Plans for When You Return to Your Home Country - Essay Example

Educational Interests and Goals, Educational Background, Special Interests and Plans for when You Return to Your Home Country. I am a Malaysian national-by race Sino-Kadazandusun, which is a mixture of Chinese, and the indigenous people of Sabah in Malaysia. I studied in Malaysia up to grade 9, till the age of fifteen. Then I moved to Perth, Australia (2005) where I attended boarding school at the Methodist Ladies' College. I completed Middle School from here, and then moved to the Hills International College, from where I graduated High School in 2007. While in school and college I received several awards both in academics as well as other activities. I was among the top performers in school, having obtained the third position in Secondary Three from the Maktab Nasional Secondary School, in 2004. In 2006, I was given the Most Outstanding Boarder award from Hills International, as well as a Certificate of Achievement for academic results for demonstrating diligence in studies. I feel proud to state that, in 2007, I was among the top 10 percent of the Hills International graduating class. I received commendations for academic excellence in English and Mathematics, and in Physical Education. I also received the prestigious Caltex All Rounder Award for achievement at school and in the broader community. I was College Captain of Hills International College in 2007, and was also a student of the Hills International Golf Academy in 2006-2007. Sport has been an important part in my life-golf is a passion with me. Interest in the game developed because of my family-especially my dad-who, having served three terms as club captain of the Sabah Golf and Country Club, also takes keen interest in junior golf development in Malaysia. I started golf at the age of 12 under my father's coaching, and later trained under British and Australian PGA's. I have received many awards in the sport (a detailed list is enclosed), among which are the First Place for Girls Under 12 Sport Excel Junior Circuit qualifier (Sabah-2002) and the Best Overall Position for All Sabah Players-2003(international Event). In Australia, I represented the Methodist Ladies' College in the golf tournament for Western Australian schools, and also the Royal Fremantle Golf Club in all junior tournaments. My current scores are: average scores 9 rounds, 693 strokes, average 77; Personal Best Tournament Score 72 (par). I derive inspiration for my game from Jason Day, who studied at Hills, and is a golf buddy. Jason was the World Junior Champion in 2004. I spend an average of four hours a day practicing golf. I also play badminton, basketball and touch football for fun. I represented my school in Badminton, cross-country and middle distance running. I am also a PADI open water diver and have logged over 50 dives. I frequently dive at Sipadan Island, which has some of the best diving spots in the world. I read a lot during my free time, especially after my golf practice, which helps me to unwind. I have participated in arts and musical events too while in school. I passed the examination in Pianoforte with high honors, and obtained the third position in the 21st Inter-Secondary Schools Choral competition. I now play the piano for relaxation. I also received an 'Outstanding Achievement' mention in the poster competition for the theme Sports against Drugs under the Rotary Youth Leadership Development Program (2002). I have had some work experience, having worked as 'Assistant Banker' at the Commonwealth Bank, Claremont (W Aus.) in 2005. I have also done voluntary work with the deaf and dumb center at Bukti Padang, Malaysia. Here I participated in activities with hearing impaired children, and was a 'buddy' to a child at the center. I learned sign language for this purpose. I enjoyed my time and learned a lot during the past 3 years in Australia. I had the chance here to meet many friends and people from different parts of the world. It is this experience away from home as a student-athlete, which taught me the importance of being independent, as well how to live, work and share with team members. I also realize the value of effective time management and ensuring balance between study and sport. I had several opportunities both in school in Malaysia, and in college to develop leadership skills. I was College Captain at Hills and as the 'Minister of External Affairs' for the Students' Council (2004) in Maktab's. As 'Minister' I planned and implemented several programs for the advancement of the school and its students. I led and implemented programs-awareness campaigns, fundraising and public relations exercises-for the Church and the School. My goal is to secure a good education and to graduate with a degree in physical education/sport management or environmental studies from university. In environmental studies, I am interested in its protection, management and policy aspects, as against pure environmental science. I am concerned with current environmental problems, especially global warming, and given a chance would like to work for an international environmental agency such as the UN or an international NGO which deals with current environment issues and advocates environmental protection. While at college, I intend to push myself to my potential in golf, and see where my golfing career will take me. My aim is to play professional golf some day, and I would like to participate in a golf tour like the LPGA or the European Tour. Eventually, I would like to get back to Malaysia after acquiring my degrees and some work experience, as a professional golfer. I intend to introduce the game of golf to less fortunate children in Sabah and Malaysia. The game of golf has given me many friends and taught me the value of time and of life itself. I want other kids to be able to do that as well; this will take them off the streets and keep them away from drugs, which is a problem that is getting worse in Malaysia, today. I know I can improve my golf game further by studying and playing in the United States. Securing a scholarship with a good university team will help me fulfill my dream. I know this requires hard work, which I am confident I can put in. I am sure that given this chance (to study in the US) I will be able to improve my game and scores, and contribute to the team. Having lived away from home from a young age, and having met and made friends with people from different cultural backgrounds-Australian, Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, Thai, Hong Kong, New Zealand, African, English, Taiwanese and Chinese-I have a truly international outlook. I converse fluently in English (English is the language spoken at home) Cantonese, Mandarin, and Malaysian. I have had the opportunity to develop leadership and life skills as well. I believe that I worked successfully with disparate personality types and people, in my role as College Captain at Hills. I have learned that the essence of leadership is not in just knowing how to lead from the front, but also in knowing when to step back and let others lead. I am sure that if given an opportunity to study in the college of my choice, I will do them proud. Read More