SELF Short Answer

My decision to study a second career in Computer Science can be summarized in a

personal mission: to investigate in order to contribute to the knowledge of society.
Since I was a child I had an innate affinity for computer systems, in my native Peru I
finished a technical course in graphic design, networking and assembly when I was
twelve years old. Time passed and I learned some programming, I was so fascinated
that I translated this new passion into a final project in the IB technology area,
developing a system that raised awareness among the population of my school about
throwing waste on the floor (a kind of waste collection robot).
Meanwhile, another passion I had since I was a child was my enormous curiosity for
the stars and space; as I grew up, I questioned and wondered what it would be like to
discover something out there that would have such transcendence and that my name
would be in the discovery. Time went by and as much as I wanted to pursue a career
that somehow linked the two fields, I was unable to find anything similar, and the dream
seemed farther and farther away.
Finishing my economics degree, I read the new news about the James Webb, which
brought my childhood dreams back to me, that passion that encompassed: my interest
in doing research, programming and astronomy. Nowadays, I already had a bit more
programming knowledge (after doing a thesis using Python extensively as an
econometric data analysis tool); so, I knew about the existence of new algorithms and
AI. However, when I discover the "astroinformatics" make me take the decision to
finally study Computer Science to accomplish my goals.
This scholarship not only eases the financial burden on my family that is of humble
condition, but also gives me the opportunity to strengthen my skills in computer
systems and achieve other extracurricular goals within the university. This support
would allow and motivate me to pursue interdisciplinary research in the fields I have
already highlighted.
I feel that I can bring cultural diversity to the cohort because, having lived in Peru and
the UK, I am a much more open-minded and empathetic person. I have volunteered in
teaching young people and children in different courses (especially mathematics).
Likewise, I am a proactive and well-rounded student, I was awarded a scholarship by
my university (NTU) for good academic performance. At NTU I also belonged to the
university's soccer club, represented in the UK university gaming league and promoted
cultural exchange by collaborating in teaching Spanish. In addition, I served as
secretary of the university's Latin American society.
The university represents my philosophy, I also want to contribute to world-changing
discoveries. I have received recognition for a thesis with a grade of 85%, I want to
repeat that, I want to do research, but in the fields that really fascinate me, and I will not
achieve that without the support of this scholarship. I hope you can help me to fulfill this
dream.