A little background: For years I had planned on going into genetics research, but within the past year I have switched over to immunology. I'm most interested in autoimmune diseases and hypersensitivities, which obviously could be classified as a mix between genetics and immunology.
I've been brainstorming on ideas for my SoP. I know that it is not advised to write some sort of childhood story as an introduction, but......
In my SoP, I was planning on writing a little about how I found an old 1970 genetics textbook at a flea market at age 9. My mom forked over the 25 cents (even though she thought I was weird ha) and I was fascinated by the book, read it during free time rather than playing video games, etc.
Then my junior year during undergrad, I was inspired by my pathogenic micro/ immuno teacher. She literally sparked my love for immuno.
So basically these two mini stories show how both interests were first sparked. Genetics + immuno = my new interest in immunogenetics, autoimmune disorders, etc.
After that, I had planned on going into the research I have done as an undergrad, and then explaining the research I am interested in at University X (which obviously will involve autoimmune disorders)
Bad idea? I've read some of the threads here about SoP, and I'm starting to think that mentioning childhood is an awful idea. Please let me know what you think. Should I cut this part out all together? If the answer is yes, then I have NO IDEA how to begin a statement of purpose. I haven't had any publications or honors, so I don't have much to write about there.
<<by the way---obviously I just wrote this thread in a 2-3 minutes, and the SoP idea has NOT been developed in any way. My writing will be MUCH better on the real thing!>>
