Submission Number: 166
Submission ID: 841
Submission UUID: 9d3ba1be-1877-4d7c-b09a-e01b7bd2fa28

Created: Tue, 03/29/2022 - 10:52
Completed: Tue, 03/29/2022 - 10:52
Changed: Tue, 09/03/2024 - 20:06

Remote IP address: 173.244.132.6
Submitted by:Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
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Oliver
Balestrieri
he/him/his
Grand Junction
CO
United States
81507
Mechanical, but still not quite sure
English (5); Spanish (3) [up to high school Spanish IV]
My mom is Australian and as a result we have traveled to Australia several times, visiting almost all major parts of the country in our travels over the years, including the remote far north and central parts where we camped for over a month. I have been exposed to the Aboriginal Australian people and to this aspect of Australia's culture and history, and have appreciated learning about the parallels of the Australian Aborigines with the experience of the native Americans. I have also appreciated being exposed to the news from Australia in my house, where different international events are presented differently. Most recently the Covid19 coverage on the Australian news was quite different to how it was presented in the US media, and the Australian response overall was quite different. Talking to Australian family members has also shown this difference in perception about not only Covid but many international topics. I like that I have been exposed to two cultures and viewpoints and believe it has made me a more open and reflective international citizen.
As well as Australia, we have had international family reunions in Fiji, Japan, and Singapore, and I have traveled a little within the United States including to Hawaii where we traveled around the big island.
I gravitate towards people who are easygoing and fun loving, so this would be the first criterion. I have noticed over the years that my closest friends are all also hard workers and high achievers, and those who walk to the beat of their own drums and are not trying to be someone they are not. I would therefore enjoy someone living down the hall who is driven and successful, but also makes time to relax and have fun, someone who is passionate about the world, and who sees themselves as capable of effecting change, and who enjoys who they are without trying to impress others. I'd enjoy someone who is competitive with themselves but not with others. I'd enjoy someone with diverse interests - maybe athletic endeavors like I enjoy, but also really anything different or interesting. I enjoy those who have different interests from me and who can expose me to things I've never thought of or tried or experienced before.
I have a strong love for the sciences, especially physics, and math, and know that I am heading towards a career path in engineering in some capacity. I am interested in all of materials, mechanical, civil, environmental, and biomedical engineering, and really am not sure where my path will lead me, though I lean towards mechanical. I can see so many opportunities and things to explore in each of these pathways. I also know that in order to feel satisfied and accomplished in my future career, I will need to do something not only productive but also beneficial for the world.
I've considered many ways that I could enjoy using physics and an engineering degree. As I drive my car, I consider employment in the automotive industry, considering more fuel efficient vehicle design, as well as more fuel efficient fuel use and technologies. As I talk with the doctor about my radiology images from my broken back (from which I'm now fully recovered) I pondered the healthcare industry and improving radiology imaging devices and technology, and consider the ways in which the huge variety of medical devices have changed over time and what further ways we could advance in this area. When I ski I consider more efficient ski lift design, as well as improved wind and rain protection in my ski gear. I also consider the ski design of those with disabilities and how the gear for this population could be improved to give greater access for those with disabilities to skiing and other outdoor sports and activities. When I ride my bike I consider improved aerodynamics of the design and lighter weight material fabrication so I can climb faster. My ponderings are constant and pervasive and cover a very broad spectrum of fields and subfields.
The commonalities among all my ideas are that I wish to help to improve the physical environment or physical tools for humans. I'd like to have some sort of positive impact on the world, and I have noticed three main themes, that are improving the environment, improving medical supports for humans, or improving access or use of outdoor recreation or other recreation. These goals link with my beliefs of what makes humans happy in society, which are that we need a clean and healthy living environment, and we need health and wellness. If my career can somehow link back to these core ideas and values, I think I will feel satisfied and as though I have contributed meaningfully to the world.
When I received the invitation to the Global Engineering RAP it seemed like a perfect fit with my personal philosophy regarding engineering as stated above. Despite having traveled to some remote communities, I'd not really previously given a lot of through to working in engineering in this manner, but am excited to consider this aspect of the field. It made me think of a family friend in Australia, a civil engineer, who has done work with Aboriginal communities, helping support various projects in remote areas. I think this would be rewarding and exciting work and would appreciate the Global Engineering RAP to open my mind to these types of ideas and opportunities.
On a personal level, I have a hard working, yet laid back disposition. I'm never afraid to get in and take some initiative. I'm creative and open minded. I'm somewhat reserved and thoughtful at first, but overall energetic, and comfortable taking on leadership roles. I think my friendly and accepting, yet confident personality would be an asset to any residential community as well as any project-based community.
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