As a University student, I realize that I’m currently standing at an important, but exciting crossroads in my life. I feel that I have already come far as a person and have learned a lot; however there is a long way to go in terms of realizing my life goals and achieving my dreams. My chosen area of study is Business Studies, and I strongly feel that I have the ambition and commitment to go far in this field.
          From childhood, business practice, although unwittingly then, has always had a major influence on my life. My parents recall tales of how, as a seven-year old, I would bake cookies and cakes and take them to the local church to sell every Sunday. I would then put away my money, to save up for materials and tools to improve my products. I still have the basic, but perfectly methodical, accounts book which I kept at the time! Through elementary and high school, I performed well academically, but always enjoyed Math as a subject the most, as here I could learn practical knowledge which assisted in the more important business of making myself some pocket money!
          When it came to choosing my course for University, I decided that Mathematics or Accounting were fields slightly too narrow for what I wanted to achieve. I chose Business Studies as it could give me the broad foundation of knowledge to be able to put my schemes and ideas into practice. With the current economic boom in China, it was also clear to me that I wanted to be involved in the business area during these fast-moving and exciting times.
          During my two years at the University of Timbuktu, my grades have reflected my genuine interest in the subject. Luckily, I would rather spend my free-time with my nose in the autobiography of a great businessman, than in a comic book. There is always room for improvement, however, and I plan to step up my effort in my final two years, to prepare myself as much as possible for my first forays in the business world.
          I also try to keep myself active socially, not just for the enjoyment of sharing experiences with friends, but also for what I can learn in a wider perspective. I am a passionate member of the Department soccer team, and for what I lack in skills, I more than make up for in commitment! I really love the atmosphere of competition. I recently became team treasurer and am excited about what this can teach me about resource allocation and responsibility.
          I see my future, after completing my course, as a journey of endless possibility. I would certainly like to further my education with a master’s degree and possibly a PhD. Hopefully by this time I will have discovered the particular aspect of Business Studies that I would want to specialize in. After this, I see gaining international experience, by working abroad for some years, whether in China or the United States, as vital to my development.
          Ultimately, I hope to be able to bring all that I will have learned back, to benefit my home country, the place that started my life’s journey.