Statement 1: From the time I could first read, the natural world and the system of knowledge built from studying and testing it have fascinated me. Of the sciences, biology was the one that eventually dominated my interests. I found an unparalleled appreciation in learning about and understanding the intricate details of the diversity, complexity, organization and unity of all living things as the result of billions of years of evolution. I would spend hours of my spare time reading books...

For first-time community college students planning to transfer to a 4-year university down the line: figure out what you want to major in (be it general or specific) and consequently, come up with a tentative academic plan with your college counselors as to figure out what and how many classes to take in upcoming semesters, particularly prioritizing the major-related classes you're required to...