Submission Number: 335
Submission ID: 1157
Submission UUID: 9c5fe76d-e4f4-4220-89c6-4556852c11bf

Created: Wed, 03/29/2023 - 15:42
Completed: Wed, 03/29/2023 - 15:42
Changed: Tue, 05/06/2025 - 22:59

Remote IP address: 2601:285:8200:8a90:65a2:510f:2897:c4b5
Submitted by:Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No

Locked: Yes
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Zackary
Wojtalik
He/him/his
Louisville
Colorado
United States of America
80027
Aerospace Engineering Sciences
English (5), Spanish (4)
The ferry doors opened and I was greeted with the sweet smell of the tropics. The sun was bright, the sand hot, and air humid in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The water was beautiful and appeared to be the solution for my heat, but, as we drove from the ferry dock towards the marina where I would be boarding a 52’ monohull to sail around the many lovely islands of the BVI, I noticed water stations offering free, fresh water, homes that were still damaged and where water and electricity were not restored. The roads requiring intensive repair, bump after bump! The damage was a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, though that was many years ago. Where was the rebuilding? The support? My mind was going a mile a minute, here I was about to embark on a three-week sailing adventure and all I wanted to do was understand what the local communities needed and how I could “engineer” a difference. It’s with this mindset that I apply for acceptance in the CU Global Engineering RAP. I understand I need the training and guidance in order to make the most appropriate recommendations and plans, but, what I’ve seen is that communities intensely desire to rebuild but often do not have the resources or knowledge to do so. I want to be that resource! I cannot make the difference alone which is why becoming part of something bigger can be so influential. It’s time to bring our respective energy and abilities to those in need.
“Down in Jun-gle Land…” These words precede your amazing solo that inspired growth in so many facets of my life. It was that solo that encouraged me to pick up the Saxophone. In fact, my dad has asked that I play that solo for him as one of his final wishes! I too am a football player and have revered your desire to be great at something in addition to athletics…something you did after your NFL dreams ended. That something, as we’ve seen, has inspired, entertained and motivated so many generations of people. Your dedication to the arts, your community and to your fans has taught me to not be like someone else, to create my own unique voice that can always and forever be mine; and, that voice has the potential to create unity.
Your unique style and presence exudes confidence on stage and off. Whether you are soloing or supporting with a deep harmony, you work flawlessly with the other members of the band. I take that to heart, realizing we are all part of something bigger and there are times when we need to lead, and times when we need to support, or challenge, our leaders.
The peace and joy hearing you plan from down the hall will brighten the dullest of days. That is what a good friend does, always be there to brighten your day in a unique way. But more, to be able to continue to learn from you outside of school presents a new and exciting opportunity. As you have demonstrated, a leader is a learner. I aspire to be like you and would rejoice at having the opportunity to learn from you at every waking moment.
“To-night in Jun-gle Land.” Rest well! I will carry your sax and your mission to the streets of Jun-gle Land! Mr. Clarence Clemons, thank you for being my neighbor. I will try to inspire others in the ways you have inspired me.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have traveled throughout the world and see some pretty amazing and distressing situations. Something amazing, I was born when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, and then drove through on my way to Florida as a teenager. It was still an area of devastation. Where is the news now? There are still many systems, water, power, and communities that are still struggling to rebuild. Similarly, in the British Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma. Six years later many still do not have access to fresh water. As an engineer interested in people and systems, I yearn to combine my interest in offering communities and helping my neighbors (close and far) the skills that CU Engineering will arm me with to build a better ecosystem. The passion I have for learning and the respect I have for the world is a potent combination for success.
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