciate it if someone could review my personal statement. HKU's personal statement request,
-Please provide information which you feel will be of interest to the Admissions Tutors and will help them know you better, e.g. your reasons for applying to HKU, the chosen curricula, extra-curricular activities, participation in voluntary work, past working experience, career aspirations and other achievements.-
Please be honest. Is this boring? Does it flow? -Thank you!</p>
<p>I truly believe I have had a unique experience as a young adult which has taught me the value of a person's time and actions. The importance of following your dreams even when you think it may be too late. It was when I found myself standing in the desert in Afghanistan, sweating more than I could drink in water that I thought, if I died today, what would be my legacy? I am 24 years old and have been out of school for almost 6 years. During this time I served in the United States Marine Corps as a geospatial Intelligence analyst as well as working professionally as a civilian. I know now that I don't want my life's work to be in a profession that specializes in taking life. Instead, I would like to do the opposite and work to save and nurture life. </p>
<p>I have been very successful working as a professional in my current field but that is not where my heart is. I have found that by trading money, stability and a job for your passion and interest, you really trade who you are for another person that must live in your skin. My passion and interest lies in biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine. I cannot overstate my enthusiasm for this field of work. There are more reasons than I can count why I am not only willing but excited to leave my career and study biomedical engineering. It is simply intriguing how much there is yet to discover, unravel and develop in this field. With the aspiration of working in regenerative medicine it is very close to my heart to have the opportunity to study biomedical engineering. My brother was born with a terminal disease which I have watched consume him through all the years of his life. I don't believe there's a stronger motivation than that of wanting to help someone you love. He is my determination, my motivation. </p>
<p>Of all the things my military experience has taught me, my training, my skill set and from my combat deployments to Afghanistan, it has taught me a lot about myself. I know the meaning of a hard day's work and what it feels like to have another person's life depend on the accuracy and speed of my work. Of all my virtues and abilities it is in my work ethic and my leadership skills that I have the most confidence. Unlike students who may be untested and untried by the world I know that I am dependable, determined and disciplined. If not with talent then through sheer determination and hard work I believe I will be successful in whatever I have the opportunity to study. I know what it means and I am ready to fully commit myself not only to the study of biomedical engineering through Hong Kong University but a lifelong devotion to it.</p>
<p>Attending Hong Kong University would not only be an amazing opportunity for a great education but for research and cultural diversity as well. Hong Kong is the gate from east to west and I would be honored to be able to study and work with people from all walks of life. I believe if learning and development were done with global, not country or regional betterment in mind, everyone would profit. I once heard a travelling businessman refer to himself as a global citizen and since then I have aspired to achieve the same.</p>
<p>I have been playing the violin since I was 4 years old and have been in many orchestras, symphonies and quartets. I often give lessons to beginner students at local schools. I also regularly volunteered as a "cat companion" at the San Diego humane society in my spare time. I have a very active life style, running or swimming at least 5 days a week and participating in sports when the opportunity arises. If I am accepted to HKU, I plan to join Hong Kong University students' Union Philharmonic orchestra as well as find an animal shelter where I can volunteer my time. Thank you for your time and consideration. </p>