Notes

“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done.”, this is a quote by Robert A. Heinlein which highlights the infinite potential behind science. My strong passion for science comes from the vastness of its capabilities. Almost anything that we imagine can be possible if worked on proficiently under the right means with the power of scientific knowledge, this is what drives me.

I’ve worked hard over the years to purse my interest in school by being one of the top students in my grade and maintaining that throughout high school. I’m always going that extra step when it comes to school work and taking every opportunity I can to expand my knowledge beyond the barrier the curriculum has set by doing my own research online. I also have taken part in science fairs to try and put my innovation skills to the test against my peer, this year I’m participating and planning to work on a water powered RC car. In my community, I’ve pursed my love for biology by helping out in medical related positions including first-aid responder, tutoring biology and volunteering in my local hospital.

Aside from my immense passion for the field I do believe I have many other character attributes that would make me a good scientist. First of is my curiosity, I always have an intense desire to know and question a lot of things around me. Questioning is my method of learning, this is what drives me to do my research and expand what I know. If there isn’t an answer for a question that is when I know to take the stride and work towards the answer. I don’t believe curiosity killed the cat but it was ignorance and the lack of seeking knowledge that did. Resilience is another one of my attributes that I take pride in, being a scientist isn’t easy and a lot of trial and error comes into play where many people tend to fall off. But my ability to rebound from failure, fix what went wrong and continue until I fulfill my objective is what makes me different in that aspect. Critical thinking is something I practise and believe is really important especially when it comes to science. I don’t ever approach anything from a straight forward angle but instead look at the problem from all around, this leads me to reach conclusions about things and answer sophisticated question I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.

Outside of school I’m always looking to volunteer and participate is as many things as possible. So far, I volunteer as a tutor (math, biology, physics), local Edmonton food bank, being a first aid responder at my school throughout the year, at my nearest hospital, and with Edmonton Emergency Relief Services along side Red Cross to help the Fort Mac wildfire evacuees reintegrate into society. All these experiences have taught my something new, one thing I took from it is that our primary purpose in life is to help others and that is the only way to reach real fulfilment. Science comes hand in hand with this because especially in the field of biology we do research and innovate in order to try and makes the lives of others better. My desire to help others is also why I plan to become a medical doctor; specialize as a surgeon and work for Doctors Without Boarders one day. In October, I was accepted into the University of Alberta Honors program in Sciences, it isn’t to get in but this just goes to show how hard work and learning experiences are starting to pay off everyday a long my journey.

I want to make GRFAW another one of my learning experiences which will help me in my future. By joining GRFAW I hope to be acquainted to the laboratory environment and learn more about genetics. I am confident my curiosity and ability to comprehend will allow me to take what I will learn that week use it as a strong foundation into my future in medical science. I am looking forward to working in an exciting, friendly environment which promotes continued learning and strives for excellence. I am self-motivated, with a positive work ethic and would enjoy being part of this program as it would mean a lot to me.
Thank-you for considering my application, I look forward to meeting with you soon.