In this blog post, I will outline my academic motivations and plans for why I want to major in neuroscience.
Motivation for Pursuing This Field
When I was young, my favorite pastime was reading science magazines. To me, they were treasure troves filled with fascinating stories. Whenever I read them, I would imagine myself conducting research in those fields. It was while devouring these science magazines that I first encountered neuroscience—often described as the largest and most vast uncharted continent. The idea that the brain is responsible for our sense of self—and that emotions, moods, memories, and even forgetting all reside within it—thrilled me.
As my interest in neuroscience grew, I also read a book titled *The Mind Machine* by Colin Blakemore. Although it was an older book, it was more than enough to spark my interest in brain research. Since then, I resolved to study the brain and decided to pursue a pre-medical program. I believe the brain is an especially fascinating field because it remains a mystery, waiting to be explored, which makes it all the more intriguing to approach with a spirit of inquiry. I am prepared to devote myself to my studies so that I may discover clues that will be crucial for humanity’s future. To fully realize these aspirations, I am applying to ○○ University, one of the top institutions in South Korea.
Academic Plan and Goals
First and foremost, I believe focusing on my major is essential. Therefore, upon admission, I will devote all my efforts to building a solid foundation in my field of study. While focusing on this foundation, I will also expand my knowledge in psychology and biology. Since the brain is an organ that encapsulates everything—including the human body and mind—I am convinced that studying other related fields will be of great benefit.
As I have a strong interest in cognitive psychology and sociobiology, I intend to explore a wide range of disciplines with a focus on brain science. Furthermore, I will dedicate myself to studying English, which is now considered the most fundamental of all skills. Since the ability to read original texts and communicate with researchers from other countries will be necessary in the future, I aim to achieve a high level of English proficiency.
Additionally, even amidst a busy academic schedule, I plan to engage in volunteer work whenever I have the opportunity. I believe that anything related to medicine is about saving lives, so I will lead a life where I personally put this into practice, no matter how small the act. I will become an intellectual with a well-rounded character, not one who is solely focused on my own success and advancement.
Plans After Graduation
My goal is to become a professional researcher in neurophysiology. I believe that to become a researcher, I need to pursue graduate studies. Therefore, after graduation, I plan to continue my education by enrolling in graduate school. I believe that, just as with any form of study, progress becomes smoother and gains momentum only when pursued consistently.
Although my knowledge of neurophysiology is still limited, I understand that it is closely related to the emotions we consciously experience. I believe that other scientific fields have already delved deeply into and proven many aspects of social and religious domains. However, I expect that the future of neurophysiology may scientifically illuminate the unknown realms that religion has traditionally occupied. If that happens, I believe our understanding of humanity will expand far beyond what it is today. Even in the 21st century, with science having advanced so much, the fact that this remains an unknown realm suggests that brain science is certainly not an easy field. However, if we devote ourselves to it with a spirit of inquiry, I believe we will undoubtedly make a discovery that marks another milestone for humanity.
Although my knowledge of neurophysiology is still limited, I understand that it is related to the emotions we are aware of and feel. I believe that other scientific fields have already delved into and proven many aspects of social and religious domains. However, I expect that the future of neurophysiology will be able to scientifically illuminate the unknown realms that religion has traditionally filled. If that happens, I believe our understanding of humanity will become far broader than it is today.
Given that this remains an unknown realm even in the 21st century, despite the tremendous advancements in science, brain science is clearly not an easy field. However, I believe that if we dedicate ourselves to it with a spirit of inquiry, we will undoubtedly make a discovery that marks another milestone for humanity.
Self-Introduction
When I was young, my grandfather would often sit me on his lap and show me the books he was reading. He would say, “學而時習之，不亦樂乎?”—meaning, “Is there anything more joyful than learning and practicing?” Although I didn’t understand the Chinese characters at the time, his explanation must have stuck with me, for I, too, was a child who enjoyed studying. Thanks to that, I was always able to read as many books as I wanted. My parents knew I loved reading, so they readily bought me complete collections and other such books.
These days, everyone goes to college and studies, but I believe that the people who truly need to pursue scholarship are those who enjoy studying. In that sense, I consider myself someone who is naturally meant to conduct research, and someone for whom research is a perfect fit. As the saying goes, “There is no end to learning,” and conducting research requires the strength to endure an indefinite amount of time. I believe that strength comes from one’s own intellectual curiosity and spirit of inquiry. Because I am confident that I possess such strength, I believe I am qualified to take on the challenge of brain science—the most unknown realm that has yet to be fully unraveled.
