Kapil Rai

MY STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

There comes a time in every students life when a choice has to be

made, though the choice has no ready answers. At the same time it is the one

that cannot be wished away by anyone who has joined the academic

mainstream, like myself. There are no two ways about it. I consider every new

generation of students smarter than the earlier one, with every passing year.

Since confidence and ambition are passwords for a bright future, I am prepared

to cross hurdles and overcome problems with strength and resilience.

The importance of electronics in today's world is apparent. From a tiny

speck in the great ocean of science, electronics has grown to find a place in

every nook and cranny of our life. So it would not be wrong to say that an

electrical engineering graduate has become indispensable. It has always been

my goal to pursue graduate studies in this highly intriguing field. Over the last

few decades, technology has significantly transformed our life. I believe that

technology is going to change our lives more than ever in the next few

decades. I would like to be at the crux of this change and contribute to it

positively.

Three and a half years of undergraduate study at Manipal Institute of

Technology, Manipal (MIT), India deepened my interest for electronics. The

various courses I took at the undergraduate level gave me an insight into the

fascinating world of electronics. These courses are aimed at familiarizing the

student with the various facets of electronics. This has given me a good
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foundation. In addition, my keen personal interest in this branch has helped me

acquire knowledge that I feel is necessary for an electronics graduate.

I have been involved in college and community activities. I have also

actively taken part in debates, science quizzes and seminars.

During my study of Electronics and Communication Engineering at MIT,

Computer Science was very much a part of the curriculum. Apart from the basic

Computer Architecture and Memory concepts, we were taught Computer

Languages like FORTRAN, BASIC and C. In July - August 1998, I had an

opportunity to do my Industrial Training in the most prestigious

Research & Development Organization for Telematics C-DOT [Centre for

Development of Telematics]. This organization was setup by Sam Petroda for

the scientific development in the field of Telecommunication for India. For a

period of 4 weeks, I was exposed to various branches of Engineering like

Computer Hardware, PCB Fabrication, Satellite Communication,

Microprocessors, Voice and Data Networks and VLSI technology. This

industrial exposure was the final turning point that led to my decision of

pursuing a Masters in Electrical Engineering. I have always been fascinated by

the way computer chips are designed and fabricated, how millions of electronic

components are incorporated into one tiny chip that can do wonders. The

biggest reality of this wonder is probably the Internet and hence my interest

widens into the arena of Computer Networking.

On the personal side, I have done my schooling ([1st to 10th at St.

Francis College, Lucknow, & 11th &12th at Delhi Public School, Delhi) in India.

Years spent in hostels and the precious time spent at home has given me a
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well-rounded outlook. I have learnt to blend traditional values with modern

lifestyle.

After visiting your website and reading the prospectus, I am convinced

that my research interests are best served at your university. With my strong

practical background and high motivation, and with the opportunity to be

involved in the work and research carried out by your esteemed faculty, I am

confident of being able to bring out my best. The knowledge, experience and

exposure which I will gain as a graduate student at your institution will be a

strong foundation for my ultimate aim of being a research student in the field of

Electronics. Most of all, I have learnt to believe in myself and make my dream

of a good education come true. As the song goes,

Climb every mountain

Ford every stream,

Follow every rainbow,

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Till you find

your dream

And that is exactly what I intend to do at Oregon State University

All I need is the opportunity.

January 26, 1999 Kapil Rai

Program applied to - MS

Department - Electrical & Computer Engineering