Architecture, Personal Statement Example

What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field — such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities — and what you have gained from your involvement.

The liberation of gambling industry in Macao in the year 2003 was good news for the economic sector but it also posed a great threat to the residents’ quality of life. The event was a powerful preview that globalization requires a measured approach to deal with the potentially adverse outcomes. The city swiftly embraced the idea of 34 casinos on an island of only 30 kilometer square without any proper planning. While the rapid urbanization that followed affected me and every other citizen, the city administrators seemed oblivious to the issues being created by urbanization. As I reflected upon the developments occurring in Macao, it suddenly occurred to me that space would continue to become more and more valuable. The global population may be growing but the supply of land is fixed. As a result, one has to find a way to utilize land resources and construct buildings more efficiently. This single realization was convinced me that my future lies in architecture.

My decision to follow a career in architecture was only made easier due to my concern for the environment. This world doesn’t only belong to us but also to the future generations and we have a responsibility to take into account the social impact of our lifestyles. Thus, architects do not only face the challenge of maximizing the utility of a given space in interior and exterior designs but also use materials that maximize flow of air and heat and help us adopt more sustainable lifestyles. I believe both businesses and private citizens take the holistic approach towards architecture and fortunately, they can engage in responsible architectural projects without making much sacrifices. Historically, we have placed greater emphasis on aesthetics, with little consideration to efficient utilization of space. My goal as an architect will be to find a delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. The world has been changing at a rapid pace and the key is to adapt to changing realities. The role of architects has also been changing and it is their professional obligation to anticipate emerging and future trends and respond accordingly.

I believe in continuous education, thus, I started expanding my knowledge on architecture by sourcing information and knowledge from every source I could get my hands on including print publications and digital media such as the internet. This helped me expand my creativity and thinking horizon. In addition, I also started experimenting with tools often used by professional architects such as AutoCAD, VectorWorks, and Rhinoceros. I particularly loved the fact that I didn’t take all these learning activities as an obligation to prepare myself for the future career but actually enjoyed them. The more I learnt and understood, the more I felt inspired to go even deep into the subject matter. In addition to reading articles and insights, I also started experimenting with computing models to better understand from the point-of-view of professionals.

While theories and concepts are important, the most effective learning takes place in the form of actual experiences that is why I joined Macao-based architecture firm Leong Kai, in 2011. The job didn’t only helped me expand my technical knowledge of the field but also helped me develop important soft skills such as organization, customer service, and communication. I also got more comprehensive understanding of how architectural firms operate and organize their limited resources to tackle mega projects.

Our job is not only to realize our true potential but also make positive contributions to the society because we do not exist in isolation. But it is up to us to discover how we can create a better world through our work and for me the answer is architecture. I hope University of California will not only provide me with a strong technical foundation but also help me build a character necessary for success in the 21^st century. I also hope to benefit from the insights of smart and intelligent fellow students as well as industry professional who are part of the university’s strong professional network.

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

We all have strengths and weaknesses and understanding them is extremely important in order to discover our true selves. Even though I have high degree of self-confidence, I regularly evaluate myself in order to make sure I do not make mistakes due to over-confidence. One of the personal traits I am most proud of is my willingness to embrace challenges because they help me better understand my capabilities. Strong academic performance has always been my priority but I have also been actively engaged in co-curricular activities such as girl scouts, athletics, and design club despite limited time resources. It seemed difficult at first but I have used it to vastly improve my organization and time management skills. I feel good because I have taken on more responsibilities without sacrificing my performance in any of them. In fact, my high confidence regarding a career in architecture has also been the result of winning several web, animation, and furniture design competitions.

When my parents suggested studying architecture abroad before completing high school, I hesitated at first due to being in an ancient culture and environment. But I embraced the opportunity because I knew limited opportunities exist in Macao. I did research and U.S. really impressed me because not only the country has some of the finest architectural programs in the world but its strict construction and safety regulations also provide an ideal environment to prepare for the future of global architecture. After moving here, the culture and language did pose challenge but I was lucky to find support from everyone including instructors and fellow students. This inspired me to work even harder and my progress even surprised me. I hope to continue the path towards a future in architecture at the University of California and believe that the university will not only teach me technical skills but also further develop my character as a global citizen.