Update us! What has been going on with you since you went through the Student Service Program (SSP)? What are you doing now?
I am currently attending the Georgia Institute of Technology and finishing up my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. I will be graduating Fall 2021. I have been working at Alcon as a co-op for two semesters and this summer have also been working on developing my startup, EarSighted. For fun, I have finished my first novel and am looking to publish it now.
Would you say the SSP influenced your life? If so, how?
SSP has significantly influenced my life. In high school, I was still looking for my interests as most people that age are, and I realized that I had an affinity towards service and completing projects to help people. One specific memory I have is of drilling holes and creating a simple solution out of water barrels to help provide clean rain water for the community to grow food in Flint, Michigan. It was an epiphany to me, in all honesty, seeing how such a simple engineering solution could provide such a big help to people. SSP was a part in helping me realize my passion in social entrepreneurship and frugal engineering and since then I have been able to use my skills and start making a difference.
What is your favorite memory from the program?
My favorite memory from the program has to be from the service trip to Flint, Michigan. I thought it was so impactful and relevant to the national crisis situation of the time. Just being able to get out in the community and get to gardening as a group in person was fulfilling to say the least. Being able to get our hands dirty and fix up the community garden and ultimately see that we made a change was a rewarding experience as a whole.
Anything you would like to tell future SSP members?
I would like to tell them to make the most out of the experience and stay active and participate. The memories from the program have followed me to this day, and I use the lessons I learned from the program even now. Lastly I want to remind the future SSP members that they are making a difference and can make a difference in whatever way you want! If not you, then who?
