This personal statement discusses the applicant's realization that they wanted to pursue a career in energy access and human development after spending time in a remote village in Malaysia in 2013. During their master's program field trip, they assessed solutions to improve energy access in the village, which had a broken micro hydro system leaving many without power. The experience highlighted the importance of reliable and sustainable energy solutions. The applicant believes a PhD in science studies at Lancaster University will provide the knowledge to further their goals of researching energy access challenges and solutions to improve lives worldwide.