As a child I was always intrigued by the workings of complex mechanisms and equipment. I liked tinkering with objects, trying to analyze and understand their principle rather than playing with toys. At school I found myself drawn to subjects that require a lot of creative and logical thinking. To get a better understanding of these concepts I have designed many projects and participated in many science fairs. Exposure to such propositions has improved my understanding of the use of simple and complex designs. This interest only grew during my years in school. Therefore, I decided to major in Mechanical Engineering because it seemed to encompass all aspects of my interest. Indeed, the course structure offered by the Mechanical Engineering department is truly exceptional and my perspective and understanding has broadened tremendously. During my undergraduate studies, I was exposed to several interesting yet challenging issues in mechanical engineering. The various mechanical engineering courses instilled a lot of enthusiasm in me. I was introduced to diverse topics ranging from fluid dynamics, manufacturing technology and metrology, to computer-aided design and manufacturing. In my strong belief that computer knowledge is a prerequisite in today's research, I have acquired a particular predilection towards computer-aided design. This has opened up a realm of possibilities in the field of finite element analysis that I never imagined in my life. These courses helped me build a solid foundation in mechanical engineering and laid the foundation needed to pursue graduate studies. Since the second year, I was preparing myself by working to acquire knowledge in depth rather than just for...... half of the paper...... and thanks to the flexibility built into its learning system and the practical approach towards the concepts. Leafing through the information brochure and the university's home page I have the feeling that the university course at your university promises me a lot. It would also help me to learn the global standards in this field, which I believe would be beneficial to make a justified contribution to the field of mechanical engineering. I would be honored if I were assigned a research or teaching assistant because in addition to easing the financial burden on myself, I could gain extra knowledge and experience by working closely with a highly qualified professor. I look forward to a challenging research-oriented career in an industry and am confident that, if given the chance, I will strive to live up to expectations. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express myself.