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Submission Number: 139
Submission ID: 517
Submission UUID: 373aa841-694f-4c7d-bf2a-2ddc72b51f45
Created: Mon, 05/31/2021 - 23:47
Completed: Mon, 05/31/2021 - 23:47
Changed: Wed, 05/07/2025 - 07:21
Remote IP address: 97.118.249.149
Submitted by:Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Flagged: Yes
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Oscar
Lechner
he/him
Denver
Colorado
United States
80211
Creative Technology and Design
English 5, French 5, Spanish 3
Throughout my life, I am fortunate enough to have travelled to some great places and done incredible things. However, in the context of this prompt, one specific trip comes to mind. I attended a very small international school for my three years of middle school, and the crown jewel of its curriculum included a ten day trip to Costa Rica in the spring of eighth grade. Since my class consisted only of about 30 students, the entire operation was relatively simple and fluid with a little help by some amazing and hard working teachers.
Teachers and chaperones aside, the trip was focused mainly on teaching the students about biology, ecology, and environmental sustainability. Intertwined with a specialized unit about the biosphere in our science class, all of us were excited to learn as much as possible on this trip. The main focus of the trip was to take part in a mangrove planting operation being led by a non-profit organization based in Costa Rica, during which we would attend outdoor classes and learn about the unique ecosystems of Costa Rica, the keystone nature of the mangrove tree, and the impact mangrove deforestation has had on the banks of the inland rivers.
Over the course of our time helping at the organization we were able to lend a hand in every step of the process of mangrove restoration, from planting seeds in small pots, to transferring seedlings into larger containers, to even transporting adolescent saplings over to a planting location and planting them on the banks of the inland waterways. All the while, the incredible experts leading the operation taught us valuable lessons about the balance in an ecosystem and most importantly, the engineering involved to derive an effective and efficient solution to the problem.
Ever since that trip, I have been incredibly interested in engineering as a concept and a tool for arriving as a solution to a problem, and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to potentially join the CU Boulder Global Engineering RAP.
Teachers and chaperones aside, the trip was focused mainly on teaching the students about biology, ecology, and environmental sustainability. Intertwined with a specialized unit about the biosphere in our science class, all of us were excited to learn as much as possible on this trip. The main focus of the trip was to take part in a mangrove planting operation being led by a non-profit organization based in Costa Rica, during which we would attend outdoor classes and learn about the unique ecosystems of Costa Rica, the keystone nature of the mangrove tree, and the impact mangrove deforestation has had on the banks of the inland rivers.
Over the course of our time helping at the organization we were able to lend a hand in every step of the process of mangrove restoration, from planting seeds in small pots, to transferring seedlings into larger containers, to even transporting adolescent saplings over to a planting location and planting them on the banks of the inland waterways. All the while, the incredible experts leading the operation taught us valuable lessons about the balance in an ecosystem and most importantly, the engineering involved to derive an effective and efficient solution to the problem.
Ever since that trip, I have been incredibly interested in engineering as a concept and a tool for arriving as a solution to a problem, and I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to potentially join the CU Boulder Global Engineering RAP.
When imagining the ideal roommate or neighbor at CU, many traits come to mind. Firstly, I would want this theoretical neighbor to be active and recreational. Boulder as a city provides an incredible list of outdoor activities, many of which I plan to take full advantage of. The nearby mountains, trails, and sports fields are places I would love to congregate with my friends and neighbors to have a great time and enjoy the day.
Secondly, I would want my neighbor to be respectful and considerate. Dorm life is a very significant change when compared to the average living situation. Rooms are generally smaller, bathrooms are potentially communal, and there exists a learning curve there. Additionally, universities provide academic challenges and stresses imposed onto large amounts of students. My ideal neighbor would be considerate of personal space, respect the dorm atmosphere, not be too loud etc. They would offer help during times of stress, but also be willing to accept help and grow as a member of a community instead of solely relying on themselves.
Finally, I would want my neighbor to be interesting and willing to share. I would love to be able to hang out with and share amazing stories with my neighbors. In a university setting, it is not out of the question to assume that some of my neighbors could be from across the world. Ideally, my neighbor could tell me all about life in their city, niche activities and hobbies I've never heard of, and provide a new perspective I can use to learn and grow as a person.
Secondly, I would want my neighbor to be respectful and considerate. Dorm life is a very significant change when compared to the average living situation. Rooms are generally smaller, bathrooms are potentially communal, and there exists a learning curve there. Additionally, universities provide academic challenges and stresses imposed onto large amounts of students. My ideal neighbor would be considerate of personal space, respect the dorm atmosphere, not be too loud etc. They would offer help during times of stress, but also be willing to accept help and grow as a member of a community instead of solely relying on themselves.
Finally, I would want my neighbor to be interesting and willing to share. I would love to be able to hang out with and share amazing stories with my neighbors. In a university setting, it is not out of the question to assume that some of my neighbors could be from across the world. Ideally, my neighbor could tell me all about life in their city, niche activities and hobbies I've never heard of, and provide a new perspective I can use to learn and grow as a person.
In the beginning of high school, I had little intention of joining any special clubs or signing up for a program with massive time commitments and few benefits. Now, coming into college, my perspective has completely changed. Whether it was a sports team, community service volunteering, or being a guide for Outdoor Lab, I have found that there is amazing value in opportunities containing diverse, interesting groups of people, and special connections. The Engineering RAP is a perfect example of a community in which I could learn a ton and grow to become a more varied individual.
Additionally, the fact that every member of the Global Engineering RAP is also in the school of engineering, there is no doubt in my mind that my skills and experiences learning engineering will be impacted positively. Whether it be through a study group or through physical osmosis, being around like minded people is great for learning and improving yourself. Also, I find that being in a community and being around the same people often is the best way to foster friendships and acquaintances. This way, I can personally contribute to the residential community by being more comfortable and knowing those living around me.
Additionally, the fact that every member of the Global Engineering RAP is also in the school of engineering, there is no doubt in my mind that my skills and experiences learning engineering will be impacted positively. Whether it be through a study group or through physical osmosis, being around like minded people is great for learning and improving yourself. Also, I find that being in a community and being around the same people often is the best way to foster friendships and acquaintances. This way, I can personally contribute to the residential community by being more comfortable and knowing those living around me.
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