About Me
Samuel West is a senior at the Wheeler High School Center for Advanced Studies in Math, Science, and Technology. Ever since he was young, he has always been motivated by a pursuit to learn more, and to understand why things happen. He wondered what makes us work the way that we do. This curiosity and fascination with the world around him continued throughout his schooling, and into high school. Once there, he found one subject in particular that fascinated and intrigued him relentlessly: biology. He discovered that everything that he thought was so simple was actually quite complicated, and that it is incredible how all of the processes coincide to allow life to exist. This curiosity into the subject affected Samuel’s class choice, as well as gave him an idea of what he might want to do as a career. He decided to take another class in the subject entitled Advanced DNA and Genetics Research. In the class, he gained experience with biological laboratory procedures such as electrophoresis, PCR, and ELISA. In addition, he had the opportunity to conduct a six-week long group research project at the end of semester. He and his group researched the effects of butyl parabens, a type of chemical commonly used in pharmaceuticals, on the CYP21A2 gene in zebra danios (a type of fish). It was excellent introduction into serious scientific research.
In addition to being interested in learning more about the complexities of life in biology, Samuel is also very invested in Fine Arts in his high school, and continues to learn more about music every day. He is an active member of the Wheeler High School Wildcat Pride marching band, concert band, jazz band, and symphony orchestra. It has been interesting to see how he has developed into a more seasoned musician with a better ear over his four years in his school from the relative novice he was as a freshman. In addition, he has also learned many other skills than music in these activities. As a freshman, Samuel was an extremely introverted person, and did not reach out to make new friends often. However, the community that he found in music helped him to be more confident and extroverted when reaching out to new people. In addition, he also learned many leadership skills. In his senior year, he was the trombone section leader of the Wheeler High School Marching Band. As section leader, he taught section members how to best march and play the materials given to them, settled conflicts, directed sectional rehearsals, and assisted section members whenever necessary. He practiced the valuable skills of actively listening to others, being flexible to changes, and communicating effectively to those he was directing.
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Overall, Samuel is relentless in his pursuit for knowledge and understanding of how to be his best self. He wants to study the subject of biology to make discoveries about why we are as we are, and use it to help others. He is a dedicated, hardworking individual who always wants to keep persisting and moving forward. He is always ready to learn more from is studies and experiences to help him become a better student and person.
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Copyright © February 26, 2017 Samuel West