Submission Number: 291
Submission ID: 997
Submission UUID: 2052c826-d46a-469d-8d90-d938635d42d7

Created: Fri, 04/15/2022 - 23:31
Completed: Fri, 04/15/2022 - 23:31
Changed: Tue, 05/06/2025 - 14:05

Remote IP address: 72.203.66.42
Submitted by:Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No

Flagged: Yes
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Paige
Forte
she/her
Palos Verdes Estates
CA
United States
90274
Mechanical Engineering Major, possible Aerospace Engineering Minor
English (5), Spanish (3.5)
Although I have traveled throughout Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, the most memorable international interactions I’ve experienced have been closer to home. The Orthopedic Institute for Children (OIC) is a pediatric hospital based in downtown Los Angeles that, despite a family’s ability to pay, treats children seeking orthopedic treatment. As an OIC volunteer, I have worked with patients from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. Four hours south of my hometown in the border town of Calexico, CA, OIC runs a clinic to treat children from Mexico with severe orthopedic cases. These children’s families obtain the proper documentation to cross the border for the day. Some families arrive at the clinic before the sun rises, almost 5 hours before the clinic even opens, to ensure there are no complications when crossing the border and that the child will be able to receive medical attention.
I was given the opportunity late last year to travel to the Calexico clinic with the doctors and hospital staff. The volunteers that attended helped the patients and their families prepare for their appointments and pass the time while in the waiting area. Being nearly fluent in Spanish, I served as an interpreter between patients and volunteers. What was most striking to me was the gratitude shown by the families, for the help they receive from OIC and its volunteers like me. Although some had to wait for 4-6 hours for their appointment, I witnessed joy, happiness, and not a single complaint about the long wait after an arduous journey across the border. Many of the patients did not have functioning limbs and some were confined to wheelchairs and walkers, but I wouldn’t have known of their challenges from the smiles on their faces when they received the snacks, crafts, and gifts from the volunteers. My rewarding experiences at OIC, particularly at the border clinic in Calexico, have ignited a desire to use my skills and talents to help others.
My ideal floormates are friendly, outgoing, and nonjudgmental. They don’t take themselves too seriously and must be able to joke about themselves. I would hope they aren’t controlling and entitled since I tend not to get along with people that try to manipulate my thoughts and actions. The person I’d want to live down the hall from me is tolerant of different backgrounds and points of view (socioeconomic, ethical, political, religious, etc.). As for coexisting peacefully, I am tolerant of others’ lifestyles and choices. However, as someone with ADHD, I need quiet to focus. Excessive parties would make completing schoolwork difficult. I love social gatherings, but not ones that are inconsiderate of others by creating overwhelming noise. The most important thing that I’m looking for is a friend. I want to be myself and not worry if I am talking too much or if my physical appearance does not meet others’ standards. I want those living near me to be open to creating new bonds and doing fun activities together outside of engineering.
When I first heard about the Global Engineering RAP at Admitted Students Day, I was eager to join. I love being part of small learning and experience communities. At home, I participate in the Palos Verdes Institute of Technology (PVIT) and volunteer at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Through my four years in PVIT, I have gained more engineering knowledge than I have in my entire life. The hands-on experience makes learning about engineering exponentially easier and more interesting. At the local aquarium, I was a summer docent for consecutive years. I made many new friendships while learning about wildlife in the Pacific Ocean. We then use our newfound knowledge to give tours to aquarium visitors. It is one of my favorite learning experiences to date. Being surrounded by people who share my interests builds my enthusiasm for learning and striving for higher objectives.
In the RAP, I would want to learn how people around the world are affected by a lack of resources and infrastructure and how I can help. I could contribute the leadership skills I have developed from PVIT, the aquarium, and Girl Scouts. Also, I am nearly fluent in Spanish since one of the most influential people in my life is from El Salvador. I have known her since I was born, and she has spoken Spanish with me since I could talk. Through her life story, I came to understand how dire conditions are in other parts of the world. My connection with her strengthens my eagerness to help on an international scale.
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