4030, lowerre place
Bronx, NY 10466
347-453-1641
September 10, 2023
Ms. Julianne Davidow
Adjunct Lecturer, English Department
City College of New York
160 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
.
Dear Ms. Davidow,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself more personally and share my journey, experiences, and aspirations as a sophomore student at City College of New York.
My journey to where I am today is one that spans continents and is stepped in both challenges and triumphs. I am originally from Nigeria and immigrated to the United States with my family several years ago. This transition has been a profound experience, filled with both challenges and successes. Adapting to a new culture and educational system has taught me valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and determination. Nigeria is a multilingual country with over 500 languages spoken by its diverse ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa etc. Growing up in Nigeria, I was exposed to multiple languages, with English being the primary language of instruction and communication in school and Yoruba at home.
The decision to leave my home country and embark on a journey to the United States was a significant turning point in my life. It presented both exciting opportunities and formidable challenges. I had to adapt to a new cultural atmosphere, navigate a different educational system, and adjust to the nuances of American English. The experience of language and culture change was transformative, teaching me the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of change.
During my high school years, my favorite subjects were mathematics and physics. These subjects fascinated me, and I found great joy in solving complex problems. They laid the foundation for my passion for computer science. My extracurricular activities included playing video games with my friends and participating in science and math study groups. These experiences provided me with opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers and explore my academic interests further.
One of my greatest achievements thus far has been my pursuit of a computer science major. This choice is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a reflection of my deep-rooted passion for technology and problem-solving. Computer Science, to me, is the language of innovation and a means to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. It resonates with my personal interests and aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
The reason I chose to study at City College is its renowned computer science program and its vibrant and diverse academic community. I believe that City College’s strong emphasis on practical learning and its commitment to fostering innovation align perfectly with my goals. I am captivated by the potential of AI to revolutionize industries, from healthcare to finance, and to drive positive change in society. Through AI, I see the opportunity to contribute to solutions that address complex problems, such as disease diagnosis, climate modeling, and natural language processing.
I am committed to leveraging my bilingual and cultural background to make a meaningful impact in the world of computer science. The ability to communicate effectively across cultures and languages is a valuable skill, especially in a globalized world where diversity is celebrated. I believe that by incorporating diverse perspectives into technology development, we can create more inclusive and equitable solutions.
One of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey so far has been my involvement in a community outreach program at Holt Computer Training. The program offers underserved communities Computer Literacy Classes, Job Placement Services, and Tech for Seniors: Programs catering to older adults to help them become digitally literate, communicate with loved ones, and access essential services online. This experience reinforced my belief that education and access to technology are powerful tools for empowerment. It has also underscored the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, as young minds represent the future of innovation.
I look forward to continuing my academic journey and exploring the fascinating intersection of language, culture, and technology. What I’d really like to achieve this semester is to enhance my writing skills, particularly in the context of engineering and technical communication. I aim to learn how to effectively communicate complex engineering concepts, solutions, and research findings in a clear, concise, and accessible manner. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am eager to embrace the challenges and discoveries that await as this class moves forward.
Sincerely,
Oluwatimilehin J Awopegba