It is kind of interesting that after I decided to major in computer science in Xiamen University, I found it is the same major as my threes cousins’, and two of my uncles are working in IT industry —— I don’t know that when choosing my major. And by now, I am the only one still in college, all of them are working in IT industry. I don’t really believe in fate, but sometimes things just happened, and maybe it is because people come from the same family tends to have the same interest, it turns out we are more interested in logical stuffs.

I got my bachelor degree of computer science in Xiamen University. Prof. Defu Zhang was a very important person in my undergraduate study. We knew each other in the class “Design and Analysis of Algorithms”. I like this course because algorithm is designed so carefully and is so powerful for solving problem. And I really enjoyed the process to work through a difficult programming issue which could bring me a sense of confidence and accomplishment. I chose “Huarong Road” as my final project for this course. From this project, I realized that during the process of programming, you should minimize human invention, but describe the rules for the computer, and consider every possibility, then hand it over to the computer. Moreover, out of interest, after reading up <Algorithmic Design and Analysis>, I provided a list which pointed out some mistakes of the book to the author Professor Zhang, he was very pleased to take my suggestions and appreciated my contribution to the second edition of his book. During the winter vacation of my junior year, I fortunately got an opportunity to participate in an intern project with Prof. Zhang. Through the half a month self- study, practice and iteration period, I learned a lot, and gained 800RMB allowances. This experience brought me insight into the real process of software application and team project development. Moreover, the fast and efficient self-studied experience gave me confidence to face more challenging problems, whether theoretical or practical, in the future.

Though the study in Xiamen University was very productive, I found it was not enough. We learned many courses relate to Computer Science, but the limitation of undergraduate study stopped us from getting deeper into it. I feel it is better for me to get more knowledge, to better equip myself before stepping forward my future career. So I am here. Through the half year in pathway program, I find the passion and creativeness of Mason, and the profession of department of computer science.

As far as my major classes go on, I found myself quiet adapted to the study in Mason(47.5/50 for CS531, 47.5/55 for CS530 plus 4 bonus points). In my following study, there are two aspects I will focus on more. First, I wanna improve my coding skill, since coding for computer science is like vocabulary for language, I need to have more solid basis. And this also directly affect the second aspect, preparing myself for future job. As we all know, it is very different between studying in colleges and working in companies, I need to equip myself so that I could find a good job after graduating.

George Mason University embraces a lot of esteemed professors in Computer Science and I’ve found two professors that greatly correspond to my academic objective in the following study.

Firstly, I am interested in professor Daniel Barbará’s study on database and Data mining. Nowadays, one of the most valuable wealth is the tremendous data. As Chinese, Alibaba is sure one of our pride (and an ideal work place for CS students), the last “Double 11 event” that just past, for instants, behind the 91.2 billion trading, there are numerous data can be explicit. Everyday, hundred and thousand data are producing, the database and data mining technology must be of much importance. I am longing for the further study in Prof. Barbará’s project and embed understanding of the essence of this promising field.

Moreover, Professor Hakan Aydın’s study on system and networking also attracts me a lot. Since system is the soul of computer and almost any modern electrical devices, being an expert in this area should bring me a sense of achievement. When I was taking the class of UNIX operation system, I found the system was very logical, profound and interesting. I still remember on our second experiment class “traveling system files”. I steeped myself in analyzing the structure of the system, and applying it in the experiment, the layer upon layer calling was really charming. Moreover, Concurrent program is one of the greatest inventions in CS history, it highly improved the efficiency of computer. I believe under Prof. Aydın’s direction, I would gain a lot of valuable knowledge and experience in operating system and programming language.

After all, it must be a big step in my life if I get a chance to study in George Mason University, and I am fully convinced this experience will be a footstone in my future career in IT companies.