Personal Statement
Hi,
My name is Raaid Ahmed Baloch and I am a 17 year old ambitious teenager aspiring to be an Aerospace Engineer. My aspirations to become an Aerospace Engineer are driven by the fact that one day I may discover or find a solution to one of the unexplored mysteries of the Universe. The love for Physics and Mathematics since an early age led me to start exploring the world of theoretical Physics by watching documentaries on National Geographic “How the Universe Works” and reading books like “Physics of the Impossible” by Michio Kaku. However, as I explored this subject more and more, I was lucky to find out that unless I didn’t apply my favorite subject “Maths” in understanding the ways of the Universe, my journey to discover and construct something new and thereby make human lives better would be incomplete!
My passion for this field led me to ultimately decide that if I pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineer in the US (being at the forefront of all major research and discoveries) I would be given the needed knowledge and the skills to develop and discover the different aspects of air and spacecraft. In order to be ready and all geared up to pursue my degree in Aerospace Engineering, I took Maths, Further Maths and Physics in my O-Levels as my electives (Grade 10- Cambridge University System of examinations) and scored A*s (4.0 GPA) in all my subjects. I also took up Chemistry in which I scored an A (GPA 4.0) To further satisfy my curiosity I even attended a weeklong Aerospace Engineering summer camp at the esteemed Emirates Aviation University (EAU) and a virtual summer program by the prestigious Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) by Cambridge University.
I am currently conducting an independent research based on Orbital Mechanics, the findings of which I aspire to publish in a science journal, and to further solidify my learning, I am leading a team to participate in the Conrad Challenge (US based) which will be focusing on the impact of different materials being used in the development of aircraft to improve speed and efficiency of the aircraft. To gain the basic knowledge to conduct this research and challenge I have chosen Math, Further Math, Physics and Chemistry as my courses for A-levels (Grade 11 in the US system).
At this point I must mention that my passion for Aerospace Engineering is shared with rowing. A sport that I chose to pursue since Middle School. Since the past 5 years of my life, I have not only learnt but mastered the different boats (Scull, Double, Quad, Fours and Eights), scull being my favorite. Even with such a hectic and packed schedule I made sure that my love for rowing is never overruled and I always found the time to creep rowing in my schedule. I have trained for rowing diligently (waking up and rowing at 5am when it was time for the state championship also known as the Inter School Regatta ISR in Pakistan). Although I moved to Dubai two years ago, which meant giving up my team-mates and my coach, the idea of giving up rowing never crossed my mind and I quickly searched up Monty’s Rowing Club as my new avenue for rowing. My love for rowing has led me to achieve a timing of 1.32 in the 500m and I aspire to achieve a 6.20 for the 2k race for which I am currently training. During these 5 years of rowing, I have won numerous competitions and that gave me the understanding of being a team player and a disciplined athlete.
To summarize, I would say, that what makes me different from the other athletes is my curious nature and my passion for both Aerospace Engineering and rowing. I always seek both positive and negative feedback from my teachers and my coach to improve my own and my team’s performance and am willing to incorporate all the lessons learnt throughout my journey in my personal life as well.
