When I started taking engineering and computer science classes in high school, I knew from the start that this is what I wanted to do with my professional life. Every day brought new challenges for me to face, new concepts for me to learn, and opportunities at every door for me to improve on my skills and pursue my interests. Now, I an Oregon State University graduate with a B.S. in computer science and a specialization in artificial intelligence. However, my professional interests are certainly quite more than just my major: I also enjoy computer graphics, engineering, manufacturing, learning about mathematical concepts, fractal animation, and using Unreal Engine. And despite being a computer scientist, I also enjoy reading, swimming, playing sports with others, playing piano and guitar, and generally being in the outdoors.

If I could identify the primary driving factor to my life, it is to be successful. However, success to me is not about having the most money, or being the most famous, or even having the most skills…. rather, success to me is about doing the best you can given the capabilities you have. As such, the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is very important to me, as the more I learn (both about the world and myself), the more capable I become, which means the quality of my “best” will always increase. And if that results in me gaining more skills, money, or fame, then all the better!

However, if I am successful with anything, I’d be vain to claim the credit all to myself: I would never be successful without my family, who have taught me the importance of “grit” and always having a clear goal in life; to T. Smith, for teaching me the difference between working hard and working effectively; to Mr. Niebergall, who mentored me in both life and engineering, brought out the avid learner in me, and exposed me to how capable I truly am; to all my teachers, who taught me to find excitement in learning new things; and to everyone who’s ever been a part of my life, for giving me the opportunity to pursue the person I am today…. I can never hope to improve without those who praise the good in me and those who criticize the bad in me.