I believe that Caltech will fuel my intellectual curiosity not only in the classroom but in academic and social forums as well. Being in classes with advanced students encourages me; knowing other people who are just as passionate about learning will give me even more confidence and increase my desire to learn new material well and share this knowledge with others. Caltech clearly provides a rich, intellectual environment outside of the classroom. When I visited campus, I saw students discussing a recent problem set and even watching science news together over lunch tables. I value an environment where intellectual learning extends beyond lecture halls, where students start homework early, read ahead, or do the optional problems for fun. In such a driven and dynamic environment not only would my own passions be encouraged, but I would be able to encourage others and collaborate with them to learn more than we each could on our own. I am enthusiastic about my hobbies as well as my fields of study, and I know that the diverse and intense interests of the student body will overlap with my own interests. In this way, I believe Caltech will also help me to remind myself to relax when needed, savor my college years, and fully absorb the learning experience from those around me.