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I became interested in the earth when I first experienced an earthquake. I could not believe how the world around me was moving and the destruction it caused. Since this first experience, I have explored how the earth was formed and how these processes affect our day-to-day life. The interdisciplinary approach to earth sciences is what attracts me to the degree. I have independently explored subduction and tectonic plates, earthquake predication and how land is created. After reading “Colliding continents” by Mike Searle, which presents a personal perspective of the history of the Himalayas, I became excited about fieldwork and the prospect of climbing, sampling and mapping mountain ranges. I have since developed a passion for mountain and cave exploration, and visiting lakes and rivers, all the while considering how these landforms have been influenced by wind, rain and temperature. I find it fascinating how the same factors that cause erosion and destruction are able to create an array of rich and colourful products in rock form. Reading “Stone Story” and visiting the Sanxingdui Museum, I learned how connected our life is with the earth beneath us and the importance of minerology throughout history: both from a physical perspective and a cultural one. These experiences have increased my respect for the earth and have left me wanting to learn more. Practically, I have seen how the earth’s physical properties affect human life through spending time at construction sites. Modern life revolves around the properties of land, especially in terms of building and earthquake management. At the Wenchuan Earthquake Site Park, I saw the damage that buildings and roads suffered and had a lecture on elastic theory, which is used to explain the generation of earthquakes. It was later when I learned of P-waves and S-waves in physics that I could fully understand how buildings are designed to prevent this damage. To explore this further, I attended a site visit with a geological prospecting expert, Li Zhixiong, where I was truly inspired by his enthusiasm for studying the earth and how to navigate its complexities. To find out more about how laboratories replicate these complexities, I undertook a placement at a wind tunnel laboratory where I learned the processes of environmental testing for the aerodynamics of aircrafts using artificially generated airflow. I specifically enjoy the application of physics to earth science, and enjoy independent projects in design, such as making a simple seismograph. Together, these experiences have helped shape a preliminary understanding of tectonic physics, resource exploration, building management and atmospheric dynamics: an understanding I look forward to developing at university. Beyond earth sciences, I am a rational, responsible and organised leader and enjoy both written and video journalism. I use the National Geographic as a base for my knowledge in culture, scenery and religion, which inspires my work as a student reporter. I have written articles ranging from species to planets, influenced by interviews with teachers and fellow students. I have also directed a film at a Micro Film Festival, where I used my knowledge of the surrounding scenery to direct the shooting of the film. I thrive on interactions with people and these have inspired new ideas and valuable knowledge, broadening my scope for writing and learning. Looking back, I can see how my experiences have opened my eyes to earth sciences and fuelled my desire to pursue this degree. I relish the opportunity to study the earth in the hope that I can contribute towards the science and understanding of how it functions. Ultimately, my ambition is to understand the earth’s properties so I can make a real, tangible impact on the future of human life on earth.