Scholarship Essay Entry – Jordan S.

Our world is constantly evolving and adapting to the impacts that we place on it. As a science fiend, one area that is of particular interest to me is in immunology and infectious studies. This what I am currently devoting most of my studies to, at the University of Alberta. I am also working towards a minor in English. I take a great deal of pride in my writing, as it is one of the ways that I enjoy communicating with the world. Because of this, it is my personal ambition to utilize my combined knowledge, and love, of science and English to create an environment that allows people to be more scientifically aware of the world around them.

How one's body reacts to complex, and sometimes very archaic, microorganisms is a huge fascination of mine. By studying the history behind past diseases, as well as current threats, I will garner the skills necessary to conquer future immunological related trials. This area of science is relevant not only to humans, but also the flora and fauna of the world. The effect of pathogens on an entire ecosystem is what makes this area so exciting. What is applicable to one species, can also be used infer ideas about related organisms. How all these bodies react to, and overcome, a specific infectious disease is what really drives me to succeed in this area. As well, by making science accessible to the public, everyone will have an unlimited amounted of information at their disposal. With the advent of Wikipedia, anyone can look up something, but a lot is lost in translation. By explaining concepts directly from academic researchers, a broader receptive group can be reached and informed of the latest scientific trends. By explaining science to the public, in a way that is user friendly, as well as relevant to the individual, a more impressive impact can be generated.

I remember, as a volunteer at a local elementary school, what not understanding something can do to someone; especially a little kid. Confidence is broken, fear is instilled and apathy sets in. However, when time is taken to explain something, anything is possible (even if this "thing" is as complicated as fractions). When care is taken to properly explain a concept, a synapse fires off in his/her brain. I saw it first hand, and it was a sincerely gratifying experience. I wish to recreate this experience, but on a much bigger scale. By using media and technology, specifically through the use of science journalism, blogging, and video sites such as YouTube, I want to expose the world to as much science related phenomena as possible. By creating an atmosphere that inspires curiosity, a more globally, and scientifically, aware public is made. Creativity is not far behind this curiosity, which is where innovation behind the next big problem is born. It is my goal to cultivate this inquisitive public and to give them the necessary knowledge to question the world around them.