Why I Chose to Study Data Science

For me, what makes data science so exciting is that it really lets you create real things with tangible results out of a messy, complicated world. I first understood this during my research at UMD on underwater 3D reconstruction. Trying to build models from murky underwater video was challenging, but it showed me how the right tools can turn total chaos into a clear, usable picture.

I took that same curiosity into the stock market. I spent a lot of time building a trading system using machine learning, digging into years of historical data to test different ideas and see what actually worked. It proved to me that data isn't just a bunch of static numbers on a screen. When you ask the right questions, you can find hidden patterns and make smart, real-world decisions.

I want to major in Data Science because I want to move beyond just figuring things out through trial and error. I want the deep mathematical foundation to truly understand why my ideas work, so I can keep building tools that solve actual problems and have a real impact.