Graduate School Application Essay

From a very young age, I recall always wanting to organize activities for my friends. As an adult now, my desire to organize continues. Bringing people together to share information, build alliances, and solve problems. Working as a Project Engineer for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), I was tasked, in 2012, to provide a solution for a community of 400 homes with contaminated private potable water wells, becoming a $2.5 million project. I spent months meeting with different city officials, state officials, and homeowners about the project. My goals were to persuade the city and the state to pay for most of the costs involved because individuals were less likely to visit or live in an area with contaminated water.

I have always been fascinated with mathematical studies and I relish the challenge of problem-solving that mathematics can bring. For me, it is an endlessly intriguing subject, as mathematical concepts appear limitless, allowing so much scope for further study and research. Having studied Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, and Engineering Math, I believe I am well-rounded. The best way I can “give back” is to share my knowledge and love of mathematics with children in my community. As a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club, I spend many afternoons and weekends tutoring them in mathematics. Helping to translate those concepts into easy-to-understand examples, makes math fun and interesting for them. In some way, I am shaping the leaders of tomorrow to become critical thinkers and overcome

My vision to become a leader in the business world has infused in me the passion to take up challenging work in cross-cultural environments. As a Production Engineer in a chemical plant, I interact daily with individuals of different backgrounds, age groups, and educational levels. America is a “melting pot” and diversity and cultural awareness are the currencies of future business dealings. Whether it is in the workplace or volunteering, certain skills are required to work with different personalities. I always believe that to work effectively with individuals of different backgrounds, skills such as communication, patience, and good “people skills” are necessary. I will contribute to my classmate’s experience at GSU by sharing the potential problems and issues working with individuals of different backgrounds as well as sharing techniques that lead to satisfactory solutions for all parties