University of Michigan\'s Neuroscience Graduate

University of Michigan's Neuroscience Graduate Program is my program of choice for graduate school as I really respond to the University's "Vision Statement," in which it says that the University offers an 'uncommon education for the common man.' I am looking for a unique educational experience to help me along the way and guide me into my prospective field of choice -- neuroscience. I am looking to be challenged in my education and I believe that the University of Michigan, garnered as one of the best universities for research and education, will do just that -- and more.

When talking to people about why I want to go into neuroscience, I often use the analogy of a pioneer expedition (not simply because I loved playing Oregon Trail as a kid!). Researching the brain is like panning for gold, like trekking through the snow with wobbly wagon wheels, or like setting up camp in a new location (I could go further!). To go where we know so little is exciting, riveting, scary, and necessary.

The fact that we know so much information about the moon, about the planets, about the stars and the sun, the rainforests and the jungles, the vast Himalayas and the ocean depths, yet we are still trying to figure out our brains, is astounding -- and exciting. I like the notion of mapping out and setting forth on a journey to discover places in our brains that have never been touched upon before. It would be akin to taking a trip to the furthest location a man could ever reach by air or by boat. It would make me a pioneer in my very own adventure. I am excited when I think about all of the information that I will learn in a program such as the one the University offers. I would be honored to have a place in the neuroscience program where I can fulfill my own dreams of expedition.

Michigan, Ann Arbor -- in particular, feels like a city that I could make my home. I like the idea of living in a city that is diverse in individuals as well as culturally diverse and vital. In doing some research on the city, I got the feeling that Ann Arbor is quite an active arts community. One of the most interesting aspects that I stumbled upon in my research was the public art spaces in Ann Arbor. While I find all areas of science exciting, I enjoy living in an environment that can nurture my creative side as well, and I definitely felt that Ann Arbor would be able to offer this -- especially through community programs such as the public art spaces. I feel that community art programs are great for individuals and even better for the greater good of communities. It can bring people together and help create a feeling of cohesion and respect for one another in urban environments. It can make a city feel more like a small town. I would want to become a part of this community and that is what makes the prospect of Ann Arbor so exciting and the University of Michigan overall: I would be able to live and study in a city that I really find exceptional.