The sounds of the outside world failed to intrude upon my concentration, as I stared at the blank paper laid out before me. My task was simple, to design a C02 powered car for my advanced technology class; yet, I found it that I was dumbstruck by all the possibilities I could place upon this paper. The idea of putting something from my mind on to paper, then later materializing that design into something that could be felt and seen by others was astounding to me. This simple little project would have a profound effect on my career choice and future in the years to come.
Prior to taking home my designs, my technology teacher informed us that we were to design and fabricate C02 powered cars in the following weeks. He said our goal was design the fastest car that we could possibly could; however, there was a catch to that simple request. He challenged us to open our minds, and design something that was creative and devoid of influence from the outside world. So, with this thought in mind, I went home and began to design something that was entirely my own. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours as I focused on my work. Only the task that lay before me was all that mattered. Finishing my design on time was the only problem that was persistent, but I managed to overcome that and turn it in. Then it was time materialize our cars into objects that could be defined by the senses. After creating our cars from a block of balsa wood, paint, and a whole lot of sweat, it was time to race. My car failed to take first, but it did take a modest third. Winning was not my primary goal; my goal was to design a complex and radical design that was different from any other. This project showed how I could use all the skills that I have acquired over the years can be put into a single project. The idea of that intrigued me and it is because of this project that I knew I wanted to be an aerospace engineer. I want to be an aerospace engineer because of the design process, testing, fabrication, and finding solutions to problems that may occur in the design. I plan on accomplishing this by attending the University of Colorado. The University of Colorado has one of the best aerospace programs in the nation, and the price tag of twenty thousand dollars for two semesters to go with it. So, I feel that getting accepted into that program would be a great opportunity to accomplish my goal. This is why obtaining this scholarship is so important to me, because it is an opportunity to further better myself and see how much I can improve.
Goals for me are not to be taken lightly. I set goals to further better myself and prove how far I can go. Currently, there are three major goals in my life. My first and closest goal is associated with swimming, which is one of my main focuses. For my junior year at high school, I plan to break a school record. The record I am going to break is the 200 yard individual medley, which stands at two minutes and ten seconds. The 200 yard individual medley is broken up into four fifty’s of each stroke in swimming. Last year, I had a time of two minutes and seventeen seconds, but I have only competed in that event a few times. I am positive I can break this record because I have practiced all summer until the beginning of this year’s high school boy’s season, so I feel that I put in the effort and work to accomplish this goal. My second goal is to graduate from Roosevelt High School with grade point average of 4.0 or better. At this current moment I have a 3.941 grade point average. My plan for obtaining my goal is to take three weighted classes; such as, AP calculus, AP US history, and AP Spanish to raise my grade to my desired grade point average. My third and most distant goal is to be accepted into the University of Colorado. I have the required grade point average and credits when I graduate, all I need to do this year is to take the ACT and score a twenty-eight or higher. Again, goals for me are not taken lightly and must be given one hundred percent.
As I stated earlier, the University of Colorado is far from cheap. Obtaining the required four year degree for aerospace engineering could cost upwards of forty thousand dollars, not including room and board. So in order to get my way through college, I will need help from scholarships, such as this one. My family will help me pay for college, and I will pay for most of it through my job as a lifeguard, but money is still a prevalent problem. So applying for scholarships will be extremely important as I advance through high school. They are going to be one of the best ways to pay through college. So, I am going to approach every scholarship as opportunities to get me where I want to go, and I must never waste that opportunity.
Looking back at that little C02 powered car now, I realized how that simple project pulled everything together. All of those skills to be successful were there and they were just waiting to be found. Now I take every opportunity that presents itself, so that I may further hone my skills to be better. Also, I must never waste an opportunity because by wasting an opportunity I am hurting myself and letting those that depend on me down. Even if I fail to accomplish an opportunity, such as a race or test, I can use that failure to learn and make myself better for the future.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
College Essay Revised
Brandon Walker
Mrs. Borenson
Expository Writing, 4th Period
College Essay
4 February 2010
The sounds of the outside world failed to intrude upon my concentration, as I stared at the blank paper laid out before me. My task was simple, to design a C02 powered car for my advanced technology class; yet, I found it that I was dumbstruck by all the possibilities I could place upon this paper. The idea of putting something from my mind on to paper, then later materializing that design into something that could be felt and seen by others was astounding to me. This simple little project would have a profound effect on my career choice and future in the years to come.
Prior to taking home my designs, my technology teacher informed us that we were to design and fabricate C02 powered cars in the following weeks. He said our goal was design the fastest car that we could possibly could; however, there was a catch to that simple request. He challenged us to open our minds, and design something that was creative and devoid of influence from the outside world. So, with this thought in mind, I went home and began to design something that was entirely my own. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours as I focused on my work. Only the task that lay before me was all that mattered. Finishing my design on time was the only problem that was persistent, but I managed to overcome that and turn it in. Then it was time materialize our cars into objects that could be defined by the senses. After creating our cars from a block of balsa wood, paint, and a whole lot of sweat, it was time to race. My car failed to take first, but it did take a modest third. Winning was not my primary goal; my goal was to design a complex and radical design that was different from any other. This project showed how I could use all the skills that I have acquired over the years can be put into a single project. The idea of that intrigued me and it is because of this project that I knew I wanted to be an aerospace engineer. I want to be an aerospace engineer because of the design process, testing, fabrication, and finding solutions to problems that may occur in the design. I plan on accomplishing this by attending the University of Colorado. The University of Colorado has one of the best aerospace programs in the nation, and the price tag of twenty thousand dollars for two semesters to go with it. So, I feel that getting accepted into that program would be a great opportunity to accomplish my goal. This is why obtaining this scholarship is so important to me, because it is an opportunity to further better myself and see how much I can improve.
Out of all the amazing people and events I have encountered in my life that have had an influence on me, is my mom, Cyndi Walker. By far, she is the greatest influence in my desire to pursue further education after high school. She has always believed in my abilities and is supportive in whatever I do, and on top of that she always gives my advice whenever I need help. For example, she has always told me that just being smart won’t take you all the way; you must be involved and active in everything around you. I truly believe this and have taken this advice to heart. I am active in a number of clubs and organizations; such as, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Knowledge Bowl, Manager for the Valley High School Girl’s Swim Team, the Valley High School Boy’s Swim Team, and The Valley Club Swim Team. By being involved, I feel that I have acquired the necessary skills and traits that are needed to be successful in life and in a career.
Out of all the clubs and sports that I have been involved in, swimming is my favorite because it has taught self-motivated, to be discipline, how to motivate others, to lead, and to make use of every opportunity. I have made use of these skills, like when I helped motivate our relay to break the school’s 400 freestyle relay record. When out of the pool I have used my discipline to earn a letter for academics by maintaining a 3.941 grade point average, and by earning a place in the academic all state first team. Also, in FBLA I have awarded a district honors award for my performance at districts. Leading is also a skill that swimming has taught me. This skill is invaluable because it can be used throughout life in almost any environment.
Looking back at that little C02 powered car now, I realized how that simple project pulled everything together. All of those skills to be successful were there and they were just waiting to be found. Now I take every opportunity that presents itself, so that I may further hone my skills to be better. Also, I must never waste an opportunity because by wasting an opportunity I am hurting myself and letting those that depend on me down. Even if I fail to accomplish an opportunity, such as a race or test, I can use that failure to learn and make myself better for the future.
Mrs. Borenson
Expository Writing, 4th Period
College Essay
4 February 2010
The sounds of the outside world failed to intrude upon my concentration, as I stared at the blank paper laid out before me. My task was simple, to design a C02 powered car for my advanced technology class; yet, I found it that I was dumbstruck by all the possibilities I could place upon this paper. The idea of putting something from my mind on to paper, then later materializing that design into something that could be felt and seen by others was astounding to me. This simple little project would have a profound effect on my career choice and future in the years to come.
Prior to taking home my designs, my technology teacher informed us that we were to design and fabricate C02 powered cars in the following weeks. He said our goal was design the fastest car that we could possibly could; however, there was a catch to that simple request. He challenged us to open our minds, and design something that was creative and devoid of influence from the outside world. So, with this thought in mind, I went home and began to design something that was entirely my own. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours as I focused on my work. Only the task that lay before me was all that mattered. Finishing my design on time was the only problem that was persistent, but I managed to overcome that and turn it in. Then it was time materialize our cars into objects that could be defined by the senses. After creating our cars from a block of balsa wood, paint, and a whole lot of sweat, it was time to race. My car failed to take first, but it did take a modest third. Winning was not my primary goal; my goal was to design a complex and radical design that was different from any other. This project showed how I could use all the skills that I have acquired over the years can be put into a single project. The idea of that intrigued me and it is because of this project that I knew I wanted to be an aerospace engineer. I want to be an aerospace engineer because of the design process, testing, fabrication, and finding solutions to problems that may occur in the design. I plan on accomplishing this by attending the University of Colorado. The University of Colorado has one of the best aerospace programs in the nation, and the price tag of twenty thousand dollars for two semesters to go with it. So, I feel that getting accepted into that program would be a great opportunity to accomplish my goal. This is why obtaining this scholarship is so important to me, because it is an opportunity to further better myself and see how much I can improve.
Out of all the amazing people and events I have encountered in my life that have had an influence on me, is my mom, Cyndi Walker. By far, she is the greatest influence in my desire to pursue further education after high school. She has always believed in my abilities and is supportive in whatever I do, and on top of that she always gives my advice whenever I need help. For example, she has always told me that just being smart won’t take you all the way; you must be involved and active in everything around you. I truly believe this and have taken this advice to heart. I am active in a number of clubs and organizations; such as, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Knowledge Bowl, Manager for the Valley High School Girl’s Swim Team, the Valley High School Boy’s Swim Team, and The Valley Club Swim Team. By being involved, I feel that I have acquired the necessary skills and traits that are needed to be successful in life and in a career.
Out of all the clubs and sports that I have been involved in, swimming is my favorite because it has taught self-motivated, to be discipline, how to motivate others, to lead, and to make use of every opportunity. I have made use of these skills, like when I helped motivate our relay to break the school’s 400 freestyle relay record. When out of the pool I have used my discipline to earn a letter for academics by maintaining a 3.941 grade point average, and by earning a place in the academic all state first team. Also, in FBLA I have awarded a district honors award for my performance at districts. Leading is also a skill that swimming has taught me. This skill is invaluable because it can be used throughout life in almost any environment.
Looking back at that little C02 powered car now, I realized how that simple project pulled everything together. All of those skills to be successful were there and they were just waiting to be found. Now I take every opportunity that presents itself, so that I may further hone my skills to be better. Also, I must never waste an opportunity because by wasting an opportunity I am hurting myself and letting those that depend on me down. Even if I fail to accomplish an opportunity, such as a race or test, I can use that failure to learn and make myself better for the future.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
College Essay
Brandon Walker
Mrs. Borenson
Expository Writing, 4th Period
College Essay
28 January 2010
The sounds of the outside world failed to intrude upon my room and concentration, as I stared at the blank paper laid out before me. My task was simple, to design a C02 powered car for my advanced technology class. Yet, I found it that I was dumbstruck by all the possibilities I could place upon this paper. The idea of putting something from my mind on to paper, then later materializing that design into something that could be seen by others was astounding to me. This simple little project would have a profound effect on my career choice and future.
Prior to taking home my designs, my technology teacher informed us that we were to design and fabricate C02 powered cars in the following weeks. He said our goal was design the fastest car that we could possibly could. However, there was a catch to that simple request. He challenged us to open our minds, and create something that was creative and devoid of influence from the outside world. So with this thought in mind, I went home and began to design something that was entirely my own. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours as I focused on my work. Only the task that lay before me was all that mattered. Finishing my design on time was the only problem that was persistent, but I managed to overcome that and turn it in. Once approved, I began to move to the next phases.
The next phase to complete was to actually materialize my ideas into the real world with own hands. The only materials we were given was a block of balsa wood, a saw, some axels, and some wheels. We were only given one or two of these materials, there was no second chances. If a mistake was made it could not be undone, so every move must be carefully executed. However, we were encouraged to ask for and help others around us. Out of all of our resources, I soon found out that my best resource was my fellow classmates. For example, I helped one of my classmates when he cut his car out unevenly. I took away time from my own project, so that my friend would not fall too far behind trying to even out his car. Although, I had to spend extra time after school to finish project, but it was worth it to help someone in need. In spite of helping my friend, a problem soon snaked its way into my project. My design called for placing the wheels inside of the body of the car, which would not fit inside the space I had allocated earlier. Looking back at it now, I realized that problem would lead to other events that would help me further myself. That day I went home, frustrated and exhausted, to think on a solution. My mother saw my frustration and asked what was wrong. I told her about my project and the problem I had encountered. After hearing my problem and my possible solutions, she laughed at me and told me I sounded like an aerospace engineer. As we talked more about that subject, I realized how good that occupation sounded to me. Intrigued, I researched more on the internet. A few moments later, I realized what I wanted to do with my future and how I might accomplish my goals. I want attend the University of Colorado and obtain a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Also, I want to participate in the swim program that the University of Colorado has. Excited with my earlier realization, I attacked my problem. I decided that the simplest solution was to cut the wheels and reduce the number of wheels to only two. I was able to keep the car upright by making the car perfectly balanced, not an easy task with a saw and sand paper. The overall design was complete after I added some vibrant blue paint and a contrasting white strip down the middle, then was time to race. My car was not the fastest, but it was the most complex and different car in my teacher’s technology class. This project made me realize all the skills I acquired over the years to be successful.
My mother, who is one of my biggest influences in life, has always told me that just being smart does not mean you will always be guaranteed instant success. She said you must be involved and make the right choices in life. That is why I have always strived to be involved and do the best in all that I do. Currently I am involved in the Valley High School Boy’s Swim Team, The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Knowledge Bowl, and Manager for the Valley High School Girl’s Swim Team, and The Valley Club Swim Team. Swimming has taught me so much in my life and has proven to be an invaluable experience. It has taught me to be self-motivated, to be disciplined, how to motivate others, to lead, and to make use of every opportunity. I have made use of these skills every time the opportunity presented itself, like when I helped motivate our relay to break the school’s 400 freestyle relay record. When out of the pool I have used my discipline to earn a letter for academics by maintaining a GPA better than 3.7, and earning a place in the academic all state first team. Also, in FBLA I have awarded a district honors award for my performance at district. I know what it takes to be successful and I am not afraid to put the extra effort to do so.
Looking back at that little C02 powered car now, I realized how that simple project pulled everything together. Now I take every opportunity that presents itself and never waste it. This is why obtaining this scholarship is so important to me. It is an opportunity to further better myself and see how much I can improve and show how far I can go in life.
Mrs. Borenson
Expository Writing, 4th Period
College Essay
28 January 2010
The sounds of the outside world failed to intrude upon my room and concentration, as I stared at the blank paper laid out before me. My task was simple, to design a C02 powered car for my advanced technology class. Yet, I found it that I was dumbstruck by all the possibilities I could place upon this paper. The idea of putting something from my mind on to paper, then later materializing that design into something that could be seen by others was astounding to me. This simple little project would have a profound effect on my career choice and future.
Prior to taking home my designs, my technology teacher informed us that we were to design and fabricate C02 powered cars in the following weeks. He said our goal was design the fastest car that we could possibly could. However, there was a catch to that simple request. He challenged us to open our minds, and create something that was creative and devoid of influence from the outside world. So with this thought in mind, I went home and began to design something that was entirely my own. Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours as I focused on my work. Only the task that lay before me was all that mattered. Finishing my design on time was the only problem that was persistent, but I managed to overcome that and turn it in. Once approved, I began to move to the next phases.
The next phase to complete was to actually materialize my ideas into the real world with own hands. The only materials we were given was a block of balsa wood, a saw, some axels, and some wheels. We were only given one or two of these materials, there was no second chances. If a mistake was made it could not be undone, so every move must be carefully executed. However, we were encouraged to ask for and help others around us. Out of all of our resources, I soon found out that my best resource was my fellow classmates. For example, I helped one of my classmates when he cut his car out unevenly. I took away time from my own project, so that my friend would not fall too far behind trying to even out his car. Although, I had to spend extra time after school to finish project, but it was worth it to help someone in need. In spite of helping my friend, a problem soon snaked its way into my project. My design called for placing the wheels inside of the body of the car, which would not fit inside the space I had allocated earlier. Looking back at it now, I realized that problem would lead to other events that would help me further myself. That day I went home, frustrated and exhausted, to think on a solution. My mother saw my frustration and asked what was wrong. I told her about my project and the problem I had encountered. After hearing my problem and my possible solutions, she laughed at me and told me I sounded like an aerospace engineer. As we talked more about that subject, I realized how good that occupation sounded to me. Intrigued, I researched more on the internet. A few moments later, I realized what I wanted to do with my future and how I might accomplish my goals. I want attend the University of Colorado and obtain a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Also, I want to participate in the swim program that the University of Colorado has. Excited with my earlier realization, I attacked my problem. I decided that the simplest solution was to cut the wheels and reduce the number of wheels to only two. I was able to keep the car upright by making the car perfectly balanced, not an easy task with a saw and sand paper. The overall design was complete after I added some vibrant blue paint and a contrasting white strip down the middle, then was time to race. My car was not the fastest, but it was the most complex and different car in my teacher’s technology class. This project made me realize all the skills I acquired over the years to be successful.
My mother, who is one of my biggest influences in life, has always told me that just being smart does not mean you will always be guaranteed instant success. She said you must be involved and make the right choices in life. That is why I have always strived to be involved and do the best in all that I do. Currently I am involved in the Valley High School Boy’s Swim Team, The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Knowledge Bowl, and Manager for the Valley High School Girl’s Swim Team, and The Valley Club Swim Team. Swimming has taught me so much in my life and has proven to be an invaluable experience. It has taught me to be self-motivated, to be disciplined, how to motivate others, to lead, and to make use of every opportunity. I have made use of these skills every time the opportunity presented itself, like when I helped motivate our relay to break the school’s 400 freestyle relay record. When out of the pool I have used my discipline to earn a letter for academics by maintaining a GPA better than 3.7, and earning a place in the academic all state first team. Also, in FBLA I have awarded a district honors award for my performance at district. I know what it takes to be successful and I am not afraid to put the extra effort to do so.
Looking back at that little C02 powered car now, I realized how that simple project pulled everything together. Now I take every opportunity that presents itself and never waste it. This is why obtaining this scholarship is so important to me. It is an opportunity to further better myself and see how much I can improve and show how far I can go in life.
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