My master personal statement

I have always been fascinated by how things work, especially when it comes to math, physics, and technology. My father-even though he is a businessman-not only played a crucial role in igniting my interest in science but also helped shape my vision. Our conversations sparked my curiosity and made me realize how much I wanted to understand the world, not just as it is, but as a system of laws, equations, possibilities, and entirely new perspectives waiting to be explored. Growing up, I was captivated by the mysteries that governed the world, and it soon became clear to me that control engineering offered the perfect blend of math, physics, and technology to delve into these mysteries. The more I studied, the more I realized that my true passion lay at this intersection, where I could apply scientifc principles to solve real-world problems. This passion-and the drive to create meaningful change-is what propels me to continue my studies in this field. And below is the story of my journey in this realm.

It is diffcult to pinpoint exactly when my passion for control engineering began. Looking back, I believe it started in childhood when my parents, especially my father, emphasized the importance of mathematics and physics. Even in elementary school-far too young to grasp modern physics-my father introduced me to documentaries by Professor Michio Kaku. I watched in awe as he explained theories about the Big Bang and how string theory could one day unify quantum mechanics and general relativity. To me at that time, theoretical physicists were like pioneers lighting the torch for humanity. They did not change the world or the universe, but they changed the way humanity perceives it. This fascination pushed me to dedicate more time to math and physics, viewing these subjects as a way to uncover the wisdom of those who came before me and reveal the secrets of the universe. The more I studied, the better I became, and the recognition I received reinforced my dedication-a positive feedback loop that shaped my academic journey. My father also encouraged my curiosity by taking me to technology fairs, but the moment that left the strongest impression was Honda’s unveiling of the ASIMO robot. I could hardly believe I was shaking hands with a machine-it felt like an actor in a spacesuit performing for me. I was constantly curious and inquisitive about how a humanoid robot could operate just like in the movies. That moment marked the first step in my journey toward control engineering.

I also developed a deep interest in computer science. Solving my first programming problems felt like uncovering hidden rules within a system and figuring out how to translate them into a language that the computer could understand. To me, it was a perfect blend of beauty and simplicity. One problem, in particular, left a lasting impression. By chance, I encountered a puzzle: given a staircase with a certain number of steps, where a person can take one, two, or three steps at a time, how many ways can they reach the top? I spent three weeks trying every method I knew but could not find the answer, as I had not yet learned dynamic programming. Even for a staircase with ten steps, I could not determine the number of possible ways. Yet, out of sheer persistence, I refused to look up the solution. Then, one day, while watching a video about the Fibonacci sequence, I had a sudden “eureka” moment of realization. I saw that the problem followed a pattern: the number of ways to reach a certain step was simply the sum of the ways to reach the three previous steps. What fascinated me even more was how quickly the possibilities grew-by the time the staircase had forty steps, the total number of ways exceeded the age of the universe in seconds. From that moment, I found immense joy in solving mathematical problems. The school staircase, which once seemed ordinary, now held a hidden secret of the universe-one that only those who had solved the problem could see. I cannot help but wonder if, behind the intricate movements of a humanoid robot, there also lies a simple yet beautiful idea waiting to be discovered.

However, one concern has always lingered in my mind. While I am good at physics and can calculate the exact angle and force needed for a ball to follow a parabolic path, reality is much more unpredictable. My arm lacks the precision of Newton’s calculations, and external factors like the wind can alter the ball’s trajectory. Even if I throw it perfectly, how can I be sure it was truly correct if there is no visible trace of its path? I feared that the problems I solved would remain theoretical, without real-world impact. When it came time to choose my university major, I did not want to have the same regrets as my father. He studied economics but later realized his true passion was engineering, though fnancial constraints made it impossible for him to switch careers. He always advised me to choose a field that was both interesting and meaningful because a career lasts a lifetime, and I might not get the chance to change paths as he did. I am grateful that I chose control engineering. It perfectly combines mathematics, physics, and computer science-the subjects I love and excel at. More importantly, it answers the very question that has always troubled me. In this field, motors extend my arm, sensors replace my eyes and ears, and algorithms bring my equations to life. Machines and robots become the most powerful tools to turn my calculations into reality. With these capabilities, I am confident that I can make truly valuable contributions to society.

Time has flown by, and I am now a fourth-year student. Looking back on these past years, I recall the joy I once found solely in the novelty of research. My work on sloshing suppression for a cylindrical container-designing a flat-based trajectory that allowed a glass of water to move from point A to point B without spilling-was my biggest achievement then. The project satisfied my thirst for innovation, yet it did not dispel the lingering doubts I have always harbored. I still regret that I lacked a sensor precise enough to measure the rapid changes in the water level during movement, forcing me to implement only open-loop control instead of a closed-loop system. This shortcoming has made me question whether my equations truly hold meaning in real-world applications. Over time, however, I have come to realize that my goals have shifted. It is no longer just about being an excellent student; it is about creating real value for others. In this new light, those earlier concerns have grown even more significant, reminding me that theoretical success must translate into practical contributions. I now see that my current knowledge is not enough to fully realize this potential. This is why I want to pursue a master’s degree-not merely as a continuation of my undergraduate studies, but as a gateway to joining a larger research community where I can combine innovation with practicality.

Building on this realization, I have chosen to pursue a master’s degree, where I believe I will find answers to the questions I have been pondering: discovering the deeper meaning behind the equations I write, contributing to my country, and working in a field I am truly passionate about. As I near the end of my undergraduate journey, I am eager to deepen my knowledge and broaden my impact in control engineering, particularly in robotics and automation. Pursuing a master’s degree will not only equip me with the advanced skills needed to solve real-world problems, but also allow me to collaborate with a global community of researchers and experts. I am excited to contribute to innovative research-especially in creating more efficient autonomous systems-and bring valuable insights back to Vietnam, where the need for skilled engineers is rapidly growing. This opportunity will help me fulfill my goal of making meaningful contributions to technology and society.