Learning activity 4

Evidence: Writing my personal statement

To me chemistry is the science of how the world works, and is very much involved
in tackling the problems faced by our modern society. Chemistry is on our bodies,
our food and our environment, every time we light a match, boil an egg or simply
breathe in and out, we perform a chemical reaction. It is a science that is instrumental
in shaping the world of the future, with almost every technological innovation and
important breakthrough involving chemistry. There is so much more to chemistry that
white coats, Bunsen burners and test tubes.
I really want to study chemistry because it can open the door to careers both inside
and outside the lab. Chemistry graduate are well prepared to assume professional
positions in industry, education, or public service. Chemists are one of the most in
demand scientists, and are highly sought after in numerous other occupations which
make direct use of their scientific knowledge. It will also not just restrict me to
chemistry, but can be a stepping stone to many other professions.
On a more personal level my experiences to date have led me to understand the
importance of listening to others, as well as thorough research, preparation and the
significance of being flexible. As an independent person I feel that my strongest
individual strengths are an ability to work quickly and accurately, concentrate for long
periods of time and to be able to work to deadlines. In problem solving I am logical,
analytical and give attention to detail, I also have an ingrained habit of analyzing
everything before I make any important decisions.
After leaving school I went straight to SENA where I studied a chemistry technology
applied to the industry. I learnt all about how properties react with each other and
change. My experience there gave me an excellent understanding of all the aspects
of molecules, their physical and chemical properties, their composition and structure,
their synthesis. I gained a comprehensive understanding about the laboratory uses
and techniques, Soil, carbon, water and food sampling and chemical reactions,
periodic trends, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and thermodynamics. I felt it
was a worthwhile experience that has fully prepared me for university.
Up until recently I had a job as a laboratory practitioner, working with a drug design
and development group. My duties included; preparing materials and samples for
the labs following checklists, pharmacokinetic research, interactions,
incompatibilities, plant supervision, organoleptic panelist and development and
implementation of new products and pharmaceutical forms. Whilst there I also learnt
how to examine and interpret results and make evaluations based on limited
information. This work experience was invaluable to me as it gave me an insight into
the world of work that cannot be taught in a classroom.
Choosing where to study is an important decision for me. After much consideration
I have decided to apply to your university because your institution is committed to
high quality teaching and student support, and it is also very active in research. I am
a perseverant person who works and studies hard to achieve good results in my
academic and professional life, also I am a confident and careful person, that being
organized obtains repeatable and reproducible laboratory results, whose reports
report the results in a clean and orderly manner.
I firmly believe that I will benefit from your excellence in teaching, research and
welfare provision, as well as your well-equipped teaching and research laboratories.”