One steady breath at a time! by Austin

One steady breath at a time! by Austin - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

I spend five days a week suspended hundreds of feet in the air with nothing but a piece of thread to break my fall. What lies in front of me is an endless sea of granite, stretching in every direction, engulfing me to where I am only a speck from afar. I am left stranded as if I am stuck on Mars. The only thing to do is encompass nature, and try to put a barrier between my mind and the aching feeling flowing through my arms. This unwavering passion for problem solving in sport (competitive rock climbing) and as an aspiring biomedical engineer stems from my deep belief in finding solutions. My dad’s recent cancer diagnosis requires advanced TORS (trans oral robotic surgery), further fueling my interest in medical research, inventions and solutions to advance quality of life. I am naturally creative and determined to stay positive. Hence, my unwavering career goals are focussed in bioengineering. Furthermore, I intuitively seek solutions since I have a problem solving mindset.
Throughout high school I’ve focussed on advanced mathematics and science classes (Chemistry, Robotics, Physics, Ap Calculus, Addiction to the Brain, AP Government/business, DECA). My skill set has grown whilst overlapping with my recreational experiences. In AP Computer Science my final project was coding modifications for a video game and I'm known to love geeking out over different games. With CAD design I used 3D print to implement small essential items that could be used at my school (desk end caps, metal corner pieces for safety, lids for containers). This is fiscally responsible since it saves the school money. My robotics class involved programming video drones to fly through obstacles. We also created and wired wind machines with sensors to predict moisture in weather. In addition, my collaborative peer experiences designing stagecraft for school drama productions and my athletic skills in designing climb holds and routes for teammates, enhances my interest in robotic engineering devices.
Through a calculated, strategic schedule I stay positive and motivated. My days are long (8am to midnight). I use time before rock climbing practice for homework and I usually arrive home at 8:40 pm to finish classwork. After years of hard work, in 2023 I was elated and honored to be elected as team captain for the MAC climbing team. As a leader I demonstrate consistent hard work and model how staying determined and humble improves performance. Furthermore, it's rewarding giving back to my peers and I cement awesome relationships. When time permits, I volunteer with the Camas Ivy League removal club and the MAC (Multnomah Athletic club) Adopt One Block cleanup community campaign.
Complex challenges just seem to be ingrained in my everyday life. AP Calculus, my strongest subject, enables me to understand and enjoy the application of once foreign symbols, letters and formulas. Since age 10 athletic challenges were conquered as my dad and I learned to design climbing holds, construct complex rope routes, and spend countless hours training for challenging competitions. My dad’s strong work ethic is inspiring and I am so grateful to have gained hands-on experiences and memories with him. At every competition I hear him yelling “Come on Austin, you’ve got this!” Now, I cheer for him “Come on dad, you’ve got this!” Hence, I am eager to learn medical procedures, robotics and research which advances minimally invasive procedures, such as TORS. These localized surgeries are saving lives and are critical with the development of new cancers. I have respect for the University of Utah’s robotic center design and creative solutions and multidisciplinary device intersection with medicine and health sciences.
My academic and personal experiences overlap. The feeling of utter triumph in climbing competition has led me to enjoy the process of reaching my goals, no matter how hard it may be. I have learned that appreciating small successes in life ends up making their journeys just as impactful, no matter their difficulties. Climbing is my mindset. Without this sport, I would have never gotten to experience these powerful moments that have shaped me into who I am today. When I struggle to proceed and expand upon my strengths and skills, I can simply turn to this philosophy I have set for myself, “know where to start and how to finish”. This determination allows me to push through high-level national competitions, lead and represent my team as captain, and become more focused in tough times. Recently I was invited to the U.S. National team trials, as I now rank top 40 nationwide. Competition has instilled my drive to be more productive when learning new topics.
My father set an example, family values and hard work are important. He is my inspiration. I want to help my family as much as I can and am applying for scholarships to hopefully alleviate some financial stress from our medical bills. Thus, I eagerly look forward to biomedical engineering opportunities and research at College.