Spending the next part of my life learning at Rhode Island College is not only my dream but, I believe, my destiny.

Since I was barely old enough to speak, I have had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. My mother, a psychiatrist, raised me to respect and treasure the vast variety of cultures and world views that exist within human society, both in the present and throughout history. She taught me the intrinsic value of art, as it attempts to convey a pure concept from one person's world to another. My father, a physicist, not only encouraged me to put my technical aptitude to practical use, but also taught me to deepen my understanding of what I learn through objectivity and research.

Upon my graduation from Rocky Hill School in 1994, I became swept up in the very beginning of the Information Technology Industry explosion. Over the last twelve years, I have gained experience in a vast and exciting career field. The technology corporation I started in 1999 has become a profitable entity. Since forming my business, I have enjoyed the sense of freedom which accompanies a state of self-reliance. However, being the sole person responsible for my livelihood has, in turn, given me a state of wisdom which I could never have imagined prior to the experience. After many years of both success and painful learning experiences, I now tend my business with a minimal expenditure of time.

Throughout my career, I have maintained artistic hobbies and performed independent historical study as I have worked to use more of my mind than has been required to program computers and win business contracts. One of the most noteworthy experiences I had was several years ago, when I did some computer programming work to assist Professor Richard Lobban, who I met through a friend at RIC. While my interest in the project was based on personal challenge rather than college credit at the time, the most significant gain I experienced from my work was truly unexpected. I knew that my efforts were directly contributing to new research. The resulting sense of meaning in life that I felt during this time has remained with me since, and my desire to experience it again has only grown stronger.

Today, having recently turned thirty, I am able to see my place in the world with a clearer perspective than ever before. I believe that the very nature of my personality dictates that the pursuit of higher education is an essential step on the path of my life. Through my research and conversations with Dr. Lobban, I have come to realize that Anthropology is a field where I will be able to apply both my technical and social mind at the same time. I believe this will allow me to lead the more meaningful and satisfying life I so strongly desire.

I seek admission to Rhode Island College with a fullness and surety of heart that I am ready to begin the most important journey of my life. While my experiences have given me an unshakably humble state of mind, it is with confidence that I request this opportunity. If granted, I will use the strengths of my open and creative mind and work ethic to ensure that I will be an asset to Rhode Island College.