Why Physics?

As a software engineer, I’ve always enjoyed solving problems and thinking logically. I find it fascinating to use basic concepts to design and optimize complex systems, as well as to take something complicated and break it down into simple steps. For example, when I built document-uploading feature for my company’s website, I broke down the entire uploading process into five parts—validating the file type, splitting the file into small pieces, sending the file pieces to the server, saving them to the database, and notifying users when the upload was complete. I then broke down each step even further—for instance, validating file type involved taking the first few bytes, identifying the file extension, and checking if it is valid. This process continues until each step was as simple as possible, at which point I implemented it in code using fundamental yet efficient algorithms.  

I thought that physics also has a similar approach. It breaks down natural phenomena into fundamental principles that explain everything. The birth of black hole, for instance, can be explained by physical laws—gravity, pressure, and energy—just like in software engineering, complex and powerful outcomes can be analyzed with several core ideas. While working as a software engineer for three years, I was attracted by the idea that seemingly complex systems are often run on basic logic, which becomes powerful when combined. Physics seeks to understand the world through fundamental principles much like software engineering. That kind of structured thinking really appealed to me, which is why I chose physics as my major. Looking ahead, I aspire to work in a field that utilizes this problem-solving approach. I hope to use my skills to analyze complex systems, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to scientific and technological progress in a meaningful way. 

Writing is one of the most important ways to express thoughts and ideas. We write to tell stories, inform, and persuade others. Reflecting on my experiences, I remember writing to convince my coworkers to adopt new technologies for projects, introduce our product to potential customers, and summarize what was discussed during meetings. While science and writing may seem unrelated, effective communication is essential in the scientific field. Through this course, I would like to develop my rhetoric skills, learn how to identify and target specific audiences effectively, and refine my ability to use precise language in the right situations. 

Abstract

This statement of purpose was written as a personal narrative assignment. It belongs to the genre of academic autobiographical writing, aiming to explain the writer’s transition from software engineering to studying physics. The writer is trying to express her motivation and potential. The essay balances storytelling with professional tone.