<p>I am a native South African of German ancestry who studied undergraduate economics in the United States. The impact of economics on the histories of those three countries formed my desire to work in the field.</p>
<p>Growing up on the African continent and attending a German primary school was a unique experience. I was curious about my heritage and developed an interest in German history. What I learned was both inspiring and terrifying. I understood that Germany was a rather wealthy country, but the horror stories of two world wars remained in my mind. Years later, I discovered just how much economics, from imperialism to Versailles to hyperinflation, played a part in the wars. Not only that, economics also defined post war Europe: The Marshall Plan was chosen over the Morgenthau Plan. West Germany thrived, East Germany withered. Over the course of German history, economics contributed to both war and peace. </p>
<p>My country of birth also had a turbulent economic history. When the nationalists took over, they implemented the famous apartheid policies, which restricted social and economic freedom based on race. After the fall of the Soviet Union, a communist takeover was no longer a threat and the world rightly refused to tolerate such unjust policies. Then came the misguided post 1994 policies that have led to 25% unemployment, stagflation, and an extremely high crime rate. In hindsight, different economic policies would’ve spared millions from misery. Throughout South African history, bad economic decisions caused poverty and sorrow.</p>
<p>I decided to study undergraduate economics in the United States not only because it arguably has the best academic programs in the world, but also because there is so much to learn from its economic history. The prosperous 19th century, the great depression, 1970’s stagflation, and the great recession all provide valuable lessons for the future. A unique feature of the United States economy is its global impact. The great recession had catastrophic consequences for the global economy. That makes the prosperity of the United States economy the most important in the world. It is not a stretch to say that the future of humanity depends on the United States economy.</p>
<p>When I was ten I wanted to become a doctor to save lives. As I grew older, I became fascinated why some countries were wealthy and others poor. I realized that a great economist can save far more lives than a great doctor. That is why I want to become one.</p>