Since my early childhood, the tales and cartoons of eccentric speaking robots have always fascinated me .On my tenth birthday, my father presented me with a remote-controlled toy car. How my little mind was enthralled and puzzled by the lifeless gadget that can comprehend orders as if it is intelligent! I disassembled and assembled the car in search of an answer, to no avail. The seed of curiosity and inquiry was sown.

In 1994, when operating systems and programming language were virtually alien to China, I cherished the privilege missed by most of my Chinese peers of being exposed to several computer literacy programs such as Dos 3.1 and Basic Language at Shenzhen High School, the only provincial key school in the "Silicon Valley" of China. I wondered about the entry to the realm of the computer, peeking inward in amazement. At that time, computer science seemed to be the answer to my childhood puzzles. In 1997 I was admitted as a major in Computer Communication by (university name), which enjoys top ten ranking in Information Technology across China.

In the past three years in college our curriculum has covered a very diverse and demanding course of study including computer science, mathematics and information engineering. The unfathomable intricacy of data structure, the amazing dynamics of database and the brain-racking but mind-challenging, programming of C++ made the study not a drudge but a highly fulfilling and joyous activity to me. Meanwhile I was also selected as a candidate for university-wide interest group in Mathematic Model whose mission is to build mathematical models in a diverse aspect of life in a software environment. Besides the annual scholarship and a third-degree prize title at the 4th Jiangsu province- wide competition on Advanced Mathematics for college students, payoff also came as being chosen as volunteer interpreter and technician of the 22nd Universal Postal Union Congress held in Beijing in August 1999, which encompassed 2000 delegates from 189 countries. In addition to the rewarding technical support work, the practical experience gained there also witnessed a water-shed in my mindset and future outlook. Through fruitful association with delegates of diverse cultures, beliefs and backgrounds, I came to realize that no single culture or nation can handle the challenges and problems humanity faces on earth, the common resolution lies in mutual cooperation and interdependence.

Likewise the unraveling of my childhood puzzles cannot be accomplished by Computer Science alone. When "deep blue", the super computer, defeated the world-class Russian chess player, an added urgency was rendered to my quest for an answer. Finally, almost thankfully, I came to see the answer lying in a highly interdisciplinary study which involves computer science, engineering, psychology, philosophy and linguistics etc. and that is Artificial Intelligence, a system that seeks a better understanding of human intelligence and sensing processes, and a system that values a combination of advanced study in both humanities and sciences. Thus arose a career choice in which to seek fulfillment, trying to be a lifetime student, researcher and promoter for Artificial Intelligence. And my particular interest of study covers (field name).

Frankly, while attending school being my. core task of 22 years of life, I do not have the privilege of possessing a pool of research experience that so many applicants boast. Neither am I aided with a thick, richly adorned resume as applicants returning to grad school from life's variety of adventures. But for my longing to fulfill a personal calling in life, I am encouraged by the thought that my sound academic potential, strong commitment and a firey quest for knowledge will be worthy of your serious consideration.

The MS program in AI at Temple University, with its challenging interdisciplinary research opportunities and distinguished faculty, naturally attracts me as the next ideal stop along my intellectual journey. Like a ship rediscovering direction and embarking on a new course, I hope my study at your distinguished department will not only resolve an old puzzle of a young girl, but also help transcend the puzzle-solving into a quest for the truth governing this universe, while letting in a ray of hope and personal growth.