Seungchan Kim
University of Oxford, Engineering Science
For
as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by anything related to science.
In elementary school, I was an inventor who found delight in manufacturing
electric kits and joining line-tracing races with the robot-cars I created. I
was also a nature-researcher, who loved climbing up mountains to observe the ecosystems
of various forests. In middle school, I was a mathematician; solving difficult
algebraic problems and exploring the intricacy of geometric proofs, I was truly
mesmerized by the power of preciseness and coherence of logic used in
mathematics.
Upon
entering high school, my interest in science settled in a new area: physics. I
love physics, in that it helps me to answer the questions of ‘Why?’ Why does an
apple fall to the ground? Why do the planets orbit around elliptical paths? Why
does an electric field create a magnetic field? Taking the most advanced
physics courses offered, including AP Physics B, AP Physics C, and Analytical
Mechanics, I’ve learnt how to approach such fundamental questions. I’ve learnt
how to understand the mechanisms of our universe. I’ve learnt why work and
energy can be transferred, why forces accelerate objects, and why opposite
charges are attracted to each other in electricity while identical charges
repulse each other.
My
passion for physics continued as I joined the school physics club, Hyeumnarae.
There I delved into a deeper level of physics by conducting experiments and
completing research on various topics, such as the motion of a magnetized coin
and oscillation of spring toys. I participated in the 11th Korean
Young Physicists’ Tournament with my teammates, where we were awarded the
national championship. I also conducted research on fluid dynamics problems in
my senior year, and entered my findings in the 58th Gangwon State
Science Fair. Through these experiences, what I’ve learned is that experimental
physics is not a neat study of right and wrong. Rather, it is the process of
examining the validity and invalidity of hypotheses, comparing theories and
practices, and constantly doubting the causes of errors in experiments. These
experiences in the lab widened my view of physics, and helped me understand
what it’s like to be a real scientist.
Apart
from my passion in science, another theme that defines my high school life is
my enthusiasm for debate. As a member and vice captain of school debate club ‘English
Debate Society’, I engaged in numerous debate sessions and learned how to
articulate my thoughts and communicate with others. I also participated in
national, international debate championships, where I made friends with
debaters from all over the world. Moreover, through debate, I expanded my understanding
and perspective towards the society and the world I live in. Debate has taught
me that in the world there are problems big and small that must be addressed. Through
learning and contemplating on these problems and sharing ideas with other
debaters, I was able to view the world with a broader perspective.
My
deep passion for science, which I’ve shown in the physics lab and other science
activities, and my wide interest in societies, which I’ve gained from debate, are
what matter to me most, and what I want to continue learning in the future. And
this is exactly why I want to study further in the engineering science
department. I believe engineering is the only area that can satisfy both my
intellectual curiosity in science and my will to make changes for a better
society. There, I hope to combine my two passions by delving into a much deeper
level of science, and learn how to transform the knowledge I gain into
technological developments. My ultimate dream is to be an engineer contemplating
how I can apply science and technology to benefit the world we live in.
