Computer Science Personal Statement
I know that I want to study computer science at degree level. I know this because I haven’t ever wanted to do anything else. My first computer was an Amiga A500 and I loved this machine because of all the bugs in the system, the many small problems that meant it didn’t work perfectly. I would spend hours learning the tricks to make it work and figuring out each new floppy disk I collected. My fascination with this machine has naturally extended to every computer I’ve come across and I am now ready to turn this hobby into a career.
At school I am studying an A level in computing. I am really enjoying learning computing at this level because it is enhancing my understanding of programming. In computing lessons I have learnt the high level programming language Pascal. Because of this I have learnt the functional decomposition of tasks leading to the use of procedures within this high level language. My computing teachers are both computer science graduates and have taught the course as a university precursor so I feel that I know what to expect on a degree course. In my spare time I have also experimented with java and HTML and am eager to develop my knowledge and experience further. I think this has given me a good foundation of knowledge to start a degree in this area and I am confident that this is the right direction for me to take my future.
To complement my study of computing I am also taking an ‘A’ level in maths with mechanics. I really enjoy the problem solving element of mathematics and I feel that it helps me with my understanding of computing. To me this is important so that I can keep up with any maths elements of a computing course and develop my problem solving skills.
I am currently enjoying realising I can channel my interest in computing in a constructive direction and through spending time working as a ‘buddy’ for a disabled teenager, I have built an ambition to be involved in the development of computing technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities. In my opinion there has been much advancement in the area of artificial intelligence that could be used for improving the lifestyles of those with disabilities and I want to help the industry realise this potential.
Through the Young Enterprise Scheme at my school I took up a position as ‘IT Director’ in a student company. This helped me learn about the application of IT within a small business. I found that as one of the more competitive members of our team, I was committed to our success and as a result I took on a lot of the responsibilities of running the company. From this I have a better understanding of the objectives of small businesses and the importance of time management, prioritisation, delegation, team working and motivating others.
I have had various forms of work experience voluntary and paid. My favourite one of these was voluntary, working for an organisation called ‘Hazard Alley’. My job was as a tour guide teaching young children and disabled teenagers to identify hazards and be responsible for their own safety. This job gave me more confidence talking to diverse groups of people and has helped me discover leadership skills I didn’t know I had.
I love music and dancing and find these to be activities that offer a break from my school work. Although I don’t hesitate to cut down on my hobbies when I have important work deadlines to meet, I appreciate the value of a work to social life balance and I use my hobbies as a way to avoid stress related to my hectic work schedule. My ambition for the future is to be involved in the development of the sixth generation of computing and, specifically, the application of that to help improve the lives of those with disabilities. I am a conscientious, resourceful and committed student with a desire to learn and an ambition that needs to be satisfied.
