This blog post explores how the sense of accomplishment felt while assembling radios as a child and a deep fascination with machinery evolved into a firm motivation for my academic path, delving into the internal rationale behind choosing mechanical engineering.
Motivation for Academic Pursuit (Reason for Choosing Major)
I was exceptionally interested in machines compared to others. My hobby was visiting electronics stores with computer magazines to buy parts. I remember feeling incredibly happy when I successfully assembled a radio late into the night and heard music flowing out. While maintaining this fascination with machines, I happened to watch a program related to mechanical engineering on EBS educational broadcasting. Seeing many mechanical engineers and the machines they created, I instantly thought, “That’s it!”
From that moment on, I decided my career path would be mechanical engineering, and that resolve has been unwavering. Friends tell me mechanical engineering is on a downward slope now and that studying biotechnology, like the genome project, is better, but I disagree. Since the Industrial Revolution, the driving force behind humanity’s remarkable progress has been machinery. I believe mechanical engineering holds infinite potential in cutting-edge industries, both now and in the future. Specifically, I want to study advanced mechanical engineering fields like mechatronics and robotics. I am committed to spending my life working with machines. Therefore, I am absolutely certain about my choice of major and have no regrets whatsoever.
Academic Plan and Goals
In the trend of globalization and internationalization, mechanical engineering will be no exception. Therefore, I intend to focus on studying English first. Since original texts are in English, English study is essential. I plan to dedicate myself to English study, aiming for a TOEFL score of 750 as my university English proficiency goal. I also intend to study computer science more systematically.
Although I’ve learned computers from my father since childhood, I plan to study them more systematically, linking them to my major direction. I also intend to obtain CAD certifications related to mechanical design in advance to gain an advantage for my major studies in my junior and senior years. During vacations, I will travel extensively with friends, and I am particularly determined to visit Silicon Valley in the United States. I believe seeing the world’s leading industrial hub will greatly broaden my horizons. For clubs, I plan to join robot soccer or robotics-related groups to gain robotics knowledge and expand my social network.
After finishing my sophomore year, I intend to enter an industrial training institute, following my uncle’s advice based on his prior experience. I’ve heard it’s beneficial as it allows for gaining substantial practical experience while also allowing time for study. After completing the industrial training program and returning to school, I plan to study my major subjects in depth. While acquiring specialized knowledge in robotics and machinery, I also plan to take the General Machinery Engineer exam and the Higher Technical Examination.
Plans After Graduation
After graduation, I intend to strive to find employment at a company where I can utilize my major. If possible, I would prefer to work in a research field where I can engage in direct development rather than an office position. I particularly intend to explore a career path in robotics development. I believe that if I prepare diligently from now on, I can secure a job related to my major. I recognize this will require significant effort. If necessary later, I will pursue graduate school for further study. However, I do not plan to enter graduate school immediately after graduation, as I believe gaining practical experience and recognizing the need for further study will be more beneficial to my academic growth. It’s said that the probability of actually working in a field directly related to one’s major is remarkably low. I will exert every effort to find work where I can utilize my major to the fullest extent possible.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
People often think that high school is just three years of suffering, and that once you get into a good university, you can finally relax and enjoy yourself. I find that way of thinking extremely foolish. Thinking that way means not realizing that you are the protagonist of your own life. You don’t go to university for someone else; it’s the first step toward achieving your own dreams. What matters most in life is recognizing what you truly want and actively pursuing it. Without self-agency, you’ll waver greatly in any endeavor. Moreover, anything done without self-agency prevents me from fully utilizing my abilities. My strength lies in self-reflection, knowing what I desire, setting firm goals, and acting upon them. My father once said: Doing one thing wholeheartedly is better than doing ten things half-heartedly. So I’ve made it a habit to constantly examine my heart and reflect. Because of this, I pour my wholehearted sincerity into everything I set out to do.
