If freshman year was the year characterized by the most change in environment, sophomore year has definitely been characterized by personal growth.
This year I travelled to parts of the globe I had only read about, successfully decided on and was admitted to an amazing major, set my sights on how I want to change the world, and pushed myself harder in almost every aspect of my life.
In a year which I found myself living in the library, pouring hours into my studies and material that I cared about, I found academic success. Organic Chemistry was a challenge that I readily jumped into and I found that immense work is matched by the immense reward, while my first chemical engineering class has given me a tantalizing taste of what's to come. Finally deciding on a major allowed me to finally demystify the future at UW and I have a set plan that I am excited for and proud of.
Outside of the classroom I wanted to get involved in the Local Clean Energy, and discovered an amazing community. Finding a spot within the Clean Energy Institute at UW as an intern has exposed me to the inner workings of how the PNW treats and advances renewables, while being elected as a Diversity in Clean Energy Club Officer has let me help others find access to professional development and connections to individuals in a vast variety of clean energy careers. I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to take part in the inner workings of the clean energy community and am proud to say that I have been chosen to participate in undergraduate research in the coming summer months on Instrumentation for Producing Organic Photovoltaic Fibers, something I have learned a great deal about over the past year and am fascinated by.
Joining the Climbing Team at the UW at the suggestion of a friend was probably the best decision I made in terms of physical and mental well being. I found myself looking forward to days we had practice because each was an opportunity to meet and enjoy time with likeminded people as we encouraged each other to new heights (literally). Something I had been missing since high school, climbing competitions have me the opportunity to partake in a competitive athletic atmosphere and often gave me great resolve and personal drive which I could use throughout the rest of my life.
I am not the same person I was a year ago - but I am incredibly proud of the person I have become. Looking over the past year, I have grown in every dimension and have found what it takes to be happy amongst a fast paced world that will quickly leave you behind.
This year I travelled to parts of the globe I had only read about, successfully decided on and was admitted to an amazing major, set my sights on how I want to change the world, and pushed myself harder in almost every aspect of my life.
In a year which I found myself living in the library, pouring hours into my studies and material that I cared about, I found academic success. Organic Chemistry was a challenge that I readily jumped into and I found that immense work is matched by the immense reward, while my first chemical engineering class has given me a tantalizing taste of what's to come. Finally deciding on a major allowed me to finally demystify the future at UW and I have a set plan that I am excited for and proud of.
Outside of the classroom I wanted to get involved in the Local Clean Energy, and discovered an amazing community. Finding a spot within the Clean Energy Institute at UW as an intern has exposed me to the inner workings of how the PNW treats and advances renewables, while being elected as a Diversity in Clean Energy Club Officer has let me help others find access to professional development and connections to individuals in a vast variety of clean energy careers. I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to take part in the inner workings of the clean energy community and am proud to say that I have been chosen to participate in undergraduate research in the coming summer months on Instrumentation for Producing Organic Photovoltaic Fibers, something I have learned a great deal about over the past year and am fascinated by.
Joining the Climbing Team at the UW at the suggestion of a friend was probably the best decision I made in terms of physical and mental well being. I found myself looking forward to days we had practice because each was an opportunity to meet and enjoy time with likeminded people as we encouraged each other to new heights (literally). Something I had been missing since high school, climbing competitions have me the opportunity to partake in a competitive athletic atmosphere and often gave me great resolve and personal drive which I could use throughout the rest of my life.
I am not the same person I was a year ago - but I am incredibly proud of the person I have become. Looking over the past year, I have grown in every dimension and have found what it takes to be happy amongst a fast paced world that will quickly leave you behind.