I am currently a sophomore studying Diploma and World Affairs at Occidental College. I have a good habit of watching the seven o’clock news everyday at home since I was ten. I developed a very strong interest in world affairs and subjects in school such as social studies and history. I have also demonstrated an excellent academic performance in these subjects. In China, which has a special and complicated social environment, what I have learned so far lacks in-depth understanding of these areas. What I am learning currently, the knowledge is too broad and not deep and detailed enough. I believe in having a deep and thorough understanding of the country policy.
During my present university study, I have taken many classes related to Asian studies. For example, Asian Immigrants in the US, from this course, I learned the history between the US and Asian immigrants. I have also studied the micro and macro economy. I have studied Japanese for two years in college because I think it will help me to learn more in this area. Studying the specialized international relations lessons of the school made me understand what an important role eastern Asian countries play in the world today. I have taken many courses about international organization and international politics and economics. I want to learn about the relationship between Asia and the rest of the world, the economic development of Asia and the history of all countries in Asia. I plan to work in the field of economics and trade in Asia after I graduate.
I have a strong ability to adapt in a new environment and accept new ideas and opinions. For example, when I was 14 years old, I left China to study in the United States for high school. I left my country and travelled to a new country all by myself. I am a very outgoing and optimistic person. I like to communicate with my professors and teachers frequently and I will talk to them about my ideas and sometimes tell them difficulties and problems I have encountered in life. I am good at communicating and working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Because my school has great diversity, as a result I can meet many people from different regions and become good friends with them.
I think I have good characteristics and potential for this major because of my strong language expression, excellent organization, coordination and leadership skills which I developed from primary school to high school, being the class monitor and being involved in related duties. In high school, I was the monitor of my class for three years, I was in charge of informing my fellow classmates’ important notices in school and I also managed the group of students to form a close and self-disciplined class and I also attend to other related duties. I was also the leader of the heart counseling station, which is similar to being a therapist, I learned to communicate better with people and have more empathy in understanding others.
USC is a world class university, its innovative East Asian Studies program is taught by very qualified and dedicated professors and teachers with very colorful and strong academic backgrounds. Students are privileged to receive different feedback from mentors and gain positive growth while still being able to study at the top school at the same time. USC brings opportunities accessible to students; its rigorous programs can expand our horizons and provide us with innovative knowledge and training which can lead to great careers in this industry. The social life is also very expansive, with many extracurricular activities including all kinds of sports and clubs. This university will foster my talent to mold me into a successful new pioneer in my future career. I am ready to meet my challenge and I will do all I can to contribute and make positive influences to my school.