 |
Two summers ago, my family moved from San Antonio, Texas, to Louisville, Kentucky, so that has been the biggest change in my life. I'm enrolled in a magnet high school and am in the math, science, and technology program. School, friends, and soccer are my three main priorities. I am also still completing science projects, continuing my research into what I originally presented at YSC: investigating the growth of bacteria on store-bought chicken before and after its expiration date. I am now looking at changes in the muscle structure of the chicken over time. I believe this work could lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms of tissue infection in humans.
I enjoy reading, playing soccer, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. I also like working on my research, but I guess that’s part of “studying”!
My experience in YSC was really fantastic. I enjoyed meeting all of the other contestants, some of whom I still keep in touch with. During YSC, most of the challenges gave me the opportunity to observe different science careers, and that has helped me decide what I want to do in the future.
I would like to do something with science journalism, because I feel that the sciences are very much underrepresented in today's media. Communication is the only way to teach a wider audience about sciences and their important applications, and I believe that journalism is one of the best avenues for science communication.
II have two memories that I like. The first was when, during my project presentation, a few of the presenters and I were joking around. We all took a picture with the header of my board, and we are posed around it as if it were a million-dollar check. That was my favorite day of YSC because, between judging, all of us spent time with all of the other contestants, and not just our team members.
The other memory is from the Friday night before the first day of YSC. Some of the other contestants and I had flown in early because we lived pretty far away from Washington, D.C., and we all went out to a restaurant close to the hotel. I remember just meeting all of these new, amazing people and hearing their stories of how they came to be in YSC and marveling at the differences and similarities between our journeys. Everyone at the table was so excited to be there. I can remember one of my fellow finalists proclaiming, "I'm going to order steak because they're [YSC] paying for it. And I can. And I'm in YSC." That was also his rationale for ordering dessert. I usually stay in touch with people from YSC through E-mail or instant messenger.
Even when I was a small child, I can remember being interested in the world around me. In elementary school, assigned science projects really helped develop my interest. Interestingly, one of my earliest projects was a study on rotting foods, and this year I am currently completing a project that involves rotting foods. This year's project is a continuation of three years of research (research that started with the project I submitted to YSC). It seems that, throughout the years, the act of asking a question or seeking out information has always made me more interested in science.
In some ways, I am more interested in science now than I was at YSC. Back then I did not know for sure that I wanted a career in the sciences. YSC played a significant role in preserving and furthering my interest in the sciences.
My mother is my science hero because I have grown up seeing her work in geriatric research and trying to understand what she does. Being around her has given me a great appreciation for the sciences. She sets an incredible example for me and what she has done with her life through science is commendable.
I would tell them to do their best in everything that they do. Life always rewards excellence, so if what he or she is doing is great, then other people will notice it. That recognition is what makes a YSC finalist. I say that having not only seen the caliber of people and projects in the finalist competition, but also having known other finalists from years before and after mine.
Back to Alumni
|
|
Age: 16
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
YSC Class: 2002
|
|
