What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
I strongly believe that ignorance is not bliss, because it closes the door to opportunity. Successfully taking advantage of a good opportunity involves a sense of closure and fulfillment that easily trounces the transient pleasure of ignorantly evading problems. As a result, I believe that public education is one of the most productive and valuable forms of community service.
In my quest for understanding, I discovered my predilection for imparting knowledge, and took it upon myself to contribute to my community. I began tutoring children who struggled with math and science at my local YMCA. I realized that their difficulties stemmed from a lack of interest in classes where they were presented with raw information and left to their own devices. They never learned why things happened; just that they did, and that it was easier to accept than ask questions. I thus ignited their interests by thoroughly explaining concepts, immersing them in their work using games and models, and giving attention to each child.
When my students studied geology, they struggled to comprehend plate tectonics. To simplify the process, I used a visual example by pushing Play-Doh slabs together to simulate plate behavior. My students took my example and began to apply this physical modelling strategy on other unfamiliar topics things that they did not understand and developed a greater interest in academics once they utilised new information.
Upon identifying the response to my simple solution, I realized I could use a similar type of immersive education elsewhere to inspire people in non-repetitive, engaging ways. I volunteered at the Tech Museum, where I would - within thousands of visitors - plant the seed of amazement at and appreciation for the innovation, like advanced robotics and the progress on string theory, that was sweeping the world. I encouraged visitors to ask me questions and used a hands-on approach, similar to my YMCA one, to explain tough concepts. In students and adults alike, I revitalized a long buried passion for learning that had eroded from years of unstimulated rut, and aided their transformation into states of infantile wonder, always eager to learn more.