Intended Major: My Intended Major

Intended Major:

My intended major and interest is in the field of Biology, specifically in the field of Molecular Cell Biology (MCB). Previously, my major had been Electrical Engineering in my country of the Republic of Korea. I quit attending the university in Korea, as my major was not close to my aptitude. Before I came to United States, I decided to study Biology because I was really inspired by one of most prestigious biologists, Woosuk, Whang. He is now well-known worldwide and respected by many, including scientists around the world. I am one of whom sincerely wants to follow him. He is currently doing research on human stem cells and its practical use for incurable diseases. When I was in Korea, he received much attention on his invaluable work.

I want to major in MCB and contribute to the field, eventually treating many diseases, such as Woosuk did. I do have some college experience in Korea. For about one and half years I went to college for my basics, which was a great experience. For example, I already learned basic science classes such as chemistry and physics. In addition, I belonged to a few science clubs on campus and worked there with great enthusiasm. At the campus in the United States, I completed more basic science classes plus General Biology in good standing. Consequently, I gained basic knowledge and acquired an integral foundation for my intended major.

2. My talent and something that I can bring to contribute to vitality of Berkeley.

I am a non-traditional student, as compared to other students in my position. This can be a good thing, as I have gained a lot of experience. First of all, I learned leadership skills during my military service period. I served in a military camp for 26 months, in South Korea. Even though the military camp was a mandatory affair, I was fortunate to have been involved in serving my country. While in the serving period, I became a good leader in my squad and practiced good decision-making skills in every situation that required so. I have the ability to apply this special experience to campus life; for example, in my field and in campus organizations. People may generalize that many people of a foreign nature have communication problems; however, I do not have much of this problem. I practiced speaking English for some time, by helping my Uncle's business and in English language classes. Now, I have much better communication skills than ever before. Therefore, I am confident in having discussions in class and in doing presentations.

Since I came to the United States, I was involved in teaching my language to Korean second generation children at my church. I really like to help people in any way I can. I keep this way of thinking in my mind always and I am ready to help people in difficult circumstances, especially when it comes to an individual's health, as in my intended field. I feel that my talents of leadership, knowledge of another language (Korean), and good communication skills will open doors for my future endeavors. I will, in turn, contribute much of these talents to the vitality of Berkeley. For example, I may join a Korean or Asian Club, along with other clubs, and get involved by becoming an officer using my leadership skills. I might also teach the basics of the Korean language to others on campus by holding a workshop on campus, with permission of course. I would in some way, definitely use my talents to add to the vitality of U.C. Berkeley.

3. Personal story.

I was born in Seoul, Korea in 1980. My immediate family consists of my parents and one younger brother. My parents are not well-educated; however, they do want their sons to accomplish academic success. My mother is working on a business in architecture. My father retired, a few years ago, and is currently helping with my mom's business. I have been loved so much and have spent many happy moments with them. My family can be considered to be a middle-class family. I experienced a normal family life growing up. After graduating from high school, I applied to a university that I really wanted to get into; however, I failed to get into the university. After that, I studied once again and succeeded to get into a university in Seoul. However, during 6 months of campus life, I was supposed to serve for the country in the Army. During that period, I switched gears and decided to study abroad. I wanted to gain a more broad and real world experience. Finally, I decided to come to the United States, which I thought of at the time and have come to learn is an ideal place to learn in the world over. I have studied for two and half years in this country up to the present time. For the first six months, I studied writing skills and communication in an English language program. I gained good experience for learning the English language. After that, I transferred to Chabot College in Hayward. During the first semester, I made an academic mistake. In the Spring semester of 2004, I took American History. Frankly speaking, that was very hard for a Freshmen, such as myself, fresh out of learning the English language. That is why I dropped that course. In my academic career, I have gotten only one W (withdrawn) mark on my transcript. Now, I can say that I am doing just fine. Gradually, I have accomplished major preparation, in the proper manner, each semester. At this pace, I can finish all of the required work in my field of my major, before I transfer, if given this wonderful opportunity. So far, I have taken general education classes and major preparatory classes. I have done this with general chemistry and the first part of organic chemistry, general physics, the first part of general biology, and Math 1 and 2. My next academic plan is that I will continue on to take the second part of organic chemistry, the second part of general biology, an advanced English class and one general education class next Spring of 2006. I want to say that I am academically almost ready to join a 4-year college, if given the opportunity. In addition to academic preparation, I joined some activities on campus. I was a member of KSA (Korean Student Association) in Chabot College. In this group, I helped new Korean students have useful information about transferring and learning techniques. In addition, I gave them practical advice based on my experience of campus life. Also, I was a member of the Biology club. Because I was very interested in that field, I really enjoyed the club activity and did all I could for the club. Finally, I would like to talk about the last thing and that is one of the main reasons why I want to transfer. I have a drive within myself to succeed academically not only for myself but for my parents, as well. My parents are old enough to retire and I want to support them as they did me. One of my main goals is to be accepted at U.C. Berkeley, so that I may move forth with my intended major and be a part of this wonderful university. I am confident that U.C. Berkeley will allow me to have great opportunities and to gain a sense of pride. In addition, I want to study in a world class university with great enthusiasm and a wonderful reputation. Moreover, by obtaining a degree, I can be the first person in my family to get a four-year college degree. If given the opportunity, I will prove to be a successful student and graduate from your university so that I may help others and know that I had a wonderful educational foundation, U.C. Berkeley, to prepare me for my career in Molecular Cell Biology.