Goal 1 Complete: I applied to Master's programs in Computer Science!

Note: The following is the statement of purpose I wrote for applying to the Master of Science in Computer Science program at Georgia Tech today (reviewed by my friend B, my wife, my bro, and my mom). I also applied to the MCS programs at Johns Hopkins and Towson University. Special thanks to those who agreed to write LoR: MB, Dr. ZH, and Dr. RP. One step closer to my dream - will be setting more goals as soon as I get my acceptance letters!

On May 29, 2016, I commenced a new dream. I would use my technical background for a career in Computer Science. The challenge? I had no technical background.

After taking Programming in Java and AP Computer Science in high school, I chose to major in Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County out of a fascination with understanding people. My career since graduating with magna cum laude honors has been in mental health, with the exception of teaching English in Japan for two years and learning Japanese to fluency on the highly competitive JET Programme. Within this diverse background, I have incorporated a technical approach into every position. The pace of exponential technology as depicted in the books Sapiens and Future Crimes has convinced me that Computer Science is as basic a discipline as English and History. This was my opportunity to synthesize my learning methods and my interest in tech towards a new journey: proficiency in CS.

To build my technical background, I first obtained IT certifications in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and ITIL Foundations, and secured a Help Desk Support Services Specialist position in a government datacenter. This enabled me to experience technical projects and network with other enthusiastic professionals.

I began taking online CS courses in the fall from the University of Maryland University College. Through independent study of Udacity’s Intro to Java Programming course, Codecademy, and SoloLearn, I tested out of Intro and Intermediate Programming. To date, I have a 4.0 GPA after taking Calculus I, Comp Systems & Architecture, Intro to Linear Algebra, Intro to Discrete Structures, Calculus II, and Data Structures & Analysis. I am enrolled in Advanced Programming Languages and Design & Analysis of Comp Algorithms, which will finish on May 7.

I have been preparing for the Online Master of Science in Computer Science program at Georgia Tech for the last ten months and will continue to prepare.

Experiencing a Fitbit activity tracker was an inflection point in my life. In addition to tracking steps and heart-rate, my Surge model can even record runs using GPS. The true value, however, is the motivation imparted when the app translates this data into the achievement of my exercise, nutrition, and sleep goals. Here at last was technology that was not a distraction, but an assistant that could encourage me to make more health-conscious decisions throughout the day.

I have long been interested in the intersection between tech and health. Having worked in the mental health field, there is evidence that the current adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is slow and the technology intimidating. More than any other course in the OMS CS program at Georgia Tech, the prospect of studying Health Informatics under Dr. Mark Braunstein is what excites me. His research in utilizing technology to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery is invaluable in understanding how holistic EHRs can modernize the US healthcare system.

Outside of use by healthcare providers in institutions, how can technology engage patients to promote optimal wellness? The term “personal informatics” in an interesting derivative of the quantified self phenomenon, and refers to technology that helps users understand and improve their lives through the use of data. Tracking biometrics and organizing EHRs efficiently is critical, but only if actionable information gets back into the hands of patients. HIPAA-compliant software applications could organize encrypted health data, such as medical history and pre-existing conditions, to create personalized physical and mental health plans using community-based clinical health research. I want to create that software.

In order to construct this technology, I am prepared to devour all education related to the software engineering process, including developing in a variety of programming languages, analyzing and testing, securing information, and maintaining databases. The nationally-ranked program at GT can provide an incredible opportunity for learning Interactive Intelligence, the specialization within which courses teach information that is vital to creating software that aids users in improving their health by increasing self-awareness. I appreciate the focus of GT’s OMS program on establishing professional skills and applying those skills to concurrently developing a career along the way, without concern for where that may take one physically. Nevertheless, my graduate school goals include making connections with professionals in the field such as Dr. Braunstein, and I would be happy to assist on research projects related to health informatics.

After obtaining my degree by Spring 2020, I would strive to join a cutting-edge company that deals with personal informatics, such as Fitbit. For me, a degree is a launching point from a solid theoretical and practical foundation of knowledge in order to continue self-learning. Elon Musk is considered influential for a number of different reasons, but apart from his successful entrepreneurship in tech, I admire his ability to perpetually absorb new information related to his fields. Starting a company would stimulate my relentless growth.

In August of last year, for the first time in my life I found myself at the birthplace of the technical revolution - Silicon Valley. Though my travel time was limited, I managed to get a small taste of the unbelievable energy emanating from the Googleplex campus, 1 Infinite Loop at Apple headquarters, and the Computer History Museum. I have seen enough to suggest that the game will not be the same five to ten years down the road, but wherever I find myself at the end of this journey I want to return to Palo Alto not as a tourist, but as a contributor. I have made my decision, and all that is left is to make it happen.

I want to thank the admissions committee for your time in considering my application.

--

1. Earn IT certifications.
1. CompTIA A+ Training Birthline: Sunday, May 29
2. CompTIA A+ Training Deadline: Thursday, July 21
3. CompTIA A+ 220-901 Certification Exam: Friday, July 22
4. CompTIA A+ 220-902 Certification Exam: Friday, July 22
5. CompTIA Security+ Training Birthline: Monday, July 25
6. CompTIA Security+ Training Deadline: Sunday, August 14
7. CompTIA Security+ SYO-401 Certification Exam: Monday, August 15
2. Find an entry-level IT job (ideally with exposure to programming).
1. Job Search Birthline: Monday, August 22
2. Job Search Deadline: Monday, January 09, 2017
3. Take pre-requisite courses online while learning programming on the side.
1. Pre-req Birthline: Monday, August 22
2. Pre-req Deadline: Sunday, May 07, 2017
4. Apply to grad school.
1. Application Birthline: Sunday, February 12, 2017
2. Application Deadline: Sunday, March 12, 2017
5. Increase professional programming experience.
1. Fall 2017
6. Get Master's degree.
1. Program Birthline: Fall 2017
2. Program Deadline: Spring 2020
7. Profit.
1. 2020