My Motivation To Enroll In Economic Course At The Undergraduate Level
The most cherished memories of my childhood are the innumerable games of Monopoly I used to play with my family. Monopoly had become a Sunday staple post a relaxed lunch. As I grew up, my understanding of this game evolved. Monopoly is not just a game of dice, it is a game that teaches valuable lessons of economics and mathematics. The lessons I learnt from Monopoly are gradual and many.
Each player starts with $1,500. As long as one does not run into any problems, one could keep collecting money and never spend it. But saving alone is not the road to victory. On the flip side, one should not spend all the money right away. One needs cash in hand to buy new properties. Therefore, being a wise spender is more important than being an impulsive one.
Second, with forty spaces on the board, chances are slim that a player will land on one’s property if one has only one. So it is a good idea to invest in different properties. By focusing on a single asset, one may lose out on profitable opportunities elsewhere.
Third, the mathematical probability of landing on certain spaces on the board is far higher than others. In other words, location matters.
Finally, Monopoly continues until all players but one have gone bankrupt. So, one must be patient and play the long game. Economists suggest that impatient consumers tend to make irrational decisions. Meeting one’s financial goals is a marathon, not a race.
The effect of economics on the human race has always intrigued me. Economics is well entrenched in our existence since the early days. When there was no cash, there was the barter system. Buying and selling of goods, or their trading, has always been there.
I strongly believe that economic growth and social welfare must go hand in hand. I have made concerted efforts to apply my knowledge of Economics to address social issues. I spent 2 weeks in Dhampur, a small town in Northern India, teaching children from economically backward households about Economics and other topics.
Personally speaking, I have always had a natural affinity towards numbers and analysis. I was not only the topper in this subject, but was also awarded a scholarship for academic excellence in class 10 and 11. I am widely involved in school life outside of the classroom. My school project on Venezuela economic crisis was well appreciated by my teachers and peers alike. As a core member of the Debate Club and Model United Nations Community, I have participated in several events across the city. Using the knowledge I gathered from my experience, I organised a highly successful debate in the school on the concepts of Economics and Sociology. Furthermore, as a member of the executive board of The Mother’s International School MUN, I headed a 70-member committee at the school MUN. My experiences were exceedingly fruitful and allowed me to develop leadership skills.
While I learned the basic tenets of economics in school, my stint at Shubham MicroFinance Housing broadened my understanding of the subject. Shubham represents a unique business model that serves to fulfill the dream of housing for those outside the formal circle of employment. This internship was immensely rewarding and reinforced my resolution to pursue a career in economics.
I have been engaged in sports actively, throughout my school years. A natural sportsperson, I have played badminton at school, zone, as well as state levels. Badminton is a game of stamina, mental strength, focus and dedication. These are skills that will come handy in my life.
I am very keen to enrol in Economic course at the undergraduate level. UK is the origin of modern economics, laden with unlimited opportunities. As I embark on life’s next expedition, I am drawn to a quote by Winston Churchill: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. ” I look forward to embracing these very opportunities.