Scholarship Essay Entry – Annika P.

My Rubik's cube story begins with making a friend, and ends by bringing enjoyment to people I have never met who live across the world from me. This is it.

As an engineering student and a little bit of a math nerd, I had always wanted to solve the cube. It had always seemed a daunting task, but under the right circumstances it became completely possible. Am I making the world a better place? This is a daunting question.

I attempted solving the cube on my own finding limited success, solving one side. Then last summer I was working in a new place and starting to form new friendships. Two of these new friends with much patience, taught me to solve my first cube. I believe kindness and the ability to treat one another with respect can make a huge difference in this world. I strive to live this way every day. I can impact the world in small ways on my own, but by building relationships and connecting with people, the impact can be huge.

I could not have solved the puzzle without my willingness to learn, and people willing to teach me. After kindness, learning and education are needed to make the world a better place. Openness to learning about other cultures increases tolerance and will reduce conflict. Learning how to problem solve keeps our world from falling apart. Education brings opportunity. This summer I worked as an instructor for a science and engineering program that runs workshops and camps for children and youth. Spending time in Inuvik as well as in Tuktoyaktuk I was able to teach the children science, while they taught me about living in a place so different than my home. This school year, I am planning to volunteer working with the Girls Engineering and Mentorship Club, as well as with the Engineers Without Borders school outreach program. Continuing to further my own education will give me opportunities to make a big difference by helping others.

I chose environmental engineering because it will challenge me, and give back to the communities I work in. Water is the most precious, valuable thing on Earth. With my degree, I plan to help develop improved water treatment facilities. It is my dream to someday work overseas in developing countries to design  the infrastructure needed to bring clean drinking water to people that are currently suffering without it.

When a friend from Sweden was visiting, I taught her to solve the Rubik's Cube. I gave her my first cube to take back with her. As excited about it as I was when I first learned, she since has taught people in her community in Sweden.

Like completing the puzzle, I know I can positively impact our world. By starting small- acting with kindness and building relationships every day. Having an open mind for learning and patience to teach others and finally the desire, vision and motivation to do something big to help others.