Throughout my life, I have pursued an array of various academic and leisurely oriented interests; some that have culminated into scholarly honors, awards, and degrees. Others, such as computer hardware construction, computer programming, and helping others in general, in a volunteer capacity- tutoring mathematics to underpriviledged youth (I was one myself and was raised in a group home as a ward of the state of North Carolina) or assisting the handicapped at my local Mental Health Association (Jefferson County, NY) provide a more privately acquired sense of achievement. All of my pursuits, however, have one attribute in common, namely, that I derive a deeply intrinsic motivation from the act and margininalize any external reward as a rule. It is important for me to ensure that my motivations are largely internally reward bearing in any goal I set out to achieve for myself. In contrast, external rewards, monetary or otherwise, are inherently superficial and fleeting in nature, i.e. at the discretion of others may be altered, reduced, or taken away. This personal value has been indispensable and fundamental when making my decisions involving large investments sucha as education. Moreover, it is why I am only now applying to a graduate program-six years after earning my final undergraduate degree. In short, my passions, interests,and skillset are so diverse and my stubbern unwillingness to compromise my natural instinct to ensure my drive is at least predominantly self sustainable indefinitely, has admittedly been discouraging at times to say the least. That is, until I discovered Big Datat in general, but specifically this unique program, unrelated when combined and integratedand when it comes to a career, that i`ve, unwittingly I admit, These seemingly unrelated topics range from website design to linear algebra, or from psychological disorders to vector calculus, at-risk youth to ergonomics. Additionally, and of primary note, I am passionate about being a father that will ultimately contribute to and help create a better world for my son and daughter; and make them proud enough to hopefully one day do the same!
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